French Packaging EPR Citeo

With growing global environmental awareness, the French government has implemented a series of environmental regulations to reduce the impact of packaging waste on the environment. Among them, the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Packaging Law requires all producers, importers, or distributors selling packaged products on the French market to take responsibility for the recycling and treatment of packaging waste.

What is French Packaging EPR?

French Packaging EPR is part of the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, aiming to promote sustainable development and prevent and manage waste.

French Packaging EPR mandates that any business selling packaged goods to end consumers in France must register its packaging with a French recycling scheme. This rule applies to all packaging sold in France, regardless of its country of origin, with the following requirements:

1. Registration & Licensing Requirements
All businesses selling goods cross-border to France, including those operating outside France such as cross-border sellers, must comply with French packaging laws.

2. Unique Identification Number
Since 2022, ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency) has issued a Unique Identification Number to all companies complying with French recycling laws. This number is obtained from the French recycling scheme where the company registers its packaging license, and is used to verify compliance.

3. Packaging Labeling Obligation
France has introduced the Triman logo, a unique recycling symbol for recyclable packaging in France. All foreign companies selling goods to French consumers are also required to use this logo.

4. Recycling & Reuse
Packaging waste in France must be collected separately and enter the recycling process. Similar recycling systems exist for electronic products, batteries, textiles, etc., which must also be registered with competent authorities and recycling schemes.

5. Fees & Liabilities
Manufacturers, importers, and retailers pay recycling fees based on their annual volume. These fees support the French recycling system and ensure proper disposal of packaging waste.

What is Citeo?

Citeo is the French organization responsible for implementing packaging waste recycling regulations (EPR Packaging Law). For businesses selling packaged goods within France, registering with Citeo and fulfilling relevant packaging law declaration obligations is mandatory.

Citeo Registration & Packaging Law Declaration Process

1. Understand Basic Requirements of the EPR Packaging Law

Before starting the declaration, you must understand the basic requirements of the EPR Packaging Law, including:

• Registration requirement: You may need to register with Citeo based on your packaging material type and sales volume.

• Declaration content: You must report the type and weight of your packaging materials.

• Fee payment: You shall pay the corresponding environmental contribution fee based on the reported data.

2. Prepare Required Information & Documents

Before registration and declaration, prepare the following information and documents:

• Company information: including company name, address, SIREN number, etc.

• Product information: including product type, packaging material type, weight, etc.

• Sales data: sales volume in the French market over the past year.

• Financial information: bank details for paying the environmental contribution fee.

3. Register a Citeo Account

1. Visit the official Citeo website.

2. Click the “S’inscrire” (Register) button.

3. Fill in company and contact information as instructed.

4. Create your account and set login credentials.

4. Log In & Complete the Declaration Form

1. Log in to the Citeo platform using your registered account.

2. Select the “Déclaration” (Declaration) option.

3. Fill in your product and sales data as prompted.

4. Submit the declaration form after verifying all information is correct.

5. Pay the Environmental Contribution Fee

1. After submitting the declaration, Citeo will calculate the environmental contribution fee based on your reported data.

2. You will receive a payment notice detailing the amount and payment methods.

3. Complete payment following the instructions in the notice.

6. Save Declaration & Payment Proofs

After finishing the declaration and payment, keep the following documents for records:

• Declaration confirmation

• Payment receipt

• Citeo account registration information

7. Follow-Up Notes

• Regular updates: Declaration information must be renewed annually, even if your sales data remains unchanged.

• Compliance monitoring: Ensure your packaging materials meet French recycling standards.

• Record retention: Keep all relevant documents for at least ten years for inspection by Citeo or relevant environmental authorities.

Applicant & Required Documents

• Applicable entities: Sellers selling corresponding products in France

• Cooperation method / Applicant: Cooperation and fees are based on the company (charged per calendar year)

• Required documents (registration):

a. Business license and scanned copy of legal representative ID card

b. Power of attorney (provided by our company, to be returned after signature and seal)

c. Application form (including company information, legal representative information, store information, store links, etc.)

• Agent transfer:
Same as the above registration documents, plus the original UIN number and a screenshot of the email notice of agency termination (termination letter template available upon request)

How Much Does French Packaging EPR Cost?

JJR provides French Packaging EPR compliance services starting at $699, with processing completed within 3 weeks. Welcome to inquire.