Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here)

Doing Business In France: A Country Commercial 

Guide for U.S. Companies 

INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2006. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED 

STATES. 

• Chapter 1: Doing Business In France 

• Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment 

• Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services 

• Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment 

• Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards 

• Chapter 6: Investment Climate 

• Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing 

• Chapter 8: Business Travel 

• Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade Events 

• Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services 

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Return to table of contents 

Chapter 1: Doing Business In France 

• Market Overview 

• Market Challenges 

• Market Opportunities 

• Market Entry Strategy 

Market Overview Return to top 

France and the U.S. are long-standing, close allies. Despite occasional differences of 

views, as evidenced in early 2003 over Iraq, the U.S. and France work together on a 

broad range of trade, security and geopolitical issues. 

France is the world’s sixth largest economy. With an annual GDP (USD 2.0 trillion in 

2005) about one-fifth that of the United States, France was our ninth largest trading 

partner, accounting for USD 46.7 billion of U.S. exports of goods, services and income 

receipts in 2004, as reported in U.S. Department of Commerce data. France is a 

member of the G-8, the European Union, the World Trade Organization and the OECD, 

confirming its status as a leading economic player in the world. 

U.S. exports of goods to France in 2005 totaled USD 22.4 billion, up 5.36 percent from 

2004 and accounted for 2.48 percent of overall U.S. exports in 2005. 

U.S. imports of goods from France in 2005 totaled USD 33.8 billion, up 7.09 percent 

from 2004 and accounted for 2.03 percent of overall U.S. imports in 2005. 

Trade balance on all bilateral transactions between the United States and France can be 

viewed at: 

[http://www.bea.gov/bea/international/bp_web/simple.cfm?anon=84&table_id=11&area_i 

d=19] 

France’s population of 63 million people has a high disposable income of USD 32,153 

per capita. In 2005, French GDP grew by 1.8 percent in real terms. The outlook for 

2006 and 2007 is for continued modest growth. Inflation remains low and under control 

at 1.6 percent for 2005. 

Market Challenges Return to top 

The French economy continues to function below its growth potential, estimated at 2.3 

percent per year. Reaching that potential will require further deregulation and reduction 

of the role of the state in the economy. The GOF is currently struggling to reduce the 

budget deficit and to overcome public sector employees' resistance to pension reform 

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and decentralization initiatives. The introduction of the Euro and advancing globalization 

has increased competitive pressures on French companies and the French economy. 

Analysts, including those in the GOF, cite continued weak investment as evidence of the 

need to increase competitiveness through reforms, including further corporate tax cuts, 

simplification of administrative procedures, loosening of the highly inflexible labor 

market, and increased research and innovation to improve France's competitiveness. 

The government has recently reiterated its intention to reduce taxes, and implement 

needed reforms both to improve competitiveness and increase economic growth. 

Widely publicized riots last fall in the suburbs of major French cities have increased the 

stakes and led to a number of proposals to fight unemployment, especially among 

youths, but have also highlighted the difficulties in reforming labor laws and integrating 

earlier waves of immigrants. The current election cycle makes government actions 

difficult to predict as potential successors jockey for position in the run-up to the 2007 

presidential race, which include a wide array of parties and candidates in the first round 

of the presidential election. 

France has a tradition of highly centralized administrative oversight of its essentially 

market-based economy. Total general government outlays amounts to about 54 percent 

of GDP, one of the highest ratios among OECD countries 

Ensuring that France's investment climate is attractive to foreign investors is a priority for 

the French government, which sees foreign investment as a way to create durable jobs 

and stimulate growth. Investment regulations are simple, and a range of financial 

incentives for foreign investors is available. Foreign investors say they are attracted to 

France by its skilled and productive labor force; its central location in Europe with its free 

movement of people, services, capital and goods (aided by the introduction of the Euro 

in January 2002); good infrastructure; and its technology-oriented society. However, 

investors must contend with extensive government economic regulation and taxation, 

high social costs and a complex labor environment. Highly developed employee rights 

and benefits can make exit costs high for investors seeking to leave France. 

Market Opportunities Return to top 

Leading non-agricultural products considered to offer "best prospects" for U.S. business 

in France are (in order of market size): Aircraft and Parts, Industrial Chemicals, 

computer Services and Software, Travel and Tourism, Safety and Security Equipment, 

Computer and Peripherals, Telecommunications Equipment, Water Resources 

Equipment and Services, Medical Equipment, Automotive Parts Equipment, Agricultural 

Machinery and Equipment, Plastics, Telecommunications Services, Education services, 

Textile, Direct Marketing and E-Commerce Business to Consumer, and Construction 

Equipment. 

The French market for food products is mature, sophisticated and well served by 

suppliers from around the world. Additionally, increasing interest in American culture, 

younger consumers and changing lifestyles are contributing to France’s import demand 

for food products from the United States. Generally, high quality food products with an 

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American image can find a niche in the French market, particularly if they can gain 

distribution through stores and supermarkets that specialize in U.S. or foreign foods. 

Significant market opportunities for consumer food/edible fishery products exist in a 

number of areas: fruit juices and soft drinks (including flavored spring waters), dried 

fruits and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly tropical and exotic), frozen foods 

(both ready-to-eat meals and specialty products), snack foods, tree nuts, "ethnic" 

products, seafood (particularly salmon and surimi), innovative dietetic and health 

products, organic products, soups, breakfast cereals and pet foods and treats. In 

addition, niche markets exist in France for candies, chocolate bars, wild rice and kosher 

foods that have shown rising demand. Market opportunities for U.S. exporters also exist 

for oilseeds, protein meals and other feeds, as well as for wood products and grains. 

Market Entry Strategy Return to top 

In general, the commercial environment in France is favorable for sales of U.S. goods 

and services. Marketing products and services in France bears similarity to the 

approach in the U.S., notwithstanding some significant differences in cultural factors, 

and certain legal and regulatory restrictions. Local partners are readily available in most 

sectors and product lines, although competition can be fierce. 

In support of U.S. commercial interests in France, the U.S. Embassy in Paris uses the 

combined resources of various U.S. Government agencies to promote exports of U.S. 

goods and services. It also supplies information on trade and investment opportunities, 

and serves as an advocate for U.S. firms. 

Web sites resources: 

[http://www.export.gov] 

[http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en] 

[http://www.bea.gov/bea/international/bp_web/simple.cfm?anon=84&table_id=11&area_i 

d=19] 

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Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment 

For background information on the political and economic environment of the country, 

please click on the link below to the U.S. Department of State Background Notes. 

[http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3842.htm] 


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Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services 

• Using an Agent or Distributor 

• Establishing an Office 

• Franchising 

• Direct Marketing 

• Joint Ventures/Licensing 

• Selling to the Government 

• Distribution and Sales Channels 

• Selling Factors/Techniques 

• Electronic Commerce 

• Trade Promotion and Advertising 

• Pricing 

• Sales Service/Customer Support 

• Protecting Your Intellectual Property 

• Due Diligence 

• Local Professional Services 

• Web Resources 

Using an Agent or Distributor Return to top 

Considering the host of distribution options available in France, the exporter must 

carefully select the method best suited to his or her product. French buyers generally 

prefer to purchase through an intermediary, making sales directly to the end-user 

uncommon. However, sales of expensive, technically sophisticated goods are an 

exception to this rule. 

Intermediaries may take one of three primary forms under French law: 

- Distributor 

- Agent 

- Salaried Representative 

Distributor: 

A distributor (concessionnaire) is an individual or legal entity who purchases goods 

directly from a producer for the purpose of resale. The distributor operates 

independently and is only bound by the written provisions of the distribution agreement. 

These agreements, however, are subject to specific rules and regulations regarding 

exclusive distribution and price-setting. 

Contract termination conditions are important, and vary with the type of distribution 

agreement. Either party without prior notification or indemnification may terminate a 

distribution agreement of specified duration at the end of the contract period. If the 

termination takes place before the end of the contract period, the terminating party may 

be sued for breach of contract. 

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Either party may terminate a distribution agreement with an unspecified duration without 

indemnification after a fair notice period, usually six months. Termination by the supplier 

without fair notice may be grounds for damage claims by the distributor. 

Agent: 

This category covers commercial agents and those acting as agents but not fulfilling the 

requisites for commercial agent status. Unlike distributors, agents do not actually 

purchase goods for resale; instead, they match up buyers and sellers on a commission 

basis. All agents exercise their activities in an independent manner, and their principals 

are exempt from payment of payroll taxes. Agents assume their own fiscal charges 

(business license tax and value-added tax) and social charges (health insurance, social 

security and retirement/pension benefits). 

Commercial Agent: 

Agents with a written contract have the status of commercial agents (agents 

commerciaux) if they exercise their activity as a sustained independent profession and 

fulfill the following conditions: 

- Do not have a written employment contract; 

- Negotiate sales and purchases on behalf of producers, manufacturers, or dealers; 

- Are registered with the Tribunal of Commerce as commercial agents. 

A commercial agent is independent and free to act on the behalf of any other firm. 

However, in the case where the agent wishes to represent one of his or her principal's 

competitors, consent of the principal must first be secured. 

The principal may justifiably terminate the commercial agent contract only if the agent 

shows substantial deficiency in carrying out his or her obligations. Otherwise, contract 

termination gives the agent a right to indemnification, often equal to two years' 

commissions, in absence of a termination date in the agreement. 

Other agents: Persons who do not fulfill all the requirements for commercial agency, and 

who are not in a position of subordination to the company they represent, are considered 

agents. A notarized act or private agreement can effect authorization of an agent. 

Either party may terminate the agency agreement at will, but the non-terminating party 

has a right to indemnification of losses. 

Salaried Representatives: 

Unlike agents, salaried representatives have employment contracts. They and their 

employers share the burden of payroll taxes contributing to social security, 

unemployment compensation, and retirement/pension plans. 

Statutory Representatives: 

Persons are considered statutory representatives if they exercise their activity as a 

sustained, independent profession and fulfill the following conditions: 

- Act as sales representative for the account of one or more employers; 

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- Abstain from executing commercial operations on their own behalf; 

- Institute mutual commitments with employers on the nature of goods or services 

offered for sale, the region of activity or the category of clients, and the rate of 

compensation. 

Statutory representatives work according to their employers’ instructions and are 

protected by labor law, but they have a special right to indemnification if unjustly 

terminated. This indemnity is based on the size and importance of the clientele they 

create. 

Non-statutory Salaried Representatives: 

Representatives who are subordinate to their employers and who do not fulfill the 

requisites for statutory representative status fall into a separate category and are 

considered regular employees. 

Finding a Partner 

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration offers several 

services to help the would-be exporter identify potential foreign representatives. The 

three primary services available from the Commercial Service in France are the Gold 

Key Service, the International Partner Search (IPS) and Industry Targeted Mailings. To 

request any one of these services and to learn about other services, firms should contact 

the nearest U.S. Department of Commerce District Office. The number can be found in 

the US government pages of your telephone directory, or you may call 1-800-USA- 

TRADE. Additional details about services provided in France, please check the U.S. 

Department of Commerce local web site: [http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en] 

Establishing an Office Return to top 

Establishing a subsidiary/branch office in France is also advisable for some industries. 

The French government encourages the formation of new enterprises. In conjunction 

with the Paris Chamber of Commerce and other Chambers throughout the country, the 

French government offers extensive counseling and assistance in setting up an office in 

France. Detailed "how to" guides are available from the various chambers of commerce, 

and also from the Commercial Service and the numerous American consulting firms 

present in France. 

Franchising Return to top 

The French franchise sector ranks first in Europe in sales, and has enjoyed 11 percent 

average growth over the last three years. Although very competitive, it offers many 

opportunities for innovative U.S. franchises. Ten percent of franchises operating in 

France are foreign, of which 40 percent are American. In January 2005 total franchising 

sales were estimated at € 41.76 billion. Potential remains for U.S. franchisers in subsectors 

yet to be fully exploited, such as specialty restaurants, business services, and 

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enovation services. However, it is important to note that the traditional Master 

Franchise approach has not proven very successful in France, while other expansion 

methods (direct investment or flexible master franchise) seem to work better. 

Direct Marketing Return to top 

The French direct marketing market for consumer products and services is one of the 

largest in the world. This market represents 5 percent of the non-food retail business. It 

accounted for USD 14.80 billion (Euro 11.9 billion) in 2004 with a 13 percent growth rate 

between 2003 and 2004. Although total mail-order sales still dominate, mail-order sales 

have trended downward in recent years just as telephone and Internet sales have rapidly 

expanded. In 2004, 60 percent of French households bought through mail order with an 

average annual purchase of USD 595. Textile products make up 39 percent of direct 

sales, books and records 16 percent, and high-tech products 11 percent. B-to-B direct 

marketing sales account for USD 4.4 billion. 

Joint Ventures/Licensing Return to top 

A joint venture with a French firm is one recommended approach. The French 

government encourages this type of investment and offers a wide range of incentives. 

Traditionally, a French joint venture partner strengthens the marketing activities of an 

American firm with its in-place distribution system. In certain industries, French 

manufacturers have skills that supplement those of the American partner. A joint 

venture with a French firm that has full French government support can be beneficial as 

long as manufacturing decisions can be made independently of government 

involvement. Recognizing the differences in each market is essential for success. It is 

recommended that companies interested in forming joint ventures consult with the U.S. 

Commercial Service at the Embassy in Paris before making any alliances. 

Selling to the Government Return to top 

The French Government generally follows EU procurement regulations, which call for 

non-discrimination against foreign firms. In France, procurement regulations do not 

usually present barriers to entry for foreign firms. However, local political pressure and 

administrative procedures are often said to favor French companies. 

