France’s EPR legislation for textiles has been active since 2007, impacting any business selling clothing, footwear, or household linens. Under the French Environmental Code, if you sell directly to consumers in France, including via e-commerce, you are considered a ‘producer’ and must comply. The rules are managed by a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) called Refashion, which currently serves over 4,000 member companies. Ignoring these long-standing requirements is no longer a viable option for any market participant. These regulations are a core part of the EU’s broader strategy for a circular economy, setting a precedent for other member states. Understanding your specific role is the first step toward securing your market access, a process you can streamline with expert EPR consulting.

As of January 2, 2022, a Unique Identification Number (UIN) is mandatory for all textile producers selling in France. This number, issued by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), serves as proof that you are registered with a PRO and are fulfilling your EPR obligations. Marketplaces like Amazon and others are required to verify this UIN, and without it, your sales can be legally blocked. Obtaining the UIN involves a multi-step process that requires coordination with the accredited eco-organization. This is not just a formality; the UIN is your license to sell textiles in France. The complexity of these regulations highlights the need to navigate complex EPR rules effectively. This registration is the gateway to full compliance.

A critical component of French textile compliance is consumer-facing information, specifically the Triman logo and sorting instructions (Info-tri). These symbols must be displayed directly on the product, its packaging, or the online product page, informing consumers how to dispose of the item correctly. The requirement has been in full effect since early 2023, meaning any product without it is non-compliant. The specific formatting and content of the sorting information are detailed in guidelines provided by Refashion. Proper implementation of the Triman logo is essential to avoid penalties. This labeling ensures your products meet the transparency standards demanded by French law.

Compliance involves financial contributions to fund the collection and recycling of textile waste, which amounted to 244,448 tonnes in 2021. Producers pay annual eco-fees to Refashion based on the volume and type of products they placed on the market in the previous year. For small producers with revenues under €750,000 or selling fewer than 5,000 units, a flat fee of €75 is available. Refashion also offers an ‘eco-modulation’ system, where fees can be reduced for products that meet certain sustainability criteria, such as containing over 15% recycled fibers. You must take action now to comply with these EU directives. For readers who have not yet taken action, we urge you to contact Deutsche Recycling to ensure you meet these financial obligations correctly and explore potential savings through our EPR management services.

For companies based outside of France, navigating the administrative and language barriers of the French system can be a significant challenge. The regulations allow for the appointment of an authorized representative to handle these duties on your behalf. An authorized representative manages the entire process for you. This includes:

• Handling your registration with Refashion and ADEME.
• Ensuring accurate and timely submission of your annual product declarations.
• Managing the payment of your eco-contribution fees.
• Keeping you updated on any changes to the more than 50 decrees under the AGEC law.

This service eliminates the administrative burden and guarantees 100% legal conformity. By choosing to appoint an authorized representative, you secure your business operations in France. This proactive step is the most efficient way to achieve and maintain compliance.

The legal framework for textile EPR in France is fully established, and enforcement is active. Companies failing to comply face significant risks, including substantial financial penalties and a complete ban on selling their products in the French market. The time for observation has passed; immediate action is required to protect your business. The requirements are complex, but the path to compliance is clear with expert guidance. You must act now to align with the EU directives on textile waste. If you have not yet addressed your EPR obligations, contact Deutsche Recycling immediately. Our team of experts will manage the entire process, from registration to reporting, ensuring you comply with all regulations as quickly as possible and securing your continued access to the French market. Explore our comprehensive EPR solutions for textiles today.