Notes on transportation in France: Eco-tax and localized labels

1. Eco-tax (environmental surcharge)
   France has strict environmental requirements for transportation, involving the following taxes or regulations:
   Carbon Tax:
   Some modes of transportation (such as road freight) may be subject to carbon tax, and the fee is calculated based on carbon emissions. It is recommended to give priority to low-carbon transportation methods (such as rail and sea transportation) or use new energy vehicles.

Urban Low Emission Zone (ZFE):
Large cities such as Paris and Lyon have established low-emission zones, prohibiting high-polluting vehicles from entering. It is necessary to ensure that transportation vehicles meet emission standards (such as Crit’Air label level).

Packaging Tax (TGAP):
A tax is imposed on non-recyclable or non-degradable packaging materials. It is recommended to use environmentally friendly packaging (such as recyclable cartons, biodegradable materials).

Countermeasures:

Check the environmental tax policy of the transportation route in advance and calculate the cost.

Work with logistics companies that meet French environmental standards.

Provide carbon emission data or environmental certification (such as ISO 14001) to reduce some taxes and fees.

2. Localized labeling requirements
   France has mandatory localization regulations for product labels, involving transport packaging and product identification:

Language requirements:
All labels (including product descriptions, ingredients, warnings, etc.) must be in French, and other languages can be added.

Environmental protection mark:

Triman mark: From 2022, all product packaging sold in France must be marked with the Triman recycling mark to indicate the recycling method.

Green Dot: If this mark is used, it is necessary to prove that it has joined the French recycling system.

Origin marking:
Some products (such as food and textiles) must clearly mark the origin, and non-EU products may be subject to additional tariffs.

Countermeasures:

Design labels that meet French standards in advance to avoid customs clearance delays.

Work with local suppliers to ensure packaging and labeling compliance.

Register for the French recycling system (such as Citeo) and pay the environmental protection sharing fee.

3. Other matters needing attention
   Transport of dangerous goods: additional declarations are required and comply with EU ADR regulations.

Document preparation: The accompanying documents (such as invoices and packing lists) must indicate relevant information on environmental protection taxes.

Suggestions:
Consult French customs or professional customs clearance agents in advance to ensure compliance with the entire transportation process.