French Government procurement comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the 

Economy and Finance. The "Commission Centrale des Marches" (CCM), or Central 

Procurement Board, has overall responsibility for monitoring compliance with 

procurement regulations. 

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France is obliged to follow EU public works regulations requiring government purchasing 

entities to publish tender notices for all public works projects valued at over Euro 5.270 

million, or approximately USD 6.535 million. Tender notices exceeding this must be 

published in the Official Journal of the European Union, as well as in the French “Bulletin 

Officiel des Annonces des Marches Publics.” In telecommunications, however, a 

European Union Utilities Directive requires France to give EU bidders a three percent 

price preference and gives France the option to reject bids with over 50 percent non-EU 

content. Certain defense-related industries are also excluded from regular procurement 

rules. In addition, public projects must conform to the following requirements: 

- A minimum of 52 days is required for bid submissions after an offer is announced. 

- The reason for a bid's rejection must be provided upon request. 

- The amount of the winning bids must be publicly disclosed. 

For information on French Government procurement regulations and procedures, 

contact: 

CCM 

Tour de Lyon 

Tel: (33) 1.44.87.17.17 or (33) 1.53.17.86.69 

Fax: (33) 1.53.17.87.04 

[http://www.finances.gouv.fr/minefi/publique/publique4/index.htm] 

Information on current and past French and EU procurement tenders and bids may be 

obtained through the following web site: [http://www.journal-officiel.gouv.fr] 

Access to procurement tenders and bids may also be obtained by subscribing to the 

Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), or the Bulletin Officiel des Annonces des 

Marches Publics (BOAMP). However, these publications often do not arrive from 

overseas in a timely manner. OJEU can be ordered from: 

UNIPUB 

4611F Assembly Drive 

Lanham, MD 20706-4391 

Tel: (800) 274-4888 

Fax: (301) 459-0056 

Web Site: [http://www.unipub.fr] 

For subscriptions to BOAMP, contact: 

BOAMP 

Direction des Journaux Officiels 

Tel: (33) 1.40.58.75.00 

Fax: (33) 1.45.77.10.85 

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Distribution and Sales Channels Return to top 

The Retail Network: 

France possesses a diverse and comprehensive retail network, which increasingly 

resembles that of the U.S. From the largest department store chains to the smallest 

individual proprietorships, French distribution channels are demonstrating some 

significant new trends that could affect how products are sold in France. 

Small-and medium-sized family-owned firms, which traditionally accounted for a majority 

of French wholesale and retail trade, are rapidly losing ground to hypermarkets - large 

retail outlets carrying a wide variety of products at discounted prices. At the same time, 

mail order marketing, Internet sales, and specialized chain stores have shown strong 

growth. On the other hand, a law limits the amount of retail space that can be 

purchased or leased commercially, with a special exemption required for space greater 

than 300 square meters (one square meter equals about 10.5 square feet). 

French food retailers fall under six principal formats: hard-discounts, hypermarkets, 

supermarkets, city center stores, department stores and traditional outlets. The first five 

account for 75 percent of the country’s food distribution; the sixth, which includes 

neighborhood and specialized food stores, for about 25 percent. 

Developments in recent years have altered the country’s retail food distribution system. 

First, France passed legislation limiting the number of hypermarket/supermarket 

openings. While the new law has limited the number of new establishments, it has 

prompted hyper/supermarkets to expand their existing surface areas. Second, mergers 

and alliances among major hyper/supermarkets have allied the country’s 7 largest 

retailers with five central buying offices. In 1999, Carrefour and Promodes merged, 

creating the world’s largest retail chain after Wal-Mart. 

With an eye to capturing market share from the restaurant and fast-food sectors, 

hyper/supermarkets began to sell ready-to-eat products such as roasted meats (cooked 

chicken, etc.), fresh-baked bread, and pastries. They also focus on premium quality 

food including regional and exotic products, and have also developed various lines of 

discounted products to react to the severe competition of hard discounters that have 

been gaining market share over the past few years. 

Primary Retail Channels: 

- Hypermarkets (Hypermarchés) 

- Supermarkets (Supermarchés) 

- City-Center Stores & Department Stores (Grands magasins) 

- Convenience Stores (Magasins populaires) 

- Hard Discounters (Magasins Discount) 

- Large Specialized Stores (Grandes surfaces specialisees) 

- Multi-Channel Retail Groups (Groupes de distribution multi-canaux) 

- Traditional outlets (Magasins de detail traditionnels) 

- Gas-Marts (Boutiques de stations d’essence) 

- Central Buying Offices (Centrales d'achats) 

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- Direct Marketing (Vente à distance) 

- Food Service (Hotel, Restaurants, Restauration collective): 

- Hypermarkets (Hypermarchés): 

Hypermarkets are defined as stores with a minimum selling area of 2,500 square 

meters. French hypermarkets offer 25,000-40,000 products for sale at competitive 

prices, of which 3000-5000 food items and 20,000-35,000 non-food articles. Generally 

located in suburbs, they cover a total sales area of 7.3 million square meters. As of 

September 1, 2005, there were 1,372 hypermarkets, employing over 276,000 people. 

The top five hypermarket companies are Carrefour, Leclerc, Auchan, Geant and Cora. 

- Supermarkets (Supermarchés): 

Supermarkets are smaller versions of hypermarkets, with a selling area between 400 

and 2,500 square meters. They usually carry 3,000-5,000 items, of which 500-1500 are 

non-food products, and cover a total sales area of 6.7 million square meters. As of 

September 1, 2005, there were 5,573 supermarkets, employing over 164,500 people. 

The top four supermarket companies are Intermarché, Champion, Super U, and Casino. 

- City-Center Stores & Department Stores (Grands magasins): 

Defined as high-quality supermarkets and dating back to the turn of the century, these 

are smaller than regular supermarkets, are usually located in town centers and offer a 

wide selection of food and non-food products. They total over 270 and tend to be 

grouped under major leading companies such as Monoprix/Prisunic. City-center stores 

seem to be declining: their numbers have dropped 20 percent in the last five years. 

Currently, the 104 department stores employ over 23,800 people. Paris has the most 

department stores of any French city; six of the ten top-selling stores are there. 

Department stores have lost some market share in all areas except in the medium-tohigh 

price range. A unique feature of the French department store is that many non-food 

products are sold by the manufacturers’ own sales staff, which can account for up to 20 

percent of the store's total sales force. Some department stores in Paris such as 

Galeries Lafayette, Au Printemps, and Le Bon Marché/La Grande Epicerie de Paris have 

gourmet food sections. Although they do not account significantly for total food sales in 

France, they set the quality standard for product presentation. 

- Convenience Stores (Magasins de proximité): 

Convenience stores are generally located in city centers of small-to-medium size towns. 

They are self-service stores run by one or two independent operators, i.e., individuals 

not paid by the distribution group. These stores number approximately 1,500 outlets 

representing no more than three percent of total food sales. 

- Hard Discounters (Magasins Discount): 

Compared to hyper/supermarkets, hard discount stores offer a smaller range of goods 

for lower prices. As of September 1, 2005, there were 3,700 hard discount stores in 

France. These stores represent about 12 percent of total food sales and usually sell 

generic products or their own private-label items. The top five hard-discount companies 

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are Lidl, Aldi, Ed, Leader Price and Netto. 

- Large Specialized Stores (Grandes surfaces specialisees): 

Large specialized stores offer an extensive choice of goods in a specific category at a 

competitive price and with an emphasis on customer service. This dynamic sector 

included over 10,500 stores in 2003, including such store categories as toys, health and 

beauty, gardening, and media/books/music. Do-it-yourself equipment stores are the 

most numerous (3,178), followed by textiles (2,380) and beauty/heath products (1,991). 

- Multi-Channel Retail Groups (Groupes de distribution multi-canaux): 

The distinctions made above between hypermarket chains, supermarket chains, etc. are 

becoming blurred. In recent years, major multi-channel retail groups owning chains of 

different types of stores have emerged. Pinault-Printemps and Nouvelles Galeries 

Reunies fall into this category, because they own chains of specialty and convenience 

stores. 

- Traditional retail food outlets (Magasins de detail traditionnels): 

Traditional outlets include a broad array of establishments, from corner grocery stores, 

bakeries, and neighborhood butcher shops to open air markets to frozen and gourmet 

food stores. The aggressive expansion of mass distribution outlets threaten these 

traditional outlets, which account for 20 percent of the country’s total retail food 

distribution and represent a total of about 50,000 stores. To survive, these outlets must 

have flexible store hours, product variety, and special services such as home delivery. 

Small neighborhood store chains offer U.S. suppliers entry into the French market. 

- Gas-Marts (Boutiques de stations d’essence): 

Linked with gasoline stations, these account for less than one percent of total food sales 

and about 400 outlets in France. 

- Central Buying Offices (Centrales d'achats): 

In addition to contacting the largest store chains listed above, introducing products via 

central buying agencies is an excellent distribution method. A complete list of French 

central buying agencies, the Annuaire des Supermarches, Hypermarches, Centrales 

d'Achat et Groupements d'Achats, is available for about € 362.25 (freight included) from: 

L.S.A - Libre Service Actualites 

Tel: (33) 1.56.79.43.00 

Fax: (33) 1.56.79.43.06 

Website [http://www.lsa.fr/] 

Food Service Sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Restauration collective): 

In calendar year 2004, France’s Hotel, Restaurant and Institution (HRI) food sector 

served approximately 9 million meals valued at $85.8 billion. The French HRI sector is 

large, sophisticated, saturated and highly competitive. Entry through this sector must be 

planned carefully. Successful products or food systems are innovative and price 

3/29/2006

competitive. Specific counseling sessions with U.S. Department of Agriculture/Foreign 

Agricultural Service trade and marketing specialists are recommended for those wishing 

more information as they plan their specific marketing campaigns in France. 

For more information on the Retail Food Sector in France, visit the following Website: 

[http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200511/146131581.pdf] 

Selling Factors/Techniques Return to top 

Selling your product or service in France is similar to the U.S. Buying decisions are 

made on the basis of quality, price and after-sales service. The principal difference in 

France is, in fact, the language. Since August 1994, the "Loi Toubon" requires that all 

advertising, labeling, instructions and promotional programs be in French, so we strongly 

recommend close contact with the Commercial and Agricultural sections in the 

Embassy, as well as arranging for local legal representation. 

Electronic Commerce Return to top 

Direct Internet marketing Internet is booming in France. Product and services sales, as 

well as the number of web sites on the Internet, have increased dramatically in recent 

years. Retail online sales estimates (Business-to-Consumer) in 2004 were USD 6.9 

billion (5.52 Billion Euros) and accounted for 46 percent of total direct marketing sales. 

The categories of products reporting the best growth in 2004 are consumer electronics; 

computers, cameras, mobile phones (up 72 percent); and cultural products; books, CDs, 

DVD’s (up 10 percent). Internet sales increased by 53 percent in 2004. The number of 

Internet users in France has increased dramatically to reach about 25.8 million at the 

end of 2005 and over 13 million online buyers, a 15 percent increase over 2004. 

Trade Promotion and Advertising Return to top 

Advertising can also be done through many different media, including TV, radio or 

newspapers and magazines. There are far too many newspapers, magazines and 

technical journals to list. Please check the following website for media lists, under 

“audiovisuel” for TV and radio, and under “presse écrite” for newspapers and 

magazines: 

[http://mediasig.premier-ministre.gouv.fr] 

It should be noted that newspapers do not carry nearly the volume of advertising to 

which Americans are accustomed. In addition, mass media advertising (press, TV, 

radio, billboards) represents 35 percent of total promotional spending while direct 

marketing, promotion, event advertising, public relations, guides and catalogs represent 

65 percent of the total French market for advertising services. 

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Judicious use of the media is an important part of any and all promotional programs. 

Below is a list of the most prominent general circulation French newspapers and 

magazines: 

Le Figaro 

Tel: (33) 1.42.21.62.00 

Fax: (33) 1.42.21.64.05 

Web Site: [http://www.lefigaro.fr] 

Le Monde 

Tel: (33) 1.42.17.20.00 

Fax: (33) 1.42.17.21.21 

Web Site: [http://www.lemonde.fr] 

L'Express 

Tel: (33) 1.53.91.11.11 

Fax: (33) 1.53.91.12.02 

Web Site: [http://www.lexpress.fr] 

Liberation 

Tel: (33) 1.42.76.17.89 

Fax: (33) 1.42.76.16.74 

Web Site: [http://www.liberation.com] 

France Soir 

Tel: (33) 1.53.56.87.00 

Fax: (33) 1.53.56.89.97 

Web Site: [http://www.francesoir.fr] 

Le Parisien 

Tel: (33) 1.40.10.30.30 

Fax: (33) 1 40.10.35.22 

Web Site: [http://www.leparisien.com] 

Le Nouvel Economiste 

Tel: (33) 1.46.90.20.00 

Fax: (33) 1.46.90.20.20 

Web Site: [http://www.nouveleco.fr] 

International Herald Tribune 

Tel: (33) 1.41.43.93.00 

Fax: (33) 1.41.43.93.38 

Web Site: [http://www.iht.com] 

Le Nouvel Observateur 

Tel: (33) 1.44.88.34.34 

Fax: (33) 1.44.88.40.94 

Web Site: [http://www.nouvelobs.com] 

Le Point 

Tel: (33) 1.44.10.10.10 

Fax: (33) 1.43.21.43.24 

Web Site: [http://www.lepoint.fr] 

Les Echos 

Tel: (33) 1.49.53.65.65 

Fax: (33) 1 45 61 48 92/ 

Web Site: [http://www.lesechos.fr] 

L'Expansion and La Vie Francaise 

Tel: (33) 1.53.24.40.40 

Fax: (33) 1.53.24.41.02 

Web Site: [http://www.lexpansion.com] 

La Tribune Desfosses 

Tel: (33) 1.44.82.16.16 

Fax: (33) 1.44.92.17.16 

Web Site: [http://www.latribune.fr] 

An efficient way to do trade promotion is to participate in some of the French trade 

shows, some of which are world-leading events or have a large international attendance. 

For details about the shows, please check the following web site: 

[http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/142.html]. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce in France also provides customized Corporate 

Promotion Services (presentation of products or services, seminars, press conferences, 

receptions/hospitality) in either an Embassy-owned, beautiful historical building or at 

other venues. 

3/29/2006

For details about the shows, please check the following web site: 

[http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/14.html - _section13] 

Pricing Return to top 

The U.S. exporter can usually determine the export price of his/her manufactured 

product using 70 percent of the domestic price (after deduction of all local marketing 

costs). This allows the French importer to price imports from the U.S. on the same price 

level as an American counterpart. A simple way to compare U.S. and French retail 

prices consists of taking the net U.S. retail price and comparing it with the French retail 

price without the Value Added Tax (V.A.T.), currently 19.6 percent. The French 

consumer is generally willing to pay a maximum of 10-15 percent over the American 

retail price. When determining the export price, it is important to consider that if prices 

are FOB, the French importer will have to pay for transportation, insurance, customs 

duties, value-added tax and fixed fees per shipment. 

Terms of Payment: 

For U.S. exporters, what is called "the financing of export sales" is not basically different 

from financing domestic sales. The fundamental concern in both cases is that one be 

paid in a timely manner for the goods and/or services delivered. 

France's modern banking system offers a full range of payment means, the most 

significant of which are: 

- Commercial letters of credit 

- Sight and time drafts (documentary collections) 

- Bank transfers 

- Certified checks 

Although bank transfers and certified checks are fairly self-explanatory methods of 

payment, commercial letters of credit and sight and time drafts may be less familiar to 

the would-be exporter but are potentially attractive terms of payment. 

Sales Service/Customer Support Return to top 

Although less developed than in the U.S., French businesses also provide all kinds of 

services such as after-sales service, home delivery, maintenance contracts, 

warehousing facilities, hotlines, or toll free numbers for any technical assistance. For 

some products such as electrical appliances, e.g. TV, replacement service is available. 

Logistics: 

Companies wishing to develop long-term marketing and sales capabilities in France 

should pay close attention to securing proper distribution and storage facilities close to 

major airports and seaports. Many logistics firms, including American ones, operate in 

3/29/2006

France and should be considered when firms develop significant market opportunities 

and sales channels in France. (See Chapter 9, Country Contacts - Logistics.) 

Protecting Your Intellectual Property Return to top 

Under the French intellectual property rights regime, patents, trademarks, and designs 

and models protect industrial property, while literary/artistic property is protected by 

copyrights. By virtue of the Paris Convention and the Washington Treaty regarding 

industrial property, U.S. nationals are entitled to receive the same protection of industrial 

property rights in France as French nationals. In addition, U.S. nationals have a "right of 

priority period" after filing a U.S. patent, trademark, design or model, in which to file a 

corresponding application in France. This period is twelve months for patents and six 

months for trademarks, designs and models. 

Patents: 

There are two types of patents: patents of invention (Brevets d'Invention) and certificates 

of utility (Certificats d'Utilité). Patents of invention cover all inventions. Certificates of 

utility cover all inventions except those of a pharmaceutical nature, which are covered by 

complementary certificates (Certificats Complémentaires de Protection). 

In order to qualify for patent protection, the invention must: 

* Have an industrial or agricultural application 

* Imply a non-obvious procedure, and 

* Have absolute novelty. 

Duration: Patents for inventions have a twenty-year life span, after which they become 

part of the public domain. Certificates of utility have a six-year, non-renewable life span. 

Patent Registration: Applications for patent registration must be filed with the French 

National Institute for Industrial Property, the Institut National de la Propriete Industrielle 

(INPI), before the invention is publicly disclosed. INPI receives applications, examines 

their validity, and registers the patents. After the application for a patent is filed, INPI 

conducts a check for comparable inventions. Upon approval and registration, a patented 

invention may be manufactured, operated, used or sold only with the authorization of the 

patent's owner. The owner can transfer, or sell the patent, or grant a license for others 

to use it. A patent must be used to be retained. Applicants can consult INPI's library to 

check for the existence of similar inventions prior to filing. 

INPI 

Division des Brevets 

Tel: (33) 1.53.04.53.04 

Fax: (33) 1.45.22.46. 

Web Site: [http://www.inpi.fr] 

Patent protection in France may also be obtained through ownership of a European 

Patent, which is filed through the European Patent office in Munich: 

3/29/2006

European Patent Office 

Erhardtstrasse 27 

80298 Munich, Germany 

Tel: (49 89) 23 99 0 

Fax: (49 89) 23 99 44 65 

Web Site: [http://www.european-patent-office.org/] 

Patent registration in France requires a French address, which may be obtained through 

a legal representative in France. A list of patent advisors who can act as legal 

representatives can be obtained from the French Association of Patent Advisors, 

Compagnie Nationale des Conseils en Propriete Industrielle: 

CNCPI 

Tel: (33) 1.53.21.90.89 

Fax: (33) 1.53.21.95.90 

Web Site: [http://www.cncpi.fr] 

Certificate of Utility Registration: 

Certificates of Utility are also granted by INPI (see above). However, in this case, INPI 

does not conduct a check for comparable inventions. 

Trademarks 

Trademark protection can apply to both goods and services. In a general sense, 

trademarks recognize and protect indicators, which serve to distinguish one product or 

service from similar products or services. In the French regime, trademarks: 

* Can be written or designed trademarks. 

* Can be sonorous trademarks, such as musical tunes, jingles, words, slogans. 

* Must not be deceptive as to the nature or origin of the goods. 

* Must be recognizable by sight or sound. 

* Must have novelty for the specified product line. 

Duration: A trademark has a ten-year life span and is renewable every ten years. 

Trademark Registration: Applications must be filed with INPI, which receives 

applications, examines their validity, and registers trademarks. After registering the 

trademark, it must be publicly and unequivocally used five consecutive years, or all 

trademark rights are forfeited. It may be sold totally or partially, by product or service 

category. 

INPI 

Division des Marques 

Tel: (33) 1.53.04.53.04 

Fax: (33) 1.49.01.07.37 


Registration of trademarks, as in the case of patents, requires a French address, which 

may be obtained through a legal representative in France. A list of trademark advisors 

who can act as legal representatives can be obtained from CNCPI, whose address is 

listed above. 

3/29/2006

Designs and Models 

Designs and models have the following characteristics: 

* Designs are an assembly of traits or colors on the surface of an object. They constitute 

an original two-dimensional decoration. 

* Models are all creations (ornaments). 

* They must have absolute novelty. 

Although some designs and models can be protected under patent or copyright 

procedures, others fall into a category that requires special treatment. Designs or 

models having an industrial function follow patent procedures, while designs or models 

having a purely ornamental function follow copyright procedures. Those designs or 

models which have both a practical and an ornamental function are subject to the 

following: 

Duration: Infringement protection has a 25 year life span, and is renewable for another 

25 years. 

Registration: Exclusive proprietary rights to the design or model are acquired through the 

act of creation itself. Registration merely serves as proof of that creation. Designs and 

models are to be registered with the INPI: 

INPI-Designs and Models Section 

Tel: (33) 1.53.04.53.04 

Fax: (33) 1.49.01.07.37 

To prove the date of creation of a design or model without formal registration, a designer 

may wish to use a special envelope (enveloppe speciale). The date of creation begins 

when the envelope is received by the INPI. 

Copyrights 

Copyrights cover artistic works, literary works and software. In the French IPR regime, 

in order to qualify for a copyright, the language used to express the idea must be 

original, not the idea itself. 

Duration: Copyrights are valid for 50 years after the death of the author, with two major 

exceptions: music copyrights are valid for seventy years after the death of the composer, 

and software copyrights are valid for 25 years after creation. Contrary to other 

copyrights, software designed by a salaried employee belongs to the employer. 

Registration: Artistic and literary works are automatically protected once created and 

fixed in tangible form. Therefore, registration is not required, but nonetheless 

recommended. 

For musical works, including songs, instruments, poems, sketches less than 20 minutes, 

monologues, and other musical audiovisual productions, applications must be filed with 

the French Society for Musical Authors, Composers and Editors: 

3/29/2006

Societe des Auteurs, Compositeurs et Editeurs de Musique (SACEM) 

Tel: (33) 1.47.15.47.15 

Fax: (33) 1.47.15.47.16 

Web Site: [http://www.sacem.fr] 

Membership acceptances are restricted to reputable applicants who are already known 

for the quality of their works. If not qualified for SACEM, applications must be filed with 

the National Association of Musical Authors and Composers: 

Syndicat National des Auteurs et Compositeurs de Musique (SNACM) 

Tel: (33) 1.48.74.96.30 

Fax: (33) 1.42.81.40.21 

Web Site: [http://www.snac.fr/] 

For theatrical works, including plays, operas, operettas, musical comedies, films and 

theatrical scripts, applications must be filed with the Society for Theatrical Authors and 

Composers: 

Societe des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques (SACD) 

Tel: (33) 1.40.23.44.44 

Fax: (33) 1.45.26.74.28 

Web Site: [http://www.sacd.fr/] 

For literary works and software, applications must be filed with the French Literary 

Society: 

Societe des Gens de Lettres (SGDL) 

Tel: (33) 1.53.10.12.00 

Fax: (33) 1.53.10.12.12 

Web Site: [http://www.sgdl.org/] 

For documentary and educational works, applications must be filed with the Civil Society 

for Multimedia Authors: 

Societe Civile des Auteurs Multimedia (SCAM) 

Tel: (33) 1.56.69.58.58 

Fax: (33) 1.56.69.58.59 

Web Site: [http://www.scam.fr/] 

Due Diligence Return to top 

Once the U.S. company has identified several potential representatives, it should contact 

them directly in writing. Just as the U.S. firm is seeking information on the French 

representative, the representative is interested in corporate and product information on 

the U.S. firm. The U.S. firm should provide full information on its history, resources, 

personnel, the product line, previous export activity, and all other pertinent matters. 

At the same time the firm is providing information on itself, it should also engage in a 

thorough investigation of the potential representative. Following is a list of important 

facts the firm should endeavor to find out: 

3/29/2006

- Current status and history, including background on principal officers 

- Personnel and other resources 

- Sales territory covered 

- Current sales volume 

- Typical customer profiles 

- Methods of introducing new products into the sales territory 

- Names and nature of U.S. firms currently represented 

- Trade and bank references 

- Assessment of whether U.S. firm's special requirements can be met 

- View of in-country market potential for the U.S. firm’s products 

Exporters have the right to explore the qualifications of those who propose to represent 

them overseas. Therefore, the U.S. firm should not hesitate to ask the potential 

representative(s) or distributor(s) detailed questions. 

In addition, the U.S. firm is advised to obtain at least two businesses and credit reports 

to ensure that the distributor or representative is reputable. 

-The US Commercial Service in France provides comprehensive financial reports: 

Search made through local credit information database provider. 

For more information see: 

[http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/14.html - _section18]. 

-The French agency of Dun & Bradstreet offers this service and can be contacted at: 

Dun & Bradstreet France 

Global Account Service - Service Renseignements de Notoriete 

Tel: (33) 1.41.35.18.98 

Fax: (33) 1.41.35.17.00 

Web Site: [http://www.dnb.com] 

Local Professional Services Return to top 

A lawyer with experience in France should be retained as soon as the establishment of a 

French business entity is contemplated. The American Embassy in Paris maintains a list 

of American lawyers practicing in France, which is available upon request. More 

detailed information about professional backgrounds can be obtained from the 

Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and from the Bar Register of Pre-eminent Lawyers. 

Lawyers and bankers in the United States also will normally have means of 

recommending lawyers in France. 

France has two major categories of legal practitioners: 

Avocats: An "avocat" must be a lawyer. "Avocats" may render legal advice on all 

matters, draft agreements and contracts, handle commercial disputes and collection 

cases, and plead and defend civil and criminal cases before the French courts to which 

they are admitted. See contacts at: 

[http://www.amb-usa.fr/CONSUL/guideoas/Attorneys.pdf] 

3/29/2006

Notaries (Notaires): A French "notaire" is a public official appointed by the Ministry of 

Justice. He is not the equivalent of a public notary in the United States. The number of 

"notaires" in each jurisdiction is limited, and their fees fixed by law. Their functions 

include the preparation and recording of notarial acts (e.g., wills, deeds, acts of 

incorporation, marriage, contracts), the administration and settlements of estates 

(excluding litigation in court) and serving as the repository of wills. They are not lawyers, 

but very specialized members of the legal profession. They may not litigate in courts. 

Web Resources Return to top 

Retail Distribution Magazine “L.S.A - Libre Service Actualites”: Website 

[http://www.lsa.fr] 

Retail Food Sector in France: [http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200312/146085288.pdf] 

Food Service Sector in France: 

[http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200404/146106098.pdf] 

U.S. Commercial Service France: [http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en] 

Credit /Financial Reports: [http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/14.html#_section18]. 

