Graphic paper
Required for printed paper distributed in France: catalogs, magazines, books in some cases, advertising prints.
A France-established representative is now compulsory for paper.
A written mandate under Article L. 541-10-9-1 of the French Environmental Code, created by Law No. 2026-602 of 8 July 2026. Since 10 July 2026, any producer not established in France and subject to EPR must appoint a representative established in France, for every stream. For packaging, Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) adds the same requirement at EU level.
The test is establishment in France, not nationality, so a producer based elsewhere in the European Union is covered on the same terms as one based outside it.
You remain the producer. Under the written mandate required by Article L. 541-10-9-1 of the French Environmental Code, we take charge of and answer for your registration, your identifier, your declarations, the exchanges with the eco-organisation and audits, and the archiving of your files. Your eco-contributions stay invoiced to you and paid by you directly to the eco-organisation. Read the full breakdown of the statute, including what to do if you already hold a Citeo membership with no representative on the file.
A fixed annual fee, stated in writing before you commit.
Per stream, for producers under the eco-organism flat-fee regime. Your exact fee is stated in the written quote.
The quote states the fixed annual fee for paper, the one-time setup for the stream and the refundable security deposit. For the calendar year it covers, the number you sign is the number you pay.
Citeo, Léko set your eco-contributions at their published barème rates. Your eco-contributions stay invoiced to you and paid by you directly to the eco-organisation. We take no percentage on them: we prepare and file the declarations that drive them, and help you optimise them.
Your annual fee is a fixed amount per stream and per calendar year, independent of your eco-contributions. It depends on the declaration regime and frequency, the number of references and, above EUR 1,000 of eco-contribution per stream, its size. It is fixed in writing for the year and can only change for the following year, notified in writing by 15 September, or during the year if your scope changes, for example a new stream or a change of declaration regime.
What paper costs at the eco-organism in 2026.
These are the Citeo / Léko eco-contributions (€/tonne (printed graphic paper ≤ 224 g/m²)), set on the eco-organism's published barème and separate from our mandataire fee. Indicative highlights from the official 2026 barème.
Recycled-fibre bonus -10% (>=50% recycled fibre); +100% penalty for non-renewable, non-sustainably-managed fibre; recyclability penalties for disruptors (inks, coatings, inserts).
Below 5 tonnes a year, Léko charges no contribution on attestation; registration is still required. There is no exemption threshold in French EPR. Governing text: arrêté of 7 December 2023 (EMPAP). We file the declarations that determine this eco-contribution. It stays separate from our fee, we take no percentage on it, and we help you optimise it.
Source: Léko 2026 barème. Figures excl. VAT, indicative; see the official barème for the full grid.
How this stream works in France.
The graphic paper stream covers professionally produced printed paper distributed in France, including catalogs, magazines and certain advertising mailings. Excludes packaging paper (which falls under packaging). Citeo and Léko both operate in this stream.
We act as your French authorized representative for paper.
Designation
We sign your membership with Citeo or Léko as your French authorized representative.
IDU obtained
Your unique identifier (IDU) is issued once the membership is in place, on the eco-organisation’s own timing.
Declarations
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. We file with the eco-organisation.
Liaison
The exchanges with the eco-organisation and its audits: we handle them and keep your files archived.
Get registered for paper.
We currently register clients with Citeo, Léko and Léko Pro, Ecosystem (electrical equipment, lamps, batteries), Twiice, Refashion, Ecomaison and Valobat. For the other approved eco-organisations, we confirm availability with your quote.
Household packaging
Required for any product sold to French consumers in packaging (boxes, polybags, fillers, bottles, jars).
EcosystemElectrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
Required for any product with a plug, battery, cable or electronic component sold to French consumers.
RefashionTextile, household linen and footwear (TLC)
Required for any apparel, linen or footwear product shipped to French consumers.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is liable for the Graphic paper stream?
- The first company placing these products on the French market, with no revenue or volume threshold. Publishers and printed marketing operations with no French establishment, EU or non-EU, distributing printed paper in France. A producer with no French establishment must appoint a representative established in France, compulsory since 10 July 2026.
- Which products fall under the Graphic paper stream?
- For example: printed catalogs distributed in France; magazines published outside the EU and distributed in France; direct mail advertising. Required for printed paper distributed in France: catalogs, magazines, books in some cases, advertising prints.
- Which eco-organism covers Graphic paper?
- Citeo and Léko are state-accredited for this stream. Joining any one of them satisfies the obligation; they differ on the published schedule and the declaration format, not on the legal cover. Citeo issues the identifier about seven business days after the membership is validated; Léko about five business days after its initial invoice is paid (payable within five business days, otherwise the membership is cancelled).
- How often is the Graphic paper stream declared?
- This stream is declared once a year.
- Is there a minimum charge for the Graphic paper stream?
- Below 5 tonnes a year, Léko charges no contribution on attestation; registration is still required. There is no exemption threshold in French EPR.
- What does the Graphic paper stream cost?
- The eco-contribution follows the eco-organism's published schedule and depends on the volumes you declare, so it is specific to your catalogue. Our fee is separate: a published entry price of EUR 190 per year excluding VAT per stream, with the exact figure fixed in a written quote within one business day.