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🇫🇷 France

Regulatory Overview

France implements EU waste shipment regulation under Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 through the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and regional directorates (DREAL). Transboundary waste shipments involving France are supervised at national and regional level. Notification and consent procedures are coordinated with other Member States in accordance with the regulation.

Competent Authorities

AuthorityRole
Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MTE)National policy and coordination.
DREAL (Regional directorates for the environment, planning and housing)Notification review, permitting, and enforcement (varies by region).
Customs authoritiesBorder control and shipment verification.

Official authority: Ministry for the Ecological Transition — Waste shipment supervision is conducted through the ministry and the relevant DREAL. Operators should contact the DREAL responsible for their region or the shipment route.

National Waste Shipment Procedures

France uses a national digital system for waste shipment notification and documentation. The notification procedure (prior written notification and consent) applies to waste subject to Annex IV; the Annex VII procedure applies to green-listed waste. Movement documents and facility reception and completion certificates are required. Operators interact with the competent authority via the national portal and official procedures.

National Digital Systems

France operates the GISTRID system for waste shipment notification and management. The system supports digital submission of notifications and related documentation and is expected to interconnect with the EU Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS).

DIWASS Implementation Status

France is preparing for mandatory use of DIWASS. The expected access pathway is via the national system (GISTRID) interconnected with DIWASS. The competent authority provides implementation and registration guidance; operators should confirm access and procedural requirements with the relevant DREAL or national authority.

Official Resources

  • Ministry for the Ecological Transition — Waste, circular economy, and transboundary shipments.
  • DREAL portals — Regional environment directorates; consult the DREAL for your region for notification and guidance.

Typical Waste Shipments

Waste TypeTypical Flow
Metal scrapExport or import for recycling within the EU
Plastic wasteRegional recycling flows
Paper and cardboardCross-border recycling

Key Compliance Requirements

  • Correct classification of waste streams.
  • Notification approval and consent where required before shipment.
  • Financial guarantees for notified shipments where applicable.
  • Use of authorised recovery or disposal facilities.
  • Complete movement documentation and Annex VII documentation for green-listed waste.

Regulatory Note

Waste shipment procedures may vary depending on the type of waste and shipment route. Operators should consult the competent authority in the country of export, import, and transit for specific procedural requirements.