Media lists: [http://mediasig.premier-ministre.gouv.fr] 

Le Figaro: [http://www.lefigaro.fr] 

Le Monde: [http://www.lemonde.fr] 

L'Express: [http://www.lexpress.fr] 

Liberation: [http://www.liberation.com] 

France Soir: [http://www.francesoir.fr] 

Le Parisien: [http://www.leparisien.com] 

Le Nouvel Economiste: [http://www.nouveleco.fr] 

International Herald Tribune: [http://www.iht.com] 

Le Nouvel Observateur: [http://www.nouvelobs.com] 

Le Point: [http://www.lepoint.fr] 

Les Echos: [http://www.lesechos.fr] 

L'Expansion and La Vie Francaise: [http://www.lexpansion.com] 

La Tribune Desfosses: [http://www.latribune.fr] 

French trade shows: [ http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/142.html] 

Customized Corporate Promotion Services: 

[http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/14.html#_section13] 

French Government procurement regulations and procedures: 

[http://www.finances.gouv.fr/minefi/publique/publique4/index.htm] 

French and EU procurement tenders and bids: [http://www.journal.officiel.gouv.fr] 

UNIPUB: [http://www.unipub.fr 

French National Institute for Industrial Property,(INPI 


European Patent Office: [http://www.european-patent-office.org/] 

French Association of Patent Advisors, CNCP: [http://www.cncpi.fr] 

French Society for Musical Authors, Composers and Editors (SACEM): 

[http://www.sacem.fr] 

National Association of Musical Authors and Composers (SNACM): 

[http://www.snac.fr/] 

Society for Theatrical Authors and Composers (SACD): 

[http://www.sacd.fr/] 

French Literary Society (SGDL): [http://www.sgdl.org/] 

3/29/2006


Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment 

• Agricultural Sector 

• Fish and Seafood, Fresh and Frozen (FOD) 

• Processed Fruits and Vegetables, including Fruit Juices (FOD) 

• Beverages including Mineral Water, Beer, Wine and Spirits (FOD) 

• Fresh and Dried Fruits, including Nuts (FOD) 

• Fresh and Dried Vegetables (FOD) 

• Meat and Offals (FOD) 

Commercial Sectors 

• Aircraft and Parts (AIR) 

• Industrial Chemicals (ICH) 

• Computer Services, Computer Software (CSF, CSV) 

• Travel and Tourism (TRA) 

• Safety and Security Equipment (SEC) 

• Computers and Peripherals (CPT) 

• Telecommunications Equipment (TEL) 

• Water Resources Equipment and Services (WRE) 

• Medical Equipment (MED) 

• Automotive Parts Equipment (APS) 

• Agricultural Machinery and Equipment (AGM) 

• Plastics (PMR) 

• Telecommunications Services (TES) 

• Education Services (EDS) 

• Textile (TXT) 

• Direct Marketing and E-Commerce Business to Consumer (ECC) 

• Construction Equipment (CON) 

3/29/2006

Agricultural Sector 

LISTED BELOW ARE SIX CONSUMER-ORIENTED FOOD PRODUCTS WHICH THE 

OFFICE OF AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS CONSIDERS "BEST PROSPECTS" FOR 

U.S. BUSINESS (FOD) Return to top 

Fish and Seafood, Fresh and Frozen (FOD) 

Overview/ Best Products/Services/ Opportunities Return to top 

2003 2004 2005* 

Total Market Size 4,380.0 4,558.0 4,514.0 

Total Local Production 1,907.0 1,900.0 1,902.0 

Total Exports 1,352.0 1,501.0 1,550.0 

Total Imports 3,825.0 4,159.0 4,162.0 

Imports from the U.S. 136.0 165.0 170.0 

Exchange rate: USD 1.00 0.8840 0.8039 0.8064 

(Figures in USD millions; * Estimated figures) 

Source: French Customs/SCEES - French Ministry of Agriculture 

France is a major consumer and net importer of many seafood products because its 

domestic production is significantly lower than demand. In 2004, the best export 

opportunities for U.S. seafood were Alaska Pollack fillets, Surimi base, salmon, lobster, 

and scallops. In 2004, salmon remained French consumers’ preferred fish. U.S. salmon 

exports to France in 2004 were helped by the U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate and a 

French media campaign against farm-raised European salmon. The U.S. market share 

of Groundfish fillet products increased from 7 percent to 9 percent in 2004 and the 

potential for continued growth remains positive. The United States was France’s largest 

supplier of live lobster in 2004 ahead of Canadian lobster. The United States has 

become a major supplier of scallops to France and this trend continues in 2005. France 

is the largest market for Surimi in Europe and the United States is France’s leading 

supplier of Surimi base. 

Resources Return to top 

For further information, please see annual seafood report FR5065 (dated October 3, 

2005) which can be found on the following website: 

[http://www.fas.usda.gov] (attaché reports). 

Embassy U.S. Agricultural Service Trade Specialist: [AgParis@usda.gov] 

Phone: (33-1) 43 12 23 68 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/fas/fas.htm] 

3/29/2006

Processed Fruits and Vegetables, including Fruit Juices (FOD) 


2003 2004 2005* 


Local Production 7,188.0 8,078.0 8,520.0 

Total Exports 1,235.0 1,467.0 1,520.0 

Total Imports 2,211.0 3,286.0 3,340.0 


Exchange rate: USD 1.00 0.8840 0.8039 0.8064 



Fruit juices and soft drinks in France are currently the most dynamic growth sectors 

among non-alcoholic beverages, with a per capita consumption for fruit juices estimated 

at 22 liters a year. The French fruit juice market is very sophisticated due to the 

experience of distributors, variety of packaging, diversity of flavors and quality types, 

product innovation, advertising investment and promotions, as well as price ranges. As 

per French Customs statistics, in 2004, French imports of fruit juices totaled about 575 

million Euros (USD 713 million). Imports from the United States mostly consist of fresh 

and frozen orange and grapefruit juices and amounted to USD 10.4 million in 2004. 

Competition is very strong principally from Brazil, Israel and Spain, which benefit from 

preferential tariffs. 



Phone: (33-1) 43 12 23 68 


Beverages, including Mineral Water, Beer, Wine and Spirits (FOD) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 10,627.0 11,411.0 11,840.0 

Total Imports 2,135.0 2,538.0 2,640.0 


Exchange rate: USD 1.00 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 Euro 0.8064 



3/29/2006

In 2004, French imports of U.S. wine totaled 16 million Euros (USD 20 million), 

representing 3.2 percent of total French wine imports in value. Most American wines 

sold in France are bulk wines. U.S. wines in France face strong competition from 

France’s leading suppliers (Italy, Spain, Greece), as well as from new world countries 

such as Australia, South Africa and Chile. However, market opportunities exist for U.S. 

wines in France thanks in part to the "exoticism" and quality of the products and the 

promotional efforts made by American themed restaurants in France. 

The French are also significant consumers of spirits. In 2004, U.S. spirits imports in 

France were valued at 30 million Euros (USD 37 million) representing 4.5 percent of total 

French spirits imports estimated at 667 million Euros (USD 827 million). 

Opportunities exist for ethnic, new and innovative U.S. products, particularly those that 

can be linked with Tex-Mex foods. Also, sales of innovative products such as beer with 

whiskey malt are on the rise, as are sales of non-alcoholic beers and "panache" (mixture 

of beer and lemonade). 

Currently, the French beer industry consists of 24 breweries with two American brewers 

present in the French market: Anheuser-Bush and Miller. The French beer market is 

valued at 2,045 million Euros (USD 2,537 million), representing about 11 percent of total 

alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage sales and two percent of total food and beverage 

sales in France. Annual per capita consumption of beer in France is estimated at 39 

liters. 



Phone: (33-1) 43 12 23 68 


3/29/2006

Fresh and Dried Fruits, including Nuts (FOD) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 1,714.0 1,749.0 1,760.0 

Total Imports 3,087.0 3,528.0 3,670.0 





Off-season and extended-season sales, as well as years of short French fruit crops, 

represent the best opportunities for U.S. suppliers. France is one of the most important 

markets for U.S. grapefruit (mostly from Florida), valued at 23 million Euros (USD 29 

million) in 2004, representing a commanding 35 percent of total French imports. France 

also imports apples and pears (in short crops times). There is also a niche market for 

berries, cherries and tangerines. In 2004, U.S. fresh fruit exports to France were valued 

at 26 million Euros (USD 32 million). 

The snack and nut product niche market is important for U.S. exporters, who can profit 

from promoting their products as healthy and high quality. Dried fruits and nuts, 

generally salted, are mainly consumed as snacks with aperitifs. Among the most 

popular snacks are cashews, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios, all of which 

sell best when merchandised in bulk packages. French consumption of these products 

has doubled over the past seven years as the French now snack between meals. 

Although France is a significant grower of walnuts, French import demand is primarily 

determined by the size of the domestic production. The United States remains France’s 

leading supplier of in-shell walnuts whereas Moldova and China provided the bulk of 

shelled imports. 



Phone: (33-1) 43 12 23 68 


3/29/2006

Fresh and Dried Vegetables (FOD) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 1,630.0 1,751.0 1,756.0 

Total Imports 2,068.0 2,252.0 2,340.0 





Very few opportunities exist in this market for U.S. fresh vegetables, except for green 

asparagus, and may be some superior quality and produced off-season fresh vegetables 

such as eggplant, zucchini, sweet peppers and iceberg lettuce. However, trends and 

increased consumption indicate growing demand for fresh prepared vegetables (washed 

and cut) and many supermarkets have a special section for these types of products. 

There is also a growing demand for organic vegetables. 

U.S. rice exports to France increased 4.6 percent in value during 2004, compared to 

2003 to reach USD 15 million; while other dried vegetable imports from the United 

States decreased 27.7 percent valued at USD 16 million. However, dried beans, peas 

and lentils offer large opportunities for U.S. suppliers. 



Phone: (33-1) 43 12 23 68 


3/29/2006

Meat and Offals (FOD) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 3,156.0 3,489.0 3,520.0 

Total Imports 2,976.0 3,629.0 3,750.0 





Opportunities in this market are limited given the import quota on meat and stringent EU 

regulations in regard to hormone treated beef. Most meat imports from the United 

States are horsemeat which were valued at USD 26 million in 2004, while pork meat 

imports amounted to USD 2 million and beef imports USD 61,000, a decrease of 93 

percent in beef meat imports in 2004, compared to 2003. Bison meat is getting more 

and more popular in France; most of French imports originate from Canada, but there 

might be opportunities there for U.S. products. 



Phone: (33-1) 43 12 23 68 


3/29/2006

Aircraft and Parts (AIR) 

Overview Return to top 

2003 2004 2005* 

Total Market Size 18,122 19,897 20,500 

Total Local Production 28,394 32,271 33,000 

Total Exports 23,435 27,416 29,000 

Total Imports ** 13,163 15,042 16,500 

Imports from the U.S. *** 5,337 7,393 8,000 

Exchange rate: USD1.00 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 Euro 0.8064 

(Figures in USD millions) 

Sources: GIFAS, local production; French Customs, exports, imports and imports from 

the US. Note: French Customs figures are CIF, Cost + Insurance + Freight. 

* Estimated figures. 

** Does not include semi finished Airbus aircraft sections transferred between France 

and other European countries. 

***Figures reflect deliveries for purchased Boeing aircraft. 

The French aerospace industry’s revenues in 2004 increased by 4 percent to 25.9 billion 

Euros and have now surpassed 2001 levels, after having fallen slightly in 2002 and 

2003. For the tenth consecutive year, the value of orders for aircraft outweighed 

industry revenues (deliveries), continuing to show the long-term growth of this market. 

The disparity in the Euro-Dollar exchange rate, a willingness on the part of procurement 

executives to purchase in dollars and increased production rates offer opportunities for 

U.S. firms. 

Employment in France’s aerospace sector increased to 118,000 in 2004. For the past 

several years, the industry has recruited on average from 4,000 to 5,000 each year and 

it continued this trend in 2004. 

Best Products/Services Return to top 

The best prospect for American aerospace firms in this market continues to be 

opportunities associated with the manufacturing of new aircraft, notably, the Airbus 

A350, the A380 and Airbus Military Company’s A400M (to a lesser degree as it is a 

military program). Additionally, many OEMs have adopted a “U.S. Dollar” strategy on 

existing programs to take advantage of the cost savings offered by a favorable exchange 

rate. In that regard, the U.S. Commercial Service office in Toulouse is working to help 

identify the appropriate channels – often via first- and second- tier companies in the 

supply chain – for American small and medium-sized companies wishing to do work on 

these programs. It is important to keep in mind, however, that as with Boeing, Airbus is 

sourcing whole assemblies and reducing its work with direct suppliers, except in cases 

where a potential supplier is able to propose technical innovations, or where delivery or 

quality problems exist. 

3/29/2006

Opportunities Return to top 

Orders and Production Rates 

Airbus received 1,055 net firm orders for aircraft in 2005, representing a new annual 

record in terms of number of aircraft sold and a significant increase from the 370 firm 

orders received the previous year. Airbus production rates have remained above the 

300 aircraft per year level for the past five years, with 378 aircraft delivered in 2005. A 

significant increase from the record 325 planes Airbus delivered in 2001 – at a time 

when Boeing delivered 527 aircraft – 2005 was also a landmark year for Airbus as it was 

the third year in the company’s history that it delivered more aircraft than Boeing. At the 

end of 2005, Airbus had a backlog of orders for 2,177 aircraft, which represents nearly 

five years of output at current production rates. The first flight of the A380 superjumbo 

took place in 2005 and the start of in-flight testing before delivery to launch customer 

Singapore Airlines is planned for late 2006. The year 2005 also saw the official 

launching of a new Airbus program, the A350, as a follow on to the A330 and direct 

competitor to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. 

With an in-service date beginning in 2010, the A350 has currently received a total of 172 

orders and commitments from a total of thirteen customers. Many of the major systems 

for the aircraft have been contracted, and as with A380, many have gone to U.S. 

companies. Contracts for the aircraft’s structures are also being solidified and will 

include the participation of several risk-sharing partners alongside the current production 

work share, distributed amongst Airbus country partners. According to Airbus, a new 

final assembly site for the A350 is being planned in Toulouse alongside the current 

facilities. Available from 2009, Airbus Military has received 192 total orders from 

European governments and export customers for its A400M military transport aircraft 

program, officially launched in May 2003, and forecasts an additional market of at least 

200 planes. For a list of major suppliers on these programs, contact the U.S. 

