In This Article
- Triman Logo and Info-Tri are mandatory for most product types under French EPR law.
- Producers must register with a PRO and acquire a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
- Sorting instructions must be in French and follow strict formatting rules.
- E-commerce producers are fully liable for compliance, regardless of location.
- Penalties for non-compliance include fines, brand liability, and potential customs seizure.
What Is the Triman Logo and Info-Tri in France?
Understanding the Symbols and Their Purpose
The Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements are part of France’s ambitious push for environmentally responsible product labelling and waste management. Under the French Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, producers and importers of household products must communicate clear waste sorting instructions to consumers. This is achieved through the use of two essential graphic elements: the Triman logo and the Info-Tri sorting guidelines. These symbols must now appear on most household product packaging sold in the French market, helping consumers identify the appropriate way to dispose of packaging materials and reusable components.
France EPR 2025 Labelling Requirements Overview
Key Product Categories and Timelines
The scope of the Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements under the France EPR 2025 regulations extends across a wide array of product categories. These include textiles, furniture, electronic equipment, toys, sports goods, DIY tools, batteries, and most notably, household packaging. For each category, distinct collection and recycling systems exist, supervised by dedicated Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
Timelines for compliance vary slightly depending on the product category. For household packaging, the deadline for fully compliant labelling using the Triman logo and Info-Tri guidance was extended due to initial supply chain concerns but is now firmly set. By 15 December 2022, all newly printed packaging had to comply. For stock manufactured prior to that date, a sell-through period allowed until June 2023. Other product categories followed a similar phased timeline leading toward full enforcement by 2025, with new benchmarks introduced continuously to reinforce the circular economy goals.
“By 2025, France aims for all household product packaging to clearly display sorting instructions via Triman and Info-Tri icons, boosting consumer participation in recycling.” — French Ministry for Ecological Transition
Triman & Info-Tri Mandatory Application By Product Type
France’s Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements apply differently across product types. For example, on packaging materials such as plastic wrap, cartons, and cans, both the Triman symbol and detailed Info-Tri are obligatory. In textiles and apparel, companies must add the Triman mark either on the product label, packaging, or insert. Promo flyers or digital support material also qualify if physical space is limited.
In electrical and electronic equipment, the requirement ties in with existing WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) legislation, yet adaptations are made to correspond with French national norms. For batteries, toys, and sporting goods, specific local variations of the Info-Tri must be shown, often indicating drop-off point instructions rather than curbside sorting.
Notably, online retailers selling into France are not exempt. Even if based abroad, they are obligated to comply if they sell directly to French consumers. Learn more about EU Packaging Compliance
How to Obtain and Display the Unique ID Number (UIN)
Alongside the Triman logo and Info-Tri information, France’s EPR 2025 framework requires the use of a Unique Identification Number (UIN). This number confirms a producer’s registration with an accredited Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). Every company, whether based in France or exporting to it, must join a PRO aligned with its product category. Once registration is complete, the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) issues the UIN.
The UIN must be used on invoices and official website pages to show transparency. It need not appear on individual product packaging but must be included on company communications demonstrating compliance. Brands should make UIN data readily accessible to supply chain partners, customs authorities, and clients.
Step-by-Step: Registering with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
To comply with the Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements, producers must first register with an appropriate Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). The process is typically as follows:
- Identify Correct PRO: Depending on your product type, find a French-accredited PRO such as CITEO (for packaging), Refashion (for textiles), or Ecologic (for electronics).
- Submit Application: Fill in the registration forms, supply company identification and product classification details.
- Declare Volumes: Companies need to disclose annual volumes of marketed products by material type, format, and weight.
- Obtain UIN: Receive your ADEME-issued Unique Identification Number upon validation.
- Implement Labelling: Apply Triman, Info-Tri, and affiliate markings according to guidance from the PRO.
Most PROs offer guidance templates and calculators to support you in designing legally compliant packaging and markings.
Do’s and Don’ts for Triman and Sorting Icons
To ensure conformity with French packaging regulations, it is critical to respect some major dos and don’ts:
Do’s
- Use the official Triman logo without modification. Downloadable versions are available from your PRO.
- Include clear Info-Tri guidance in French. Icons must show at a glance how consumers should dispose of packaging.
- Ensure proper contrast and legibility on all backgrounds—symbols must be easy to read and visible.
- Apply consistently across all item formats—primary packaging, inserts, or external boxes if applicable.
Don’ts
- Don’t remove or alter the base Triman figure or triangle shape.
- Don’t translate instructions into other languages—French-only is required by law.
- Don’t assume EU-wide compliance—French-specific formatting trumps broader guidelines.
