Labeling Laws in France: A Guide for Fashion and Food Products

In the French retail and manufacturing landscape, product labeling isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a legal obligation that ensures transparency, consumer safety, and sustainable practices. For businesses operating in or exporting to France, especially in sectors like fashion, cosmetics, and food, understanding labeling requirements is essential for legal compliance and consumer trust. This guide outlines the key labeling laws and symbols that fashion and food sellers must adhere to.

1. Mandatory Information for Fashion and Textile Products

Fashion products—including clothing, footwear, and accessories—must follow strict labeling rules under EU and French legislation. These aim to protect consumers and help them make informed purchasing decisions.

Key requirements include:

• Fiber Composition: The exact textile composition (e.g., 100% cotton, 70% polyester / 30% viscose) must be clearly indicated in French.


• Care Instructions: While not legally mandatory, care labels are strongly recommended and widely expected by consumers. These often use standardized symbols.


• Size and Origin (if applicable): Sizes must be clearly marked. Indication of country of origin (e.g., “Fabriqué en France” or “Made in China”) is required in cases where misleading the consumer would be possible without it.


• Manufacturer or Importer Details: The label must mention the name and address of the responsible party within the EU.

Failure to comply can result in product seizure, fines, or refusal at customs.

2. Cosmetics Labeling Rules

For cosmetics, labeling is heavily regulated under the EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, with additional enforcement by French authorities.

Essential labeling elements:

• Ingredient List: Using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names.


• Best Before / PAO: "Best before" for products under 30 months of shelf life; PAO (Period After Opening) symbol for longer-lasting items.


• Usage Instructions: Safety precautions and method of application must be indicated.


• Batch Number: For product traceability.


• Responsible Person: Name and address of the EU-based manufacturer or importer.

All information must be in French, even for imported products.

3. Food Product Labeling Requirements

Food labeling in France follows the EU Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation, with several local additions.

Mandatory details include:

• Ingredients and Allergens: Must list ingredients in descending order of weight and clearly highlight allergens (e.g., gluten, milk, nuts).


• Nutritional Information: Calories, fats, sugar, salt, etc., must be declared per 100g or 100ml.


• Date Markings: “Use by” (DLC) for perishables and “Best before” (DLUO) for long shelf life.


• Origin: Required for products like meat, honey, and olive oil, or when its absence would mislead the consumer.


• Storage and Usage Conditions: E.g., “Store in a cool, dry place.”

Omitting any of these can lead to fines or product withdrawal.

4. Eco-Labeling and Environmental Symbols

France has implemented a growing number of eco-labels and environmental symbols as part of its sustainability and circular economy goals. Sellers—especially of food, packaging, and textiles—must be familiar with the following:

Triman Logo

• What it is: A mandatory symbol indicating that the product is recyclable and should be disposed of accordingly.
  
  
• Who must use it: Applies to most household products including packaging, textiles, electronics, and furniture.
  
  
• How to comply: Must be visible on packaging or the product itself, often accompanied by sorting instructions.

Éco-Emballages (now part of CITEO)

Indicates participation in a producer responsibility scheme for packaging waste. French law requires producers to contribute to the cost of packaging collection and recycling.

Textile Sorting Info

Since February 2023, textile products must feature sorting instructions and the Triman logo.

Environmental Impact Labels (coming soon)

Under France’s Anti-Waste Law (AGEC), fashion brands may soon be required to disclose environmental impact scores (e.g., water use, CO2 emissions) on clothing.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Labeling infractions can result in:

- Fines up to €1,500 per product (or more for food/cosmetics)
- Market withdrawal
-Brand reputation damage
- Import refusal (especially for non-EU sellers)

French authorities such as the DGCCRF (Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes) actively monitor compliance and may conduct surprise inspections.

Conclusion: Clarity Builds Confidence

Whether you're selling a cotton T-shirt, organic cookies, or face cream, clear and compliant labeling in France is a legal requirement and a strategic advantage. It shows respect for the consumer, avoids legal complications, and reinforces brand trust. As sustainability and transparency become more central to consumer behavior, investing in correct labeling is more crucial than ever.