Commercial Service office in Toulouse, contact information for which you will find listed 

below. 

Dassault Falcon Jet received 69 orders for aircraft in 2004, an increase from the 40 

orders booked in 2003 but down slightly from the 72 orders received in 2002. The Parisheadquartered 

company increased its deliveries to 63 aircraft in 2004 from 49 delivered 

in 2003. Since its official launch in 2001, Dassault’s new long-range business jet, the 

Falcon 7x, has gained over 50 orders. First delivery of the 7X, the first-ever business jet 

equipped with fly-by-wire controls, is not expected before late-2006. Dassault continues 

to improve their production capability. Efficiency at the French Merignac plant near 

Bordeaux and the Little Rock, Arkansas plant where cabin outfitting occurs has 

increased after significant investment. Dassault recently inaugurated its 35 million Euro 

assembly facility for 7X production. 

The Franco-Italian (50-50) consortium ATR holds half of the world’s market for regional 

turbo prop aircraft with its ATR 42 and ATR 72 models. Based near Toulouse, ATR 

logged orders for 90 new aircraft in 2005, representing a significant increase from the 12 

orders of the previous year. ATR delivered 16 aircraft in 2005 compared to 13 in 2004, 

and forecasts increasing production to 25 this year and up to 40 in 2007. Much of ATR’s 

business has been based on the placement of pre-owned ATR aircraft and cargo 

3/29/2006

conversions, although it believes the increased price of oil is driving smaller airlines back 

to turboprops. As with many European aircraft manufacturers who have costs in euros 

while the majority of their revenue is in dollars, efforts are underway to limit the impact of 

the weak dollar, including a drive to increase internal efficiency and “shifting part of the 

cost-base out of euros or into dollars,” as one ATR official described. 

Eurocopter, which claims 52 percent of the world’s market for helicopters, is the largest 

single manufacturer of civilian and para-public helicopters in the world, with 322 new 

orders for helicopters in 2004, up from 293 in 2003. Eurocopter delivered 277 

helicopters in 2004, a decrease from 297 delivered the previous year. As with many 

aircraft manufacturers, Eurocopter has expanded its industrial base to include 

manufacturing partnerships in Eastern Europe (Romania) and Asia (China). 

Airlines and Maintenance 

The semi-privatized national carrier Air France is still the dominant French airline and 

reported positive net profits of 489 million Euros for its 2004 fiscal year, contrary to the 

worldwide industry trend for similar-sized carriers. In May 2004, Air France merged with 

KLM, and the group is now not only the leader of European airlines in terms of number 

of passengers, but it is also a world leader with 19 billion Euros in sales. Smaller, 

particularly foreign, low-cost carriers that use secondary regional airports are 

experiencing rapid growth in response to the EU directive for national market 

liberalization and an increased consumer confidence in on-line booking. With local 

government incentives, foreign low-cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair have won 

significant advances in the market by offering both short-haul international and, in some 

cases, national point-to-point routes to otherwise infrequently visited regions. 

Maintenance support for both American and European aircraft is a large industry in 

France which is primarily handled by two companies: Air France Industries, based 

outside of Paris at Charles De Gaulle Airport; and Sogerma, located in Marignac at the 

Bordeaux airport. In May 2004, Air France Industries inaugurated its 40-million-Euro 

Toulouse facility in Aeroconsellation, adjacent to the site where the Airbus A380 is 

assembled. This facility is dedicated to the refurbishment of its own and other 

customers’ single-aisle Airbus aircraft. 

To stay competitive with international products, French civil aerospace industry 

procurement departments have been forced to adopt a business model based on 

economic, rather than nationalistic merits, with cost and quality becoming key 

requirements for selecting suppliers. French companies are also more aggressively 

targeting civilian and military users with foreign partnership agreements as a means to 

boost international sales. 

With new projects in various stages of development and the increased value of the euro 

vis-à-vis the dollar, the French market provides substantial opportunity to the most 

competitive and innovative U.S. aerospace firms. 


Embassy U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist: 

[Christopher.Mente@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-5) 34 41 36 52 

Website: [http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en] 

3/29/2006

Industrial Chemicals (ICH) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 58,800 68,538 74,240 

Total Imports 47,100 54,980 61,530 

Imports from the U.S. 6,704 6,841 7,152 



Source: UIC Union des Industries Chimiques 

The French chemical industry ranks fifth in the world, after the United States, Japan, 

Germany and China. In France, the industrial chemicals industry is comprised of 1,163 

companies employing a total of over 239,500 persons, making it the fourth largest 

employment sector in France. 

Most of these 1,163 French companies are SMEs. In fact, only 130 of the 1,163 are 

considered “major.” These 130 major companies, however, account for three quarters of 

France’s total chemical output. The 130 major companies, which include international 

groups (Bayer, BASF, Exxon Chemical, Rohm and Haas, etc.), are divided as follows: 

87 of the 130 produce organic chemicals (total workforce of over 34,000); the other 43 

produce inorganic chemicals (total workforce of just under 7,000). 

In 2004, following three years of decline, French production of chemicals experienced a 

modest 0.6 percent growth from the previous year. Despite this minor increase, 2004 

proved difficult for the French chemical industry as it continued to suffer from lower 

investments for the fourth year in a row (reduced by 4 percent from 2003), tightened 

profit margins resulting from higher raw material prices (in particular, a 33 percent 

increase of the price of oil, the barrel of Brent reaching almost USD 40 by December), 

limited volume and a strong euro. 

Still, with total sales of USD 116,550 million in 2004 the French chemical industry 

remains number two in Europe after Germany. The same year, France continued to be 

a major exporter of chemicals, with USD 68,538 million worth of exports, exceeding 

imports by USD 13,558 million. French chemical companies consistently export more 

than they sell domestically. 

Packaging, transportation, warehousing and safety regulations for the distribution of 

chemical products are very strict. Today, most regulations are issued and managed at 

the European level. 

The French chemical industry is very concerned about newly proposed, costly European 

regulatory controls on chemicals to mitigate toxic impact on the environment and human 

health. These REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) 

regulations are expected to become compulsory at the end of 2006. They would place 

the onus on chemical producers and importers to prove that their chemicals are safe. If 

implemented in their current form, these regulations would threaten the current annual 

3/29/2006

sales of more than USD 20 billion in chemicals exported by the United States to the 

European Union. The Chemical Producers Associations of the member countries of the 

European Union have initiated lobbying action in Brussels to ensure that the proposed 

regulations will not paralyze the industry. The U.S. Commercial Mission to the European 

Union (see address below for details and information) is monitoring these 

developments. 

Best Prospects/Services Return to top 

In 2004, U.S. chemical exports to France totaled USD 6,841 million, a 2 percent 

increase from 2003. That same year, U.S. chemical sales to France exceeded French 

chemical sales to the U.S. by USD 1.5 billion. As a supplier to France, the United States 

ranks number two after Germany and before the United Kingdom. 

Organic and inorganic chemicals constitute approximately 20 percent of U.S. exports of 

basic chemical products to France. The balance of U.S. chemical exports to France is 

spread between small amounts of a wide variety of products ranging from coatings to 

detergents and miscellaneous non-basic chemicals. 

In 2004, France imported USD 1,095 million of organic chemicals and specialties from 

the United States. Industry analysts estimate that demand for these two categories of 

products increased by 2.9 percent and 1.4 percent respectively in 2005. The French 

market for organic chemicals and specialties continues to offer moderate potential for 

U.S. chemical exporters. 

In 2004, France imported USD 77 million of inorganic chemicals from the United States. 

Industry analysts predicted a 1.4 percent increase in French demand for inorganic 

chemicals in 2005. In this context, U.S. inorganic chemical exports to France were also 

expected to increase marginally in 2005. 


Successful market entry of U.S. chemical companies into France depends on innovation, 

pricing and compliance with French and EU standards and regulations. Given the strong 

European competition, U.S. companies should adopt a moderate pricing policy, taking 

into account the current competitive edge offered by the strong euro. 

There are over 130 members of the French Association of Chemical Distributors – these 

members include independent distributors as well as the distribution networks 

established by the major industrial chemicals producers. They generate annual sales in 

excess of USD 75,000 million. In addition, a number of German and Dutch companies 

have subsidiaries in France. 

The French chemical industry is always seeking more productive equipment, innovative 

technologies, product improvements and new products to maintain its profit margins and 

remain competitive. The French Chemical Producers Association reports, however, that 

expenditures associated with such activities amounted to USD 3,980 million in 2004, a 4 

percent decrease from 2003. Continued spending by the French chemical industry on 

these activities offers a number of niche markets in France for U.S. companies with 

state-of-the-art products, machineries and technologies made all the more attractive by 

the current strength of the Euro. 

3/29/2006


French duties on industrial chemicals: 

Import duties for all industrial chemicals range from total exemption to 5.5 percent. 

Specific product duties can be found through the French Customs website: 

Web Site: [http://tarif.douane.finances.gouv.fr] 

Major French Trade Association: 

UNION DES INDUSTRIES CHIMIQUES 

Web Site: [http://www.uic.fr] 

Major Trade Show: 

No major chemical industry trade shows take place in France. The major European 

chemical industry trade show is Kunststoff (“K”) in Germany (see details below). Many 

dynamic French distributors visit Kunststoff to seek additional innovative products and 

equipments to complement their line or improve their production. Kunststoff offers U.S. 

companies an ideal opportunity to meet with these potential French partners. 

Kunststoff - Dusseldorf, Germany 

Website: [http://www.messe-dusseldorf.de] 

Held every three years – Next edition: Fall 2007 

France Chimie: [http://www.france-chimie.com] 

U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist in Lyon: [Michel.Montet@mail.doc.gov] 

Phone: (33-4) 78 38 39 42 


3/29/2006

Computer Services, Computer Software (CSF, CSV) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 6,858 7,770 8,132 

Total Imports 10,129 11,476 12,012 


Exchange rate: USD1.00 E 0.8840 E 0.8039 E 0.8064 


After a welcome recovery in 2004, the French market for software and services marked 

an average growth of 5 percent in 2005, pulled by demand in consulting services (4 

percent growth), engineering services (3 percent growth), facilities management (9 

percent growth) and software tools and applications (5 percent growth). The most 

dynamic sectors are found in the field of telecommunications, the media, as well as that 

of government and finance. 

Estimated at USD 50 billion, the French IT market ranks third in Europe after Germany 

and the United Kingdom, with 17 percent of Europe’s overall IT market. France is also 

the leading European nation in IT software and services, with USD 39 billion in sales in 

2005. 

Over 6,000 French firms specialize in software services, 2,000 of which count 10 

employees or more. Key activities in this market are engineering and integration (23 

percent); software development and technical assistance (22 percent); packaged 

software (21 percent); facilities management and on-line services (20 percent); 

consulting services (8 percent); training services (3 percent); and third-party 

maintenance (3 percent). 

The ten largest software services firms in France are: IBM (USD 2.95 billion); Capgemini 

(USD 1.7 billion); Atos Origin (USD 1.68 billion); Microsoft (USD 1.45 billion); HP (USD 

933 million); Accenture (USD 835 million); Altran (USD 772 million); Sun (USD 679 

million); Econocom (USD 610 million); and EDS (USD 593 million). 

Packaged software is sought by organizations as a cheaper alternative to customized 

solutions. The French packaged software market is valued at USD 8.2 billion. It is 

anticipated to grow at a rate of 5 percent until 2007. The ten largest packaged software 

firms in France are: Microsoft (USD 1.13 billion); IBM Software Group (USD 630 million); 

Oracle (USD 275 million); SAP (USD 245 million); Alcatel Services (USD 162 million); 

Sage (USD 120 million); Computer Associates (89.8 million); Dassault Systèmes (84.3 

million); CCMX (USD 72.1 million); and GFI Informatique (USD 68.7 million). 

3/29/2006


Management consulting in IT systems (+2 percent) 

Engineering services (+2 percent) 

Facilities management and Third-Party Maintenance of Applications (TMA) (+8 percent) 

Packaged software (+5 percent), especially Integrated Management Software and PLM 

solutions, expected to grow respectively by 5.7 percent and 7.5 percent each year until 

2008. 


As in 2004, 2005 will see a continuation in the dynamic cycle of investments that support 

innovative projects. Increased accessibility to high Internet bandwidth and wireless 

solutions will also boost demand for systems integration, especially in the field of Ecommerce, 

which is anticipated to grow by 50.2 percent each year until 2007. Promising 

opportunities are therefore available to American firms seeking to export to France, 

especially for those that provide packaged software as U.S. firms already control 70 

percent of this market. 


International Data Corporation (IDC) [http://www.idc.fr] 

Pierre Audoin Consultants (PAC) [http://www.pac-online.fr] 

BIPE (leading European provider of forward-looking economic analyses and consulting 

services) [http://www.bipe.fr] 

Syntec informatique (French association of the software and computing services 

companies) [http://www.syntec-informatique.fr] 

U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist in Paris: 

[Charles.Defranchi@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 28 63 


3/29/2006

Travel & Tourism (TRA) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 37,400.0 38,100.0 40,004.0 

Total Imports 21,400.0 21,800.0 22,345.0 

Imports from the U.S. 4,800.0 4,800.0 4,920.0 



The United States remains one of the top choices among long-haul destinations for 

French travelers. France ranks third among European markets, after the United 

Kingdom and Germany, and sixth in the world after Canada, Mexico, Japan, the U.K., 

and Germany as an overseas source of income for the tourism industry in the U. S. 


