France has a separate EPR scheme for packaging used by businesses — pallets, stretch film, cartons, drums, big-bags and similar. It legally exists since 1 January 2026 (decree n° 2025-1081 of 17 November 2025). Its operational start, including eco-contributions, was postponed from 1 July 2026 to 1 January 2027, and companies are expected to join an approved eco-organisme before 31 December 2026. Three eco-organismes are approved: Citeo Pro, Léko Pro and Twiice. Producers not established in France act through a French EPR representative.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Decree n° 2025-1081 of 17 November 2025; scope order of 2 December 2025 |
| Approved eco-organismes | Citeo Pro, Léko Pro, Twiice (approved June 2026) |
| Operational start | 1 January 2027 (announced by the ministry on 28 July 2026) |
| Action needed | Join an eco-organisme before 31 December 2026 |
| Who is covered | Manufacturers, importers and distributors first making professional packaging or products in professional packaging available in France |
What counts as professional packaging
Packaging consumed or used by professionals rather than households: transport and handling packaging such as pallets, stretch and shrink film, cartons, crates, drums, cans, intermediate bulk containers and big-bags. The official scope order defines categories automatically treated as professional packaging.
Indicative fees
The 2026 schedules published by Léko Pro and Citeo Pro: plastics €217.80–217.90 per tonne, paper and cardboard €34.70–34.72 per tonne, wood €8.08–9.00 per tonne, other materials €5.06–8.00 per tonne, and flat fees of €95 (Léko Pro) or €125 (Citeo Pro) per half-year at or under 2 tonnes, excl. VAT. Twiice has not published its schedule. 2027 schedules are expected from autumn 2026. Try the cost calculator.
Foreign suppliers
A company based outside France that is first to make professional packaging available in France — typically by selling directly to French businesses that use the goods — is a producer for this scheme and, since 10 July 2026, must appoint a French EPR representative. If the French customer resells the goods, that customer is the producer.
The postponement is not an exemption
The delay moved the practical start of contributions, not the obligation itself. Companies should already know which packaging they place on the French market, in what weights and materials, and which eco-organisme they will join.
Frequently asked questions
When do professional packaging eco-contributions start in France?
The operational start is 1 January 2027, after postponement from 1 July 2026. Companies are expected to join an eco-organisme before 31 December 2026.
Which eco-organismes handle professional packaging?
Citeo Pro, Léko Pro and Twiice are approved for the professional packaging scheme.
Is professional packaging covered by my household packaging membership?
No. Professional packaging is a separate scheme with its own membership, declarations and identifier.
Does a German exporter selling pallets of goods to French customers need to register?
If the French customer uses the goods itself, the exporter is the producer in France and needs a French representative. If the customer resells them, the customer is the producer.