Key takeaways
- The Triman logo is mandatory for recyclable household products sold in France, including packaging, electronics, textiles, furniture, and batteries, under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.
- Since January 2022, the logo must be physically displayed on products, along with clear sorting instructions and recycling symbols tailored to the French market.
- Non-compliance with Triman labeling rules can result in fines of up to €15,000, making it essential for ecommerce businesses selling to France to understand and follow these requirements.
In short: The Triman logo is a French recycling label. Under French law, it must appear on recyclable household products and packaging sold to consumers in France. Since January 2022, you must mark the products themselves, with sorting instructions. Breaking the rules can lead to a fine of up to €15,000.
If you have an ecommerce business that sells to customers in France, you need to know about the Triman logo. Under French law, it must appear on packaging and recyclable products. This consumer information logo tells shoppers whether packaging can be recycled. The aim is to encourage proper waste sorting and recycling. Read on to learn what the logo is and how it affects your online business.
What is the Triman logo?
The Triman logo is a French recycling pictogram that shows a person inside a circular arrow (representing the circular economy). Three further arrows stretch out from the person. They point to the ‘Info-Tri’ sorting instructions found on Triman labeling.
French Decree No. 2014-1577 introduced the Triman logo. Since January 1, 2022, manufacturers and producers must display it on packaging for products that fall under specific waste recycling schemes in France.
The Triman logo is a visual reminder for consumers to dispose of packaging properly and take part in recycling. It raises awareness about recycling and waste management. The end goal is to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
What products are required to display the Triman logo?
All household waste that can be recycled must carry the Triman logo. In practice, this means any product that falls under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. EPR rules make manufacturers and importers responsible for their products' end-of-life phase, including recycling and disposal. Related reading: Understanding EPR France - A Guide For Businesses.
Products that must display the Triman logo include the following (this list is not exhaustive):
Packaging: Cardboard, paper, plastic, and metal packaging materials, such as boxes, bottles, cans, and cartons. For a closer look, see Packaging Waste Regulations and the Impact on E-Commerce Businesses.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): Appliances like refrigerators, televisions, computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
Furniture: Home and office furniture items.
Textiles: Clothing, shoes, and other textiles.
Batteries: Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
How do you display the Triman logo?
You must display the Triman logo on the product itself, together with sorting instructions. Before January 1, 2022, you could show the logo on your website instead if you couldn't add it to your products. Since January 2022, French environmental law requires you to mark your products with this recycle logo.
The new signage must include the logo and sorting instructions. Specifically:
- The Triman logo.
- A pictogram and/or text identifying the type of packaging.
- The correct recycling point, shown by a pictogram and/or text.
- FR to clarify for international buyers that these rules apply only to the French market.
The Triman logo must be at least 6mm in length. The background must be white so it's easy to read. Glass beverage bottles don't need to carry the signage.
What are the Triman logo size requirements?
The standard Triman logo must be at least 10mm high. A compact version can go down to 6mm high, but no smaller. These minimum sizes are set out in the Info-tri guide published by Adelphe, a state-approved packaging EPR organisation.
Very small packaging has lighter rules:
- Under 10 cm²: no on-pack signage is needed, as long as the sorting information is available digitally.
- 10 to 20 cm²: the Triman logo must still appear, but the Info-tri sorting instructions can be provided digitally.
- Cylindrical or spherical packaging of 20 to 40 cm²: the Triman stays on the pack, and the Info-tri can be provided digitally.
For packaging, the Info-tri must appear on the packaging itself. The Triman logo must sit next to the Info-tri.
For some EPR products, such as electronics and batteries, the signage rules are a little more complex. For these items, the Triman logo labeling must include details of collection and drop-off points. Consumers can take their products there when they reach their end-of-life.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Under French environmental law, failing to put the right labeling on your products could result in a fine of up to €15,000. Not knowing the law is not a reasonable excuse. That's why you need to understand your labeling obligations.
B2C packaging is subject to the labeling rules. B2B packaging is not, because those products don't go to the end consumer.
The €15,000 maximum applies to companies. For an individual, the administrative fine can reach €3,000. The fines are imposed by the public authorities.
What are the key dates for Triman and Info-tri?
The rules come from Article 17 of France's anti-waste law (loi AGEC) and Decree No. 2021-835 of 29 June 2021. The main dates are:
- 1 January 2022: the Info-tri sorting instructions became mandatory alongside the Triman logo.
- 9 September 2022: packaging made before this date could still be sold until 9 March 2023.
- 9 March 2023: older sorting markings are no longer accepted.
If you sell into France through a marketplace, check that your packaging carries the current Info-tri, not an older version.
Conclusion
The Triman logo plays an important role in promoting sustainable waste management practices in France. By encouraging proper waste sorting and recycling, the logo empowers consumers to make environmentally responsible choices. If you sell to customers in France but are unsure of your labeling obligations, book a free call with the EcoTax team who will be able to help.
How Taxually handles this
Taxually’s EcoTax registers you with the right EPR schemes in Germany, France and Spain, provides the registration numbers marketplaces such as Amazon ask for, and handles the periodic volume reports and payments to producer responsibility organisations, including the Spanish plastic packaging tax.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to include the Triman logo if I sell products online to French customers only occasionally?
Yes, even occasional sales to French consumers require Triman labeling if your products fall under EPR regulations.
What if my product is already labeled for recycling in another country—do I still need the Triman logo?
Yes, French law mandates the Triman logo specifically, even if your product is labeled for recycling elsewhere.
Where exactly should I place the Triman logo on my product?
It should be clearly visible on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation, with a minimum size of 6mm.
What size must the Triman logo be?
The standard Triman logo must be at least 10mm high. A compact version may be used down to 6mm high, which is the smallest size allowed.
What are the key elements required alongside the Triman logo?
You must include the Triman logo, sorting instructions, and the “FR” marker to indicate French-specific guidance.
Are there any products exempt from using the Triman logo?
Yes, glass beverage bottles and B2B packaging are generally exempt from Triman labeling requirements.
How can I make sure my labeling complies with French law?
Consulting with an EPR expert like EcoTax is the best way to ensure your products meet French labeling rules.