Looking back at 2004, it was a year of significant growth in travel to the United States. 

In 2004, French visitation to the U.S. grew by 12 percent compared to 2003. All major 

actors in the travel & tourism industry indicated good growth prospects for the French 

market in 2005, estimating an average of 25 percent more sales revenue for French 

travelers to the U.S. However, since October 26, 2005, the implementation of the 

Machine Readable Passport (MRP) with digital photograph by the U.S. Department of 

Homeland Security (DHS) is a major concern for the French travelers. The French 

government authorities cannot give an official date as to when the new passports will be 

available. As of today, we can estimate that 30 percent of French travelers wishing to 

visit the U.S. will cancel their trips due to this problem. The new procedures that are 

intermediary between the machine-readable passport and the future biometric passport, 

are affecting a travel industry that has already suffered significantly in the past years. 


California, the U.S. National Parks, New York and Florida remain the favorite 

destinations for French travelers. Increasingly, other regions like the Southwest and 

Mountain States are becoming popular, particularly with second or third-time visitors. 

The French are very individualistic in their travel behavior. The average length of stay is 

approximately 16 nights. Visitor spending in the U.S. amounts to approximately USD 76 

per day per person. Following the closing of the U.S.T.T.A in 1996, the Commercial 

Service office in Paris has supported the establishment and development of the Visit 

USA Committee/France, a private industry association aimed at promoting the United 

States as a travel and tourism destination. 

3/29/2006


Visit USA Committee France: [http:// www.visitusafrance.com ] 

U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist: 

[Valerie.Ferriere@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: 33-1 43 12 27 70 


3/29/2006

Safety and Security Equipment (SEC) 


2003* 2004* 2005* 



Total Exports 2,471 2,060 2,314 

Total Imports 9,884 10,129 10,502 



(Figures in USD millions; * indicates unofficial estimates based on various industry 

sources) 

This sector represents 25 different security segments in France, which can be loosely 

grouped into the following areas: anti-terrorism, electronic security, monitoring, guarding, 

physical security, health and safety products, fire security and cash in transit. 

Currently, segments enjoying the highest growth rate are anti-terrorist equipment (+15.4 

percent in 2004), residential monitoring (+12.2), and security training services (+10.5). 

Segments such as access controls, airport safety, alarm response and guard services 

remained flat or even declined in 2004. Overall growth is expected to rise by about 4 

percent in 2005 and only improve slightly after that. This growth is mainly driven by just 

a few segments of the market and price wars are common in this highly competitive 

environment. In fact, only about 70 percent of firms operating in this industry were 

profitable in 2004/2005, a new low. In many segments such as fire protection and guard 

services, there are simply too many players on the market; fierce competition coupled 

with low prices is driving a record number of firms out of business. 

The evolution of this market is closely linked to France’s general economic growth, 

which is not strong. While over the last few years France has invested heavily in 

security infrastructure and has caught up to her European neighbors, that spending is 

now slowing, especially in segments such as monitoring or anti-intrusion equipment. 

The sector has also suffered from a price war over the last several years, which has 

slowed growth in several areas, such as access controls, video surveillance and guard 

services. The safety and security market in France is thus divided into two parts: a small 

number of relatively healthy segments and a large number of areas where the situation 

is morose. 

Penetration of the security market by foreign companies has stabilized in France, but at 

an extremely high level. Entire sub-sectors of French private security industry in France 

are dominated by foreign groups, as opposed to less than 20 percent overall ten years 

ago. For example, in the security for cash services sector, non-French groups control 92 

percent of market share. Similar ratios exist in equipment/services for cash in transit, 

professional monitoring and many other market sub-sectors. Overall, foreign firms 

control about 40 percent of the industry. 

3/29/2006

Fortunately, there are a few bright spots; future growth areas in industrial security are 

anti-terrorism equipment, CCTV, especially for digital systems, sophisticated alarm or 

monitoring systems, and biometrics, which are becoming more widely accepted. 

In a context where high technologies have an important role in security programs, it is 

anticipated that imports from the U.S will remain strong, as American equipment is 

renowned for its innovation. 


Closed Circuit TV (CCTV), especially for digital systems, represents one of the few 

future growth areas in the industrial security market in France. The local market in 2003 

was around 95 percent analog and just 5 percent digital video on IP. However, while the 

analog market is growing at 8 percent annually, the digital market is increasing at 45 

percent rate and was estimated to make up 35 percent of the electronic security 

equipment market in 2005. 

In the mid to long-term, the residential market will represent an enormous potential for 

suppliers of surveillance services – only 3 percent of French residences currently use 

these services. This will eventually be equally true for basic protective devices such as 

anti-intrusion alarms, fire alarms or fire extinguishers, none of which are required by 

French home insurance policies and with which few French homes are equipped at this 

time; however, these segments are not yet ripe for growth at his time. 


France’s new anti-terrorism law (Dec. 22, 2005) extends the use of video surveillance in 

public places (already authorized but highly regulated), but particularly its use in the 

private sector, for stores or even places of worship, for example, which may be 

susceptible to terrorist acts. With this relaxation on the rules governing video 

surveillance, municipalities and store-owners are likely to invest more heavily in CCTV 

systems. 


Expoprotection/Feu 

International Safety & Security and Fire Fighting & Rescue 

Paris, France - November 2006 

[http://www.expos-protection.com/expoprot/] 

The 21st International Safety and Security Exhibition and the 7th Fire Fighting and 

Rescue Exhibition. 

Milipol International 

Internal State Security 

Paris, France – November 27-30, 2007 

[http://www.milipol.com] 

Milipol is devoted to security and anti-criminal technologies and the one meeting point 

for all international decision-makers for public and industrial security. To participate in 

the U.S. Pavilion, please contact [http://www.kallman.com]. 

3/29/2006


[Cara.Boulesteix@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: 33-1 43 12 22 79 


3/29/2006

Computers and Peripherals (CPT) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 676 779 839 

Total Imports 6,543 7,555 8,134 


Exchange rate: USD1.00 E 0.8840 E 0.8039 E 0.8064 


France has the third largest IT market in Western Europe, after Germany and the United 

Kingdom. France’s IT market which includes computer hardware, packaged software, 

and IT services was valued at USD 52.7 billion in 2004 and represented approximately 

17 percent of the total western European IT market. Computer hardware, including 

local-area- and wide-area-networking equipment, was the next largest segment, 

accounting for approximately 29 percent and valued at USD 15.2 billion. 

The computer and peripherals market has grown by 8 percent in 2005 from 5 percent in 

2004. It is anticipated to reach 10 percent growth in 2006. The market is more than 

ever boosted by the sale of consumer electronics, especially mobile devices such as 

smart phones, I-mode, 3G and PDAs. The level of penetration in individual homes is 43 

percent. 

The French public sector has greatly contributed to the boost in IT sales, as it currently 

represents 6 percent of total IT investments. The French government continues its effort 

to maximize the use of the Internet in order to improve the quality of its service to the 

public while generating significant savings. Its Government Action Program for an 

Information Society (PAGSI), launched in January 1998, has invested billions of dollars 

in the automation of three key services: VAT declaration, customs declaration, and the 

filing of social contributions by employees. In addition, more and more French taxpayers 

fill out their income tax reports on the Internet. 

Internet Connections and High-Speed Connections 

Over 25 million French people regularly access the Internet, a 10 percent increase from 

2004. In addition, 15 million users can access high-speed Internet from their homes, 

either through cable or ADSL, which represents a dramatic 53 percent increase from the 

previous year. The widespread availability of high-speed Internet connections have 

greatly stimulated demand for IT solutions because they make applications run faster 

and provide richer audio-visual content. As a consequence, Internet-users use highspeed 

connections for 17.21 hours per month against 5.30 through a standard 

connection. At the business level, 98 percent of French SMEs use PCs; 80 percent are 

connected to the Internet, over 50 percent have websites. SMEs (49 percent) have 

websites to provide services to their clients and suppliers, whereas French corporations 

(79 percent) have sites to promote their images. However, only 17 percent engage in E- 

3/29/2006

commerce. Use of the Internet among corporations is divided into the following 

activities: E-mail (84 percent); research of information (68 percent); customer-supplier 

relations (60 percent); banking consultation (56 percent); booking reservations (55 

percent); bids (24 percent); banking transactions (38 percent); financial offers (5 

percent). WIFI access has seen dramatic success in with most major French 

metropolitan areas, airports and train stations providing this type of Internet wireless 

access. 

Servers 

The five top server manufacturers are IBM (45 percent); HP (23 percent); Groupe Bull 

(48 percent); Sun (56 percent); Dell (13 percent) and Fujitsu-Siemens (7.2 percent). 

Estimated at USD 661 million, the server market has grown by 4 percent in 2005. 

French corporations continue decreasing expenditures related to maintenance and 

platform administration and supervision while increasing expenditures related to 

information system’s availability, security and quality of service. 

Personal Computers 

The French PC market experienced an unprecedented 30 percent growth in volume in 

2004, never reached in over six years, making France one of the most dynamic markets 

in Europe. Although purchases from SMEs remained dynamic, the market is pulled 

upwards by sales to large corporations that renew old equipment. The ten largest PC 

manufacturers are NEC CI, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, IBM, Fujitsu- Siemens, 

Toshiba, Apple, Continental Edison, and Acer. The PC market has grown by 15 percent 

in 2004. The sale of portable PC’s has exploded since 2002, and this trend will 

continue, as mobility in a wireless environment is becoming a priority for individuals and 

professionals alike. More than half of all PCs sold in 2005 are portable. The breakdown 

of the market is HP (26 percent); Toshiba (16 percent); Dell (14 percent), Levono (ex- 

IBM) (8 percent), NEC (7 percent), Acer (6 percent), Sony (5 percent), and Apple (4 

percent). Direct PC sales are anticipated to reach 25 percent in 2005. 

Printers 

The market for printing products reached USD 4.3 billion in 2005 and grew by 7 percent 

over the previous year. This market is pulled upwards by the sale of multi-function 

printers, whose sales exploded to exceed 3.5 million units in 2005, or 33 percent growth. 

The average price of a multi-function inkjet printer dropped to USD 243, from USD 593 

million in 2001. More than 130,000 color laser printers have been sold in 2005, an 

increase of 53 percent from 2004. This growth is primarily related to prices that have 

dropped by 8 percent, with an average price-per-unit of $1300. Sales of photograph 

printers have also dramatically risen by 92 percent with 230,000 units sold, with a 

corresponding market share for color cartridges that increased by 3.5 percent to reach 

47.4 percent. Further, a total of 300,000 scanners should be sold in 2005, a drop of 38 

percent. However, the average per-unit sale price has risen to USD 217. 

On the other hand, sales of standard inkjet printers have dropped 6 percent to 2.6 million 

units. Sales of single-color laser printers have dropped 7 percent to 570,000 units at a 

price averaging USD 550. Over 60 percent of inkjet cartridges are sold in hypermarkets 

because of their attractive pricing and accessibility. 

HP controls 44 percent of the printer market, followed by Lexmark and Epson. The toner 

cartridge market represents a major source of revenue. The market share of 

compatibles dropped slightly in 2005 to reach 13.7 percent. 

3/29/2006


Portable devices (laptops, palmtops, smart phones, etc.) 

Wireless solutions 

I-mode related products 

Portable storage devices (USB keys, hard-drives, etc.) 


The ATAWAD (i.e. “any time, anywhere, any device”) era causes the French to 

increasingly seek portable solutions that provide them with permanent access to data 

across the Internet, whether personal or professional. The market for devices such as 

laptops, palmtops, and blackberries is therefore expected to explode. Great 

opportunities are also available for wireless solutions both for the home and the office. 


International Data Corporation (IDC) [http://www.idc.fr] 

Pierre Audoin Consultants (PAC) [http://www.pac-online.fr] 

BIPE (leading European provider of forward-looking economic analyses and consulting 

services) [http://www.bipe.fr] 


[Charles.Defranchi@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 28 63 


3/29/2006

Telecommunications Equipment (TEL) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 7,265 8,221 8,872 

Total Imports 7,280 7,940 9,434 


E 0.8840 E 0.8039 E 0.8064 

Exchange rate: 

USD1.00 


The IT and telecommunications market is currently being supported by the broadband 

and wireless telephony sectors which should continue their rapid growth and further 

drive the industry. The French broadband market is going through an amazingly phase 

of growth and convergence. Fiber optic cable already forms the backbone of the French 

fixed line network, with direct links to large businesses and government administrations. 

Fiber connections to businesses continued to increase in 2005, while the first major 

residential connections (FTTH) should start in 2006. Meanwhile, the number of 

traditional wire line broadband connections to French residences is increasing steadily, 

dominated by ADSL. Usage of broadband capable, also known as “Third Generation” 

cell phones, is also growing, as they aggressively target a maturing French mobile 

sector. Wireless broadband connectivity is increasing as well, especially through the 

spread of public hot spots. For consumers, this rising access to broadband is enabling 

and driven by the growth of e-commerce and e-media consumption in France. For 

businesses, broadband connectivity is an increasingly integral part of marketing, 

communication and distribution strategies. 


General French business and consumer commitment to broadband consumption is 

clear; French Voice Over IP (VoIP) retail subscribers already number 1.5 million. French 

consumers, particularly among the younger generation, seem to adapt fully to the 

continuing convergence of technologies. Consumer demand for such services as video 

on demand, mobile television and videophones though in its infancy is still increasing. 

Also the exact combination of standards (UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMax, fiber, ADSL etc.) within 

France’s telecom infrastructure is currently being established. 


As broadband and wireless demand matures, the French market for telecom 

infrastructure, equipment and support services will offer many exciting prospects for 

American exporters. 

