For years, European politics have focused on strengthening environmental protection and promote responsible resource use in laws worldwide. One of the results is EPR.
In the French Environmental Code, Article L541-9-3 requires products to be labeled with correct disposal methods, which led to the creation of the Triman logo. This initiative helps consumers contribute to protecting the environment and public health.
If you’re a distributor importing goods into France, you need to comply with these new legal obligations. This article will explain what you need to know about the Triman logo and the related requirements.
What is the Triman Logo?
The Triman logo shows that a product or its packaging is recyclable and should be disposed of separately. Its main purpose is to guide consumers to recycle properly, such as using recycling or waste paper bins instead of regular trash. As a manufacturer or distributor, you must place this logo and the associated sorting instructions, called “info tri,” on the product and its packaging.
Applicable Products and Market Players
The Triman logo applies to products registered in France, including clothing, footwear, printed paper, electrical appliances, packaging, and batteries. This labeling requirement is for items and packaging meant for private household use, not for professional use.
Another important point is recyclability. Non-recyclable items or those that can’t be sorted for waste cannot have the Triman logo. According to French environmental law (Art. L541-1-1), recyclable household packaging, which can be sorted into categories like yellow garbage cans, paper, or glass, must be labeled.
For packaging smaller than ten square centimeters that doesn’t have usage instructions, you must provide electronic access to sorting instructions. Other affected items include electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, lamps, and photovoltaic modules, as long as they are recyclable. This requirement applies to all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online retailers, no matter where they are located.
What Does the Triman Logo Look Like?
The Triman logo features a person with an outstretched arm, from whose hand three thick arrows point in different directions. This symbolizes an environmentally conscious consumer. There’s also a thin arrow around the person, indicating recycling and resource conversion.
There can also be an “info tri,” besides the logo. This is a bar in yellow (for general waste) or green (for glass), detailing the separable packaging components through pictograms or text, connected by a “+” symbol. The bar also includes a pictogram showing the correct collection container.
Below the bar, you can add voluntary text to encourage consumers to separate packaging components before disposal.
Sorting Instructions and Information
You must directly print the Triman logo and “info tri” on the product or its packaging, with a minimum size of six millimeters, in black and white or color. If direct printing isn’t possible, include the logo on accompanying instructions or documents.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Not following these regulations can lead to legal consequences, including fines up to €100,000,- or imprisonment for up to two years, as outlined in Articles L171-8 and L173-1 of the Environmental Code.
Relevance for E-Commerce and European Distributors
European online retailers supplying French customers must also follow these labeling requirements. Since online retailers often don’t manufacture the goods, they can use stickers for compliance. Additionally, packaging must be registered with the French equivalent of the German authority before distribution.
Need Assistance?
If you need help understanding or meeting these obligations, Staxxer is ready to assist with your international environmental compliance, including in France.
By complying with these regulations, you help create a more sustainable future and ensure your business stays within legal frameworks.
Want to discuss your French EPR compliance? Book a call with one of our experts here: