Which French EPR Categories Require an Authorized Representative?
FR EPR AR
Ying
8/1/20263 min read
Foreign companies selling products in France are increasingly asking:
Besides packaging EPR, which other French EPR categories require an Authorized Representative (AR)?
The answer is simple: French EPR covers much more than packaging.
Foreign producers need to identify which EPR categories apply to the products they sell in France and check whether a French Authorized Representative (AR) / Mandataire REP is required.
1. Packaging & Graphic Paper
Packaging & Graphic Paper is one of the most common French EPR categories for international and e-commerce businesses.
Under the new French EPR rules, since 10 July 2026, producers established outside France and subject to French EPR obligations must appoint, by written mandate, a natural or legal person established in France as their Mandataire EPR (Authorized Representative).
Depending on the products and market, this may include:
Household Packaging
Graphic Paper
Professional Packaging
The main EPR organisations in France include Citeo and Léko, depending on the applicable scheme.
2. Batteries
If your products contain batteries, or if your company sells batteries and battery-related products, you may be subject to French Battery EPR.
The French battery EPR framework has undergone important changes since August 2025, including changes to battery categories and producer obligations.
For foreign producers, in addition to EPR registration, IDU, PRO membership and reporting, it is also important to check the requirements for a French Mandataire EPR / Authorized Representative.
3. Textiles & Footwear
Textiles & Footwear is another important French EPR category for international sellers.
In France, textile and footwear EPR is mainly managed by Refashion.
New French EPR requirements in 2026 have increased the importance of the Authorized Representative requirement for producers established outside France, and Refashion has also communicated with its members regarding these changes.
If your company sells clothing, footwear or other products covered by the textile EPR scheme in France, it is recommended to review your existing EPR registration and representative arrangements.
4. Tyres
Tyres are another separate EPR category in France.
French tyre EPR can apply not only to tyres sold separately, but also to certain products sold with tyres already fitted.
Foreign producers subject to French tyre EPR should pay attention to:
EPR registration
IDU
Eco-contributions
EPR reporting
PRO management
French Mandataire REP requirements
Based on current information from the tyre EPR sector, the practical implementation of the AR requirement is expected to be further strengthened from 2027.
5. EEE / WEEE and Other EPR Categories
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE / WEEE) is another category where foreign producers need to pay attention to French Authorized Representative requirements.
For example, foreign producers registered with ecosystem are currently required to have a French Mandataire.
France also has other EPR categories, including:
Furniture
Toys
DIY & Garden
Sports & Leisure
Other products covered by French EPR schemes
For some categories managed by Ecomaison, the specific requirements regarding a French Authorized Representative may still be clarified through future PRO communications.
The practical requirements can therefore differ from one EPR category to another.
One Foreign Producer Can Have Multiple EPR Obligations
This is an important point for international businesses.
For example, a company selling:
electronic products with batteries + cardboard packaging + textile accessories
may be subject to several EPR categories:
Packaging + Batteries + EEE + Textiles
Each category may involve different:
PRO + IDU + reporting + eco-contributions + Mandataire EPR requirements.
Having one EPR registration does not necessarily mean that all of your French EPR obligations have been covered.
I Already Have an IDU. Do I Still Need an AR?
This is one of the most common questions from foreign producers.
Having an IDU does not automatically mean that you have appointed a French Mandataire REP.
The IDU (Unique Identifier) confirms your registration within the French EPR system, while the Mandataire EPR is the France-based representative appointed by a foreign producer.
Therefore, even if your company already has an EPR IDU with Citeo, Léko, Refashion or another EPR organisation, you should still check:
Does my EPR account already meet the French Authorized Representative requirement?
How Can You Check Your French EPR Requirements?
If your company is established outside France, you can follow these steps:
1. Provide a list of the products you sell in France or your online store link.
2. Identify which French EPR categories apply to your products.
3. Check your existing EPR registrations and IDUs.
4. Confirm whether a French Mandataire REP is required.
5. Check that your PRO membership, reporting and eco-contributions are properly managed.
If an Authorized Representative is required, you may also transfer your existing EPR accounts to a France-based EPR compliance provider that can manage your EPR obligations and act as your Mandataire REP.
French EPR compliance is not simply about obtaining an IDU. It is about maintaining a complete and ongoing compliance system.
Need a French EPR Authorized Representative?
LINK GREEN INTERNATIONAL is a France-based EPR compliance company supporting international producers with their French EPR obligations.
We can assist foreign businesses with:
French EPR registration
IDU management
PRO communication
EPR reporting
French Mandataire REP / Authorized Representative services
If your company sells products covered by multiple French EPR categories, we can help you identify the applicable requirements and manage your French EPR compliance through one local partner.