UK businesses selling non-leather clothing, textile apparel, some textile accessories, footwear, textiles sold by the metre and household linens to France must display the Triman logo and sorting information on the product or the product packaging.

Mandatory obligations to have the Triman logo and sorting information on a range of goods has been a regulatory requirement in France since 1 January 2015. Each sector has its own implementation and deadline dates.

Marking for non-leather clothing, some textile accessories, textile apparel, footwear, textiles sold by the metre and household linens, was introduced in France from January 2022. The deadline to meet these obligations for new stock was 1 February 2023, with a later deadline of 1 August 2023 for products manufactured or imported before 1 February 2023. These obligations apply to all businesses, regardless of size or the number of goods placed on the French market. Fines are levied for non-compliance.

B2C sales to France

If you are selling direct to consumer, you are obliged to:

• Ensure any goods and packaging within the scope of the legislation carry the Triman marking and relevant sorting information
• Register with the French PRO’s responsible for the stewardship of the scheme
• Declare the amount of goods and packaging placed on the market and pay the fee
• Create and submit a waste prevention and eco-design plan
• Ensure your unique identifying number UIN, (sometimes referred to as UID), is on your general terms and conditions, your website and all contractual documents issued to your customers

Wholesale and distributor sales to France

If you are selling wholesale or through a distributor, check they are meeting the obligation as they will be the entity that places the goods on the market. You may need to come to an arrangement with your wholesalers/distributors as to who is responsible for the marking – it may be easier for you to carry out this function.

Agents

If you use an agent, you may be the responsible party depending on the contract you have with your agent.

UKFT members are provided with one-to-one support to meet these obligations. If you are selling to France, you are not aware of these obligations and you are a UKFT member, email info@ukft.org for assistance and advice.