3/29/2006


Association of Internet Service Providers (AFA) www.afa-france.com] 

French Association of Network & Telecom Service Operators (AFORS) 

[www.aforstelecom.fr] 

Regulation Authority for Electronic and Postal Communication (Arcep) [www.arcep.fr] 

European Telecommunications standards Institute (ETSI) [www.etsi.org] 

Trade Association for the IT and Communications Sector (TICS) [www.alliance-tics.com] 


[Myrline.Mikal-Goide@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 29 80 


3/29/2006

Water Resources Equipment and Services (WRE) 


2003* 2004* 2005* 



Total Exports 3,449 3,708 4,000 

Total Imports 4,311 4,635 5,000 

Total Imports from U.S. 1,078 1,159 1,170 

Exchange Rate: USD 1.00 0.8840 0.8039 0.8064 


Source: French Ministry of Environment 

The total French market for water treatment equipment and related services is estimated 

to be worth USD 18.8 billion. A stable economy and financial institutions, stronger 

European Union (E.U.) regulations and the increasing costs associated with polluting 

have played a major role in an expanding market for water treatment equipment and 

services. In addition, greater interest in complying with environmental regulations by 

national and local government officials has stimulated this market. All these factors 

should contribute to substantial growth in 2006 and offer market opportunities in a 

number of areas. 


Best prospects include construction, operations, maintenance and repairs of small-to- 

medium-sized water treatment plants; wastewater sludge treatment; installation and 

maintenance of stand-alone sewage treatment tanks; remote monitoring technology; and 

water filters and purifiers. 


Small- and Medium-Sized Plants 

In order to comply with EU directives, France will have to construct major water 

distribution and wastewater treatment facilities covering all of France. In most cases, all 

of France’s regions will have to comply by 2006. These EU directives are expected to 

help stimulate a growing market over the next few years as the market shifts to the 

development of small and medium-sized wastewater and sewage plants capable of 

servicing communities of 10,000 inhabitants – equivalent or less, offering some of the 

most promising opportunities in the near future. This market is expected to continue to 

grow with a special emphasis on simple, flexible and low cost plants that conform to all 

European norms. However, due to the enormous outlays involved, many regions will be 

granted additional time to meet these higher standards. Moreover, an aging water and 

wastewater infrastructure will require billions of dollars in repairs, replacements and 

renovations of clean water and sewer lines over the next decade. 

3/29/2006

Wastewater Sludge Treatment 

Wastewater sludge treatment has remained a hot topic in France. Currently, 30 percent 

of sludge is incinerated, 31 percent goes to landfills, and 39 percent is used as fertilizer. 

The French government continues to recommend recycling and fertilizing as the primary 

disposal method for wastewater sludge. However, this practice has met resistance from 

the general public due to health and safety concerns and from the agriculture industry for 

pollution liability concerns. The government has consequently, strengthened its resolve 

to improve recycling techniques (e.g., composting, dehydration) and broaden the range 

of applications (e.g., farming, landscaping, revegetation) for recycled sludge. Sludge 

treatment technologies will continue to be in big demand into the foreseeable future. 

Stand-alone Sewage Treatment Systems 

Currently there are 5.3 million non-municipal sewage treatment systems (4 million septic 

and stand-alone sewage treatment tanks) in France. According the French authorities 

over 90 percent of these systems do not conform to the French Water Agencies 

Directives (over half of the stand alone units do not comply with current or future 

environmental regulations). They will, therefore, need to be replaced or revamped. 

Approximately 200,000 septic tank units per year are expected to be installed by 2006. 

Managing and maintaining these installations has become a top priority for end-users. 

However, very few qualified companies are capable of providing this service. This is 

expected to continue to stimulate strong growth into the near future. 

Remote Monitoring Technology 

With the arrival of broadband networks, remote monitoring technology has become 

extremely prevalent. The industry is continuously restructuring to leverage these new 

and evolving technological capabilities. Consequently, water and wastewater operators 

are in constant search of equipment and instrumentation that can increase operation 

efficiency and decrease total cost of ownership. Market players will be looking for 

technology with broader applications, easy installation and greater flexibility and 

autonomy. 

Analytical Instrumentation 

The European Directive for water quality adopted in 2000, which requires all natural 

existing bodies of water to attain satisfactorily ecological state by 2015, is expected to 

drive the market for biological and toxic substances analytical instrumentation. 

Water Filters, Purifiers and Membranes 

Exports decreased by 8.3 percent while imports increased by 9.7 percent in 2004 

compared to 2003, which may indicate a growing market for local consumption. This 

offers an important opportunity for U.S. companies, which are generally market leaders 

in this sector. Organic membranes for urban wastewater treatment and reclaimed water 

is an emerging market. Membranes capable of treating wastewater discharged into 

sensitive ecological systems are also in high demand. 


Union des Entreprises et Industries de l’Eau et de l’Environnement 

The French Federation for the Water and Environmental Industries 

[http://www.french-water.com] 

3/29/2006

Canalisateurs de France (French Waterline Constructors Association) 

[http://www.canalisateurs.com] 

SNITER (Syndicat National des Industries du Traitement des Eaux) 

National Association for the Water Treatment Industry 

UAE (Union des Entreprises d’Affinage de l’Eau) 

French Water Quality Association 

[http://french-water.com/uae/uae.html] 


[Everett.Wakai@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: 33-1 43 12 20 45 


3/29/2006

Medical Equipment (MED) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 2,108 2,198 2,286 

Total Imports 2,694 2,850 2,964 

Imports from the U.S. 795 822 860 



Total market demand in France for medical equipment was expected to have reached 

USD 5.3 billion in 2005, with imports accounting for USD 3 billion. Imports from the 

United States were forecast at USD 860 million, or almost 29 percent of total imports. 

This percentage is expected to remain approximately the same over the next three years, 

with overall market demand growing at a rate of 4 percent annually. 

The best sales prospects for medical equipment include newly developed areas such as 

non-invasive surgery, orthopedic and disposable medical equipment. Healthcare 

professionals are highly optimistic about new technologies such as telemedicine, which 

is expected to have a major impact on medical care institutions. The recent growth of 

American medical procedures and techniques in France such as (outpatient) same-day 

surgery should benefit American medical product manufacturers. 


Diagnosis 

The diagnostic sub-sector represents 35 percent of the total medical equipment market. 

State-of-the-art diagnostic medical imaging systems are in great demand. Applications 

for this technology already exist for pediatrics, cardio-vascular care, digestion, urology, 

and spinal/nerve treatment. As it is well-accepted and effective, the demand for this type 

of technology will continue to grow. Health care professionals are very optimistic about 

a feature of medical imagery equipment known as "image networking." This will 

dramatically improve diagnostics by providing an image data bank that will enable 

specialists to compare the image of a current case to hundreds of previous cases. 

Rehabilitation 

This sub-sector represents 26 percent of the total medical equipment market. It includes 

all types of disposable medical products. The increasing elderly population reinforces 

the demand for all kinds of disposable equipment and supplies such as incontinence 

products and care kits used by nurses and families for home-care. 

3/29/2006

Surgery 

The surgical instruments and supplies sub-sectors represent approximately 17 percent 

of the total sector. Recent developments in the non-invasive surgery field could have a 

strong impact on everyday practices at hospitals. These latest advances offer superior 

results and also present a significantly reduced risk to patients. 

Technical Aids 

The French market for medical prosthesis, 8 percent of the total medical equipment 

market, is characterized by a strong potential for innovative internal prosthesis such as 

knees, hips, ligaments, and elbows, and with a slightly decreasing market for external 

prosthesis. The technological evolution, especially in the field of anesthesia, offers the 

potential for rapid changes in this market. 

Intensive Care 

Intensive care equipment such as respiratory monitoring, pumps and incubators 

represent about 8 percent of the total medical equipment market. Intensive care 

equipment includes the latest technological advances. Both public and private hospitals 

show a rising demand for intensive care equipment and supplies. 

Hygiene 

The hygiene sub sector represents approximately 6 percent of the total medical 

equipment sector. Patient and medical personnel safety is of growing concern to both 

members of the medical profession and the public. Best sales will certainly focus around 

assuring stringent personnel safety requirements. This is especially due to the concern 

regarding AIDS and all other contagious diseases. In the future, prevention should 

receive similar emphasis considering the present focus on protection. 


Although the idea of implementing controls on health expenditures is not foreign to 

developed countries, the expansion of such alternatives has caused a decline in the 

market for hospital-care equipment. This decline has created a demand for a whole new 

range of medical equipment that will facilitate fewer short and long stays in hospitals. 

The need for medical home-care and long-stay hospitalization for the increasing elderly 

will bring new prospects for the American medical equipment market. Consequently, the 

demand for medical equipment and products, which will assist new French health care 

controls, will continue to increase. 

3/29/2006


Approval and testing: 

G-MED (Groupement pour l'evaluation des dispositifs medicaux) 

National Agency for the Evaluation of Medical Equipment 

Web Site: [http://rwww.gmed.fr] 

S.N.I.T.E.M (Syndicat National de l'Industrie des Technologies Medicales) 

Medical Equipment Trade Association 

Web Site: [ http://www.snitem.fr] 


[Alain.Levy@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: 33-1 43 12 29 02 


3/29/2006

Automitive Parts Equipment (APS) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 19,917.0 22,417.0 22,793.0 

Total Imports 16,203.0 19,843.0 20,176.0 




France is the fourth largest European automotive market after Germany, the U.K. 

and Italy. With an estimated registered 2,013,709 new light vehicles (passenger and 

light commercial cars) in 2004, France has seen a positive trend concerning its 

automotive market. 

Renault, PSA, Toyota, Fiat and General Motors (Heuliez) produced 3,227,416 

passenger vehicles in 2004 in France. The two French car manufacturers Renault 

and PSA built 2,892,106 passengers cars out of the total (Toyota, Fiat and GM 

represented 335,310 passengers vehicles in 2004). Renault and PSA manufactured 

2,276,224 passenger vehicles destined for export. Nearly 55 percent of Renault and 

PSA passenger vehicle production remains in France with 80 percent being exported 

elsewhere in Europe. 

In 2004, the automotive component supplies industry as a whole employed some 

320,000 people and posted sales of USD 63 billion. On average, automotive suppliers 

are responsible for 75 percent of the industrial cost price of a passenger car produced in 

France. The remaining 25 percent corresponds to assembly (USD 10.5 billion for 

mechanical parts; USD 7.7 billion for plastics; USD 4.7 billion for tires; USD 4 billion for 

electronics; USD 3.4 billion for foundry products and USD 2 billion for rubber). 

French automotive parts suppliers’ sales reached approximately USD 30.4 billion 

in 2004 (+4 percent compared to 2003). The main categories of automotive parts 

included in this figure are: locks, volumetric oil and fuel pumps, miscellaneous machines, 

electrical equipment, measuring and checking instruments, transmission units, fuel 

supply and exhaust equipment, engine components, steering, suspension and braking 

systems, climate control equipment, seats and diagnostic instruments. This equipment 

is sold to the OEM market (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and the aftermarket, 

which includes the OES market (Original Equipment Suppliers) and the IAM market 

(Independent Market). It is very difficult to break down sales by product categories and 

even the French Vehicle Equipment Industries Association (FIEV http://www.fiev.fr) has 

not been able to provide us with this information. 

3/29/2006

OEM automotive part sales reached USD 25.8 billion, a 4 percent increase over 

2003, mainly due to the increase in French car production (the production of vehicles for 

the French market increased by 1.3 percent in 2004). Automotive parts suppliers 

increased their exports by 10 percent in 2004 compared with 2003. 

Automotive parts suppliers’ sales to the aftermarket (OES + IAM) increased by 3.5 

percent to reach more than USD 4.6 billion in 2004. This evolution is mainly due to 

two factors: 1) the increase in the number of registered light vehicles (passenger and 

light commercial cars which also includes second hand vehicles), which exceeded 35 

million units in 2004, and 2) the average age of light vehicles, which exceeded 8 years in 

2004. 


The automotive parts market in France is dominated by big multinational firms, many 

of them American with French or European operations. The FIEV (The French Vehicle 

Equipment Industries Association) is made up of the main parts and equipment suppliers 

in France. Large U.S. suppliers are already present in France and are doing well. 

Among the twenty top listed suppliers, eight are American (Delphi, Visteon, Johnson 

Controls, Lear, TRW Automotive, Dana, Arvin Meritor, Federal Mogul). There is little or 

no room for mid-sized exporters in this very closed market, as competitive requirements, 

transportation costs, etc., make it very difficult for firms not physically established here to 

sell their products to OEM and OES. The majority of the U.S. industry is supplying the 

French market from its European subsidiaries and pursuing joint ventures in France. 

The automotive industry association FIEV (French Vehicle Equipment Industries) has 

mapped the evolution of the supply chain, and it is obvious that French manufacturers 

encourage their key suppliers to co-locate to manufacturing plants adjacent to the 

assembly operations in France or elsewhere in Europe. Since France’s exports and 

imports of parts and components and assembled vehicles are largely within the Euro 

zone, the use of Euro as a transaction currency is a determining factor in source 

selection. 

Most of the larger vehicle manufacturers have rationalized their suppliers’ component 

bases and sub-assemblies and have stopped manufacturing parts in-house wherever 

possible. The trend is toward Tier One suppliers that provide complete sub-assemblies 

of parts sourced from a variety of Tier Two and Tier Three component manufacturers. 

Key suppliers are gaining greater competence in modules, systems, and even complete 

vehicle manufacture and have to meet the highest standards to be able to compete in 

this industry. 