- Don’t overlook requirements for digital packaging—e-commerce asset design must also include the labelling.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with French Packaging Laws
Failure to meet the Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements can result in substantial consequences. French authorities, via the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF), monitor compliance vigorously. Companies that fail to register with a PRO or who omit proper sorting icons can face administrative fines ranging from €3,000 for individuals to €15,000 for corporations.
Moreover, goods may be blocked at customs if labelling requirements are missing or non-conformant. Retailers, distributors, and logistics agencies also hold shared liability, increasing risk across the supply chain.
Legal action might follow if mislabelling leads to environmental misdirection or if misleading instructions are provided to consumers. Fines can accrue daily with continued non-compliance, and authorities have also been known to issue public warnings against major brands. Top 5 Amazon compliance failures resolved with a Responsible Person
EPR Responsibilities for Online Retailers and E-Commerce
One of the most questioned aspects of the Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements pertains to e-commerce and cross-border retail. Many online platforms mistakenly believe they are exempt. This is a misconception. If you’re selling directly to French purchasers — regardless of where your fulfilment centre resides — you are considered the “responsible producer” under French law.
Thus, you must register with the appropriate PROs, declare volumes, acquire your UIN, and ensure that either your digital interfaces or physical goods display all required markings. Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay increasingly request proof of French compliance from third-party sellers, including valid UINs. Read a related article
France-Specific Design Guidelines for Triman and Info-Tri
Designing the Triman logo and Info-Tri illustration correctly is vital to meet France’s aesthetic and functional standards. Key formatting rules include:
- Minimum Size: The Triman logo must be at least 6 mm in height.
- Colour Restrictions: Black or green is required unless packaging is dark, in which case white is acceptable for sufficient contrast.
- Placement: Position must be adjacent to sorting information. On limited-size packaging, digital QR code links are permitted if pre-authorised.
- French Language: The entire Info-Tri, including text and symbols, must be displayed solely in French. Bilingual formats are unacceptable unless French appears first and more prominently.
Failure to comply with any of these formatting rules could lead to mislabelling charges even if the icon is present.
Tools and Partners That Can Help Ensure Compliance
Many businesses find France’s EPR system challenging, especially SMEs or foreign entities. Fortunately, several tools and partners are available to simplify the process:
- CITEO and PRO Portals: Offer onboarding tools, labelling guidelines, and emission calculators.
- Third-Party Compliance Consultants: Specialised agencies help map out product lines and suggest labelling best practices.
- Packaging Design Agencies: Provide artwork creation services built to integrate compliant Info-Tri and Triman visuals.
- SaaS Tracking Platforms: Manage declarations, item tracking, and labelling status dashboards.
Regardless of company size or location, leveraging these resources helps ensure scalability and proactive compliance management.
Common Misunderstandings and Clarifications
Numerous myths persist around the Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements, which can jeopardise compliance. Common misunderstandings include:
- “Digital products are exempt.” — While they might not require recycling, their packaging still matters and must be labelled.
- “Resellers aren’t responsible.” — Any first seller into the French market assumes producer obligations, even for white-labelled or non-owned goods.
- “The Triman logo is optional.” — Unless exempted by law (due to size or medical content), the logo is always mandatory.
- “Triman equals recycling.” — Not necessarily. It signals that the item must be sorted, not that it is recyclable.
Clarifying these grey areas will prevent costly errors and ensure full adherence to French environmental practices.
Conclusion: Getting Ready for France EPR 2025
The Triman Logo & Info-Tri Requirements represent a significant shift in how producers engage with environmental responsibility. By clearly informing consumers on sorting behaviours, France moves closer to its zero-waste ambitions. For companies, readiness begins with understanding applicable product scopes, registering with the appropriate PRO, obtaining a UIN, and then applying compliant markings consistently. Although the requirements may appear formidable, robust frameworks, tools, and guidance exist to help businesses of all sizes achieve full compliance by the 2025 deadline.
Great guide on france-epr-2025-triman-info-tri-uin-essentials-french-marking-sorting-unique-id-rules-guide – Community Feedback
Is the Triman logo mandatory in France?
Yes, the Triman logo, along with relevant sorting instructions, is mandatory on all clothing, household linen, and footwear products sold in France from February 1, 2023.
What is the Triman in France?
The Triman logo is a French regulatory symbol required on most packaging and products, informing consumers about recyclability and sorting, improving transparency for recycling.
How to get France Extended Producer Responsibility EPR registration number?
Register with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for your product category in France. Your PRO will apply for and provide you with a Unique ID Number (UIN) via ADEME.
Is the Triman logo obligatory for e-commerce in France?
Yes, since January 1, 2022, all new goods sold on the French market, including online, must feature the Triman logo and sorting information as per product category.
