What are the EPR schemes in France?
France currently has around 20 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Each scheme covers a specific category of products or packaging and defines the obligations applicable to companies that place them on the French market. Companies concerned must then comply with the obligations specific to each scheme, including joining a producer responsibility organisation (PRO) or, where permitted, setting up an individual system, reporting the products or packaging placed on the market, obtaining a Unique Identification Number (UIN), and contributing to the funding of end-of-life management for the relevant products or packaging.
Not all companies are subject to all EPR schemes. A company may fall under one or more EPR schemes, depending on the products or packaging it places on the market.
The main EPR schemes in France
The main EPR schemes can be grouped into several broad product families:
Electrical equipment and energy
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- Batteries
- Photovoltaic panels
Household and everyday products
- Furniture
- Textiles, Household Linen and Footwear
- Toys
Construction, DIY and professional activities
- Building Products and Materials (PMCB)
- Powered DIY and Gardening Equipment
- Professional Packaging
Mobility and Specialised Equipment
- Vehicles
- Tyres
- Recreational Boats
Other EPR schemes
- Unused Medications
- Chemicals
- Lubricants
- Single-use sanitary textiles
- Tobacco products (cigarette butts)
- Fishing gear containing plastic
- Sharps used by self-treating patients.
This overview has been simplified to make the main EPR schemes easier to understand. Regulatory terminology and the scope of the schemes may change over time.
What is the role of producer responsibility organisations (PROs)?
Producer responsibility organisations (PROs) are approved by the French authorities for one or more EPR schemes. Depending on the scheme, they may:
- carry out prevention activities
- organise or fund collection, reuse, recycling and waste treatment;
- Support producers in meeting their EPR obligations
They are the main point of contact for producers within the relevant EPR schemes.
What are the obligations for businesses?
If your company places products on the French market and qualifies as a producer under EPR rules, you must:
- Identify the relevant EPR scheme(s)
- Obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN)
- Join a producer responsibility organisation (PRO) or, where permitted, set up an individual system
- Report the products placed on the market
- Pay the required EPR fees (or eco-contributions).
Some companies also use an EPR representative to manage these procedures.
Key Takeaways
- France has around 20 EPR schemes.
- Each EPR scheme covers a specific category of products or packaging.
- A company may be subject to one or more EPR schemes.
- Identifying the relevant EPR scheme is the first step towards compliance.
