Compliance · UIN + Triman + EPR
France
EPR by stream with a producer identifier, Triman sorting instructions, 20% VAT and French-language labelling.
Key facts
| Currency | EUR |
|---|---|
| EPR | Separate schemes for packaging, electricals, batteries, textiles, furniture and others |
| Producer identifier | UIN required for the relevant EPR stream |
| Sorting label | Triman logo and French sorting instructions for many consumer products |
| VAT | 20% standard rate |
| Responsible person | EU-established person under GPSR |
| Last verified | 2026-10-17 |
One product can sit in several EPR streams
France organises extended producer responsibility by product stream rather than by material alone. A pair of trousers with a plastic mailer and a paper hangtag can touch the textile scheme and the packaging scheme; an electrical item can touch packaging, electrical equipment and batteries. Each stream has its own producer identifier and its own fee base.
The identifier (UIN) is issued by the relevant eco-organisation, and marketplaces commonly ask for it before allowing a listing. Registering in one stream does not cover the others, and the fee is usually based on units placed on the market, so the declaration has to be updated as volume changes.
The Triman mark is a sorting instruction, not a quality mark
The Triman logo tells the consumer that the item is recyclable and must be sorted, and it is required for many categories sold in France together with French-language sorting information. It is not a certification of environmental performance and it does not replace the EPR registration.
Label artwork is usually the place where this is missed: the English packaging is approved, then the French version is printed without the Triman block. Check the artwork per destination rather than reusing one pan-European label.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UIN the same for every EPR stream?
No. Each stream issues its own identifier. A seller registered for packaging is not thereby registered for textiles or electrical equipment.
Does the Triman logo apply to all products?
It applies to the categories covered by the French sorting rules, with some exemptions. Check the current category list before adding or omitting it.
Can I use an EU responsible person based outside France?
GPSR requires an EU-established responsible person. French EPR registration and the producer identifier are separate obligations and are not satisfied by the responsible person alone.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.