Domestic parts suppliers are playing an increasingly greater part in the new world order 

as 42 percent of total sales is made outside of France and the level of imports between 

France and other EU countries is still increasing, especially with Germany, Italy, Spain 

and Central Europe. In 2004, imports of parts from the U.S. reached USD 628 millions, 

a 0.3 percent decrease compared with 2003. The recent tendency has been to source 

in foreign countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan and India to the detriment of the U.S. 

3/29/2006


Opportunities for U.S. suppliers will be on highly technological or innovative products in 

the context of the environment, security and recyclable materials, air conditioning 

products for the aftermarket, techniques and tools for cost savings and quicker collision 

repair services. 


EquipAuto 2007-Trade Show – October 2007 

Website: [http://www.equipauto.com] 

French Vehicle Equipment Industries Association 

Website: [http://www.fiev.fr] 


[Stephanie.Pencole@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 29 38 


3/29/2006

Agricultural Sectors Return to top 

Agricultural Machinery and Equipment (AGM) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 1,74 2,18 2,26 

Total Imports 2,66 3,25 3,33 




Please note that the significant dollar exchange devaluation increases the positive 

results trends 

France has the largest market for tractors and agricultural machinery (AGM) in Europe. 

Market figures for 2004 show average growth of nearly 13.3 percent over the previous 

year. Totaling USD 4.93 billion in 2004, it represents approximately 25 percent of the 

total European AGM market and is second only to the United States in AGM imports on 

a global level. The United States is one of France’s top suppliers of AGM in France 

(along with Germany and Italy), with a share of the current market estimated at 

approximately 10.6 percent. However, this percentage understates the U.S. presence, 

as many American companies have invested or set up local manufacturing plants. 


Growth in demand has come primarily from tractors (+ 5.3 percent in volume and 7.7 

percent in value), combine harvesters (+11.9 percent in volume) and high-density press 

balers (+ 37percent in volume). This pace is expected to level off slightly over the next 

two years, mainly due to global economic uncertainties and farmer anxiety. 

The best prospects for U.S. companies include harvesting and haymaking equipment, 

tractor spare parts and accessories, computerized management of livestock and quality 

control equipment for livestock feed, milk robots and self-propelled crop sprayers. The 

market for gardening machinery (for professional and non-professional use), such as 

electrical chain saws, lawn mowers and motor hoes, also offers very good opportunities 

for American firms. 


Industry analysts expect a leveling off of the agricultural machinery and equipment 

sector for the next two years. The European Union (EU) reforms of the Common 

Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU’s enlargement have resulted in uncertainty and in a 

general reluctance to invest from French farmers. However, increasing foreign 

3/29/2006

competition combined with lower agricultural product prices will continue to push wealthy 

farmers to further mechanize and automate. 

Innovation, especially in the security and reliability of agricultural vehicles and machines, 

has played an important role in the evolution of the sector. This trend should continue in 

the coming years. 


AGRESTE (Statistics Office from the Ministry of Agriculture) 

[http:// www.agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr] 

SEDIMA (National Association of Agricultural Service Companies and Machinery 

Distributors) 

[http:// www.sedima.fr] 

SIMA (International Agribusiness Show in Paris) 

[http:// www.simaonline.com] 


[Jacqueline.Munzlinger@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: 33-3 88 35 50 74 



3/29/2006

Plastics (PMR) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 6,330 7,320 7,560 

Total Imports 8,140 9,630 10,100 




Source: French Plastics Industry Association) 

With over 4000 companies (including 1400 companies employing more than 20 persons 

each) and a total workforce of over 155,000, the French plastics processing industry 

generated a turnover of USD 38.1 billion in 2004. The French plastics industry ranks 

fourth in the world after the United States, Japan and Germany. The trend toward 

alliances continues, and today multinational corporations and SMEs employing more 

than 100 persons account for 75 percent of the French plastics industry’s overall sales. 

In 2004 the French plastics industry enjoyed a good year in terms of both domestic sales 

(which grew by 6 percent) and exports sales (which grew by 7 percent compared to the 

previous year). Net profit remained at an estimated 2.6 percent of sales, but the 

investment level decreased by 1 percent, at 5 percent of industry turnover. The French 

Plastics Industry Association estimates that turnover for 2005 grew by 4 percent. 

In 2003, the French production of processed plastics products was broken down as 

follows: semi-finished products (35 percent), packaging (30 percent), technical parts (18 

percent), building products (13 percent), and miscellaneous (4 percent). In terms of 

sales, however, the picture is different, with technical parts accounting for 39 percent, 

packaging for 23 percent, building products for 17 percent, semi-finished products for 15 

percent and miscellaneous for 6 percent. 

European Union countries – specifically Germany, Italy and Belgium – account for 75 

percent of plastic products imported by France. The main non-EU suppliers to France 

are China, the United States, and Switzerland. In 2004, the United States sold USD 343 

million worth of plastic products to France, mostly technical parts worth USD 158 million 

and semi-finished products for USD 135 million. 


In plastics processing the cost of raw materials accounts for up to 40 percent of industry 

turnover. Since 2000, the price of these materials has increased regularly, by 30 to 60 

percent. In 2004, polyethylene prices were up 54 percent, polypropylene 40 percent and 

polystyrene 57 percent. Despite the sharp increase in the cost of raw materials, plastics 

converters were unable to increase prices significantly, especially in the automotive 

3/29/2006

industry. Customers made it clear that if prices were to rise, they would simply look for 

suppliers outside France. 

As a result, investment (in new equipment, machinery and technology) remains essential 

to increase productivity and maintain profits. Sourcing of raw materials at the lowest 

price possible is also of paramount importance. In this context, the current strength of 

the euro continues to give American companies a competitive advantage and offers 

niche-market opportunities to U.S. equipment, machinery, technology and raw materials. 


Europlast, the major French exhibition for the plastics industry, takes place in Paris 

every three years. It presents an ideal opportunity for US companies to study the 

potential of the French market, to assess European competition and to find French 

distributors. 

Europlast 2008 - Fall 2008 – Paris Nord Villepinte 

Web Site: [http://www.europlast-paris.com] 

Since there is no major plastics industry trade exhibition taking place in France until 

2008, American companies that wish to enter the market before then may want to 

consider Kunststoff (‘K”) in Germany (see details below). Many dynamic French 

distributors visit Kunststoff to seek innovative products and equipments for the plastics 

industry. Kunststoff offers U.S. companies a unique opportunity to meet with these 

potential French partners. 

Kunststoff – Dusseldorf, Germany 

Website: [http://www.messe-dusseldorf.de] 

Held every three years – Next edition: Fall 2007 


French Plastic Industry Association - FEDERATION DE LA PLASTURGIE 

Web Site: [http://www.laplasturgie.fr] 

U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist in Lyon: 

[Michel.Montet@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-4) 78 38 39 42 


3/29/2006

Telecommunication Services (TES) 


2003 2004 2005* 



Total Exports 706 755 715 

Total Imports 2,335 3,610 3,806 


Exchange rate USD1.00 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 Euro 0.8064 


The information technology and telecommunications services sector plays a central role 

in the French economy. The European Association for Competition in 

Telecommunications announced that France had become the largest broadband market 

in Europe. Indeed French broadband subscriptions have grown by over 67 percent in 

the last year alone and now exceed 7 million, surpassing traditional dial-up usage for the 

first time. Revenue from these high-speed subscriptions alone already exceeds $1 

billion annually. In France the overwhelmingly dominant mode of broadband connection 

is ADSL, representing 94 percent of broadband connections and 97 percent of growth. 

The French market for Internet is one of the more competitive in Europe. Also fueling 

competition is the rush to provide ever more convergent broadband services. Most 

French Internet providers already offer VoIP, a service that now has over 1.5 million 

customers. The top ISPs also offer Triple Play services (data, television and voice), a 

package that is quickly converging with mobile and wireless components. 

The arrival at the end of 2004 of third generation (3G) or UMTS cell phones, marked the 

emergence of broadband as a force in the French mobile sector. French cell phone 

usage is finally catching up with the European average, topping 70 percent penetration 

in 2005. Usage growth has been driven by the remarkably pervasive adoption by 

French consumers of SMS or text messaging services. It is the hope of mobile providers 

that consumers will likewise adopt the new services made possible by 3G technology, 

notably mobile television, mobile video phone and faster downloading speeds. France’s 

main cellular carriers have made enormous investments in 3G developments, spending 

several million dollars on the licensing alone. The competition between the top three 

mobile operators, SFR, France Telecom, and Bouygues, for broadband cell phone users 

has just begun. Each provider is offering consumers different packages of quality, 

functionality, geographical coverage and price. When fully developed, France’s 3G 

market will be highly lucrative. Despite its stuttering start, 3G subscriptions in France 

are still projected to generate some $7 billion in 2005 alone. 

Broadband is also growing in France through the emergence of wireless connectivity in 

both public and private domains. Paris has quickly become the third most wireless city 

in the world (after London and Tokyo). 

The “new” convergence of voice and data services being offered to French consumers 

has already existed for French businesses for some time. Current business packages 

3/29/2006

now integrate data and VoIP services with mobile telephone services. Very high speed 

Internet connectivity is already available for businesses in urban locations, thanks to 

France’s pre-existing fiber optic networks. These fiber optic networks are expanding 

further in 2005, especially for business customers. 


Third Generation (3G) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) 

promise to offer consumers the ability to engage in much more advanced activities via 

their mobile phones, including high-speed internet access and the capacity to send 

messages containing color images and audio files. This technology, along with highspeed 

wireless Internet service, and mobile commerce, should fuel significant growth in 

the future. 


Security is a major concern of the French consumer in regards to their online activities. 

French consumers have proven a willingness to pay greater amounts for better service, 

which for Internet services means better security. As broadband usage increases so will 

the demand for protection of online transactions, and the need for evolving solutions to 

old and new Internet menaces (Spam, Viruses, Fraud, etc.). If revelations of exposed 

financial and personal information continue to emerge internationally, French consumer 

confidence in some broadband services may wane. Indeed if demand for security is not 

satisfied, it may threaten the growth of demand for broadband in general. American 

companies have an advantage over European producers due to the fact that the time 

from conception to market readiness is much shorter for them in comparison to 

Europeans. American companies have historically been more efficient at meeting client 

demand. 


Internet Access Providers Association (AFA) [www.afa-france.com] 

Trade Association for the IT and Communications Sector (Alliance TICS) 

[www.alliance-tics.com] 

French Association of Network & Telecom Services Operators (AFORS) 

[www.Aforstelecom.fr] 

Trade Association of operators and telecommunications companies (SIOTEL) 

[www.siotel.org] 

French Association of Mobile Operators (AFOM) [www.form.fr] 

Regulation Authority for Electronic and Postal Communication (Arcep) 

[www.arcep.fr] 

French National Frequency Agency (ANF) [www.anfr.fr] 


[Myrline.Mikal-Goide@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 29 80 

3/29/2006


3/29/2006

Education Services (EDS) 


2003 - 2004 2004 - 2005 2005 – 2006 * 

Total Market Size *USD 19,280.0 *USD 19,750.0 *USD 19,545.0 

Total Local Production *USD 21,500.0 *USD 22,000.0 *USD 21,800.0 

French and Foreign 

Students in France 

(1,746,100) (1,779,500) (1,788,500) 

Total Exports 

*USD 3,000.0 *USD 3,025.0 *USD 3,025.0 

Foreign Students in 

France* 

(253,000) (255,589) (255,600) 

Total Imports 

*USD 780.0 *USD 775.0 *USD 770.0 

French Students Overseas (52,000) (50,000) 

(51,000) 

Imports from the U.S. 

*USD 160.2 *USD 151.3 *USD 150.1 

French Students in the 

U.S. 

(7,223) 

(6,818) 

(6,555) 


* Estimated figures in million USD and (unit person) 


Education abroad has increasingly become an important factor for French university 

graduates seeking to stand out in the employment market, especially with the expansion 

of the European Union. English is now effectively the business language of Europe. 

Best prospects within this sector include: intensive “American” English language training 

programs (summer programs for students or adults); programs in business 

administration; one-year university programs for French high-school graduates (postbaccalaureate) 

usually between graduation and entry into French university; secondary 

boarding schools; work/study programs (internships); academic summer camps; and 

undergraduate and graduate degrees. 


Opportunities exist for U.S. schools wishing to expand their enrollment of French 

students. A select number of undergraduate and graduate students prefer to go abroad 

to expand their university and post-graduate training and experience. For the academic 

year 2004-2005, over 14,554 student and exchange visas were issued in France for the 

United States (4,039 student visas and 9,515 exchange visitor visas). These French 

students generated more than USD 165 million in revenue due to tuition and living 

expenses. France ranks third in Europe, after Germany and the United Kingdom, as a 

source of students for U.S. educational institutions. Opportunities for U.S. schools are 

expected to continue growing due to the favorable view of the French toward studies in 

the United States. American educational institutions should increase their efforts to 

promote their programs in France. 

3/29/2006


Official organization: Fulbright Commission, [http://www.fulbright-france.org] 

Trade Events: 

SALON DES FORMATIONS Education: International Studies 

INTERNATIONALES January 7-8, 2006, Paris 

[http://www.letudiant.fr] 

EXPOLANGUES Foreign Language Educational Materials & Services 

[http://www.expolangues.fr] January 18-21, 2006, Paris 

PARIS MBA FORUM STUDYRAMA Education: MBA Programs 

[http://www.studyrama.com] February 24 – 25, 2006, Paris 

WORLD MBA TOUR Education: MBA Programs 

[http://www.topcareers.net] March 11, 2006, Paris 

SALON DE L'ETUDIANT DE PARIS Education: Bachelor & Graduate Studies 

[http://www.letudiant.fr] March 16-19, 2006, Paris 

U.S. Embassy Commercial Service Trade Specialist: 

[Valerie.