The French EPR operations handbook.
Labels, costs, declarations, the annual rhythm.
Quick answer. Beyond the initial registration, French EPR has four ongoing operational dimensions: (1) labelling (Triman logo + Info-tri instructions on packaging), (2) data tracking (per-SKU packaging weights to enable declarations), (3) declarations with the eco-contribution invoice (once a year for most streams, quarterly or monthly for a few), and (4) budget management (a fee fixed in writing vs open-ended quotes). All four are covered in detail in the articles linked below. For the broader EU and global context, see our complete EPR compliance guide.
Not sure which streams apply or what it costs?
The entry price is public: from €190/year excl. VAT per EPR stream. Tell us your streams, volumes and product references, and you receive a fixed written quote within one business day, before any commitment. Eco-contributions are set by the eco-organisms on their published schedules and stay separate from our fee: we take no percentage on them.
What marking does French packaging need?
The Triman logo, mandatory on French household packaging since 1 January 2022, paired with the Info-tri, which shows each separable element and where it goes. Both are integrated into your packaging artwork at the next print run. The 2027 Citeo and Léko scales carry no bonus or malus linked to Info-tri; the marking is a legal requirement. The only related premium (4%) rewards off-pack media awareness campaigns.
See Info-tri and Triman explained and sorting information for every EPR scheme.
What data do I need to track?
French EPR declarations are tonnage-based, not unit-based. You declare kilograms of cardboard, plastic, glass, etc. placed on the French market in the previous calendar year. This requires per-SKU packaging composition tracking + units shipped to France. See the data tracking article for the setup.
How often do I declare?
Most streams are declared once a year. Exceptions: Ecomaison declares quarterly by default (annual on option below 15 t, 1,000 pieces and EUR 2 million of turnover in the stream), Valdelia quarterly, Ecominéro monthly, and Ecosystem electrical equipment quarterly unless contributions are paid by SEPA direct debit. Missing a deadline can trigger marketplace deactivation and back-payment with late fees. See the declaration deadlines guide.
What does French EPR cost to run?
Three cost layers: representative fee, eco-organism membership, eco-contribution. Our model: a fixed annual fee per stream, from €190/year excl. VAT, set in a written quote within one business day (how it works), which avoids the hidden per-SKU surcharges and percentage-on-eco-contribution traps that opaque providers use. See the budgeting article and the eco-contribution calculation guide.
Can I switch representative without losing my IDU?
You can switch representatives without losing your IDU: the IDU belongs to the producer, not the representative. The switch produces no marketplace interruption. See the switching guide.
Operational pitfalls to avoid
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to print the Info-tri instructions and the Triman logo on every product?
Triman is mandatory on household packaging since 1 January 2022. The Info-tri accompanies it and shows each separable element and where it goes. Print it on the packaging or on a sticker on the packaging, never inside. The official files come with your Citeo or Léko membership; the artwork stays with you and your designer. Non-French packaging artwork stays unchanged for non-French markets.
How do I track packaging weight when my SKUs vary?
Build a packaging composition table per SKU once (cardboard grams, plastic film grams, etc.), maintain it as new SKUs launch. At year-end, multiply units sold to French addresses by the per-SKU weights. We provide a template as part of onboarding. For variable products, average packaging weight is acceptable as long as the methodology is documented.
What happens if I miss a declaration deadline?
The eco-organism sends a reminder and can apply the late fees set in its contract. Marketplace verifications may fail at the next audit. The miss is recoverable: file the declaration immediately and pay the eco-contribution and any late fee. Repeated misses put the IDU at risk.
I want to switch to a cheaper representative. Will I lose my IDU?
No. The IDU belongs to the producer (you), not the representative. The new representative files a mandate change with each eco-organism; the SYDEREP record updates with the new representative as point of contact, the IDU number stays the same, with no marketplace disruption.
Hidden-cost providers quote 30% less than your flat fee. Should I switch?
Verify their full invoice, including per-SKU surcharges, volume-tier escalators, declaration handling fees, and percentage-on-eco-contribution add-ons. The advertised fee is often the headline rate and the all-in cost is comparable to or higher than a fee fixed in writing per stream. Our budgeting article walks through the comparison line by line.
Can I claim the eco-modulation bonus on recycled content?
Yes, where the eco-organism’s grid offers a bonus and your packaging meets the criteria (typically 50%+ post-consumer recycled content, certified). Citeo, Refashion and Ecosystem each publish their bonus-malus grids annually. The bonus typically reduces your eco-contribution by 5 to 15 percent.
All operations articles
Ready to outsource the operations? Fixed annual fee per stream, from €190/year excl. VAT (how our pricing works). Written quote within one business day via our contact form.
Get your fixed quote in one business day
The entry price is public: from €190/year excl. VAT per EPR stream. Tell us your streams, volumes and product references, and you receive a fixed written quote within one business day, before any commitment. Eco-contributions are set by the eco-organisms on their published schedules and stay separate from our fee: we take no percentage on them.