New labeling requirements of waste-generating products in France

The decree No. 2022-748 introduces a new consumer information system on the environmental impact of products during the act of purchase.

In 2020, France approved its "Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law " - AGEC for its acronym in French, whose main objective is "to create a more sustainable consumption model", and which is articulated around five measures which will be progressively implemented in the coming years:

• 1. The abandonment of disposable plastic.
• 2. The creation of a regulatory framework that guarantees consumers adequate and sufficient information on the environmental impact of the products they consume.
• 3. The commitment to solidary reuse against waste.
• 4. The delay of the planned obsolescence.
• 5. Improvement in production efficiency.

Part of the second measure, Decree No. 2022-748 was approved last April and regulates the environmental labeling of waste-generating products. Let´s review four key questions about it.

What's its objective?

To inform the consumer, during the act of purchase, about the environmental qualities and characteristics of waste-generating products. This is intended for buyers to properly understand the environmental impact of goods and services, encouraging them to actively participate in the development of the circular economy.

WHO does it affect?

It applies to all relevant producers, importers and traders of consumer products. It will include those who use online distribution channels such as websites.

What INFORMATION must be available to the consumer?

• •Repairability and durability of electrical and electronic equipment.
• •The incorporation of recycled material.
• •The compostability of the containers.
• •The use of renewable resources.
• •The possibilities of reuse.
• •Recyclability.
• •The presence of precious metals, rare earth metals and hazardous substances.
• •The traceability of textile products.
• •The presence of plastic microfibers.

In addition, the use of phrases that could mislead consumers, such as “'biodegradable', 'environmentally friendly' or any other equivalent expression, will be prohibited.

All this information must be made available to the consumer in the form of a dematerialized product information sheet accessible during the act of purchase, such as through a specific web page.

WHEN does it come into force?

The mandatory nature of this regulation will be staggered depending on the size of each company:

• •As of January 1, 2023, to producers and importers who declare an annual turnover of more than 50 million euros.
• •As of January 1, 2024, to producers and importers who declare an annual turnover of more than 20 million euros.
• •As of January 1, 2025, to producers and importers who declare an annual turnover of more than 20 million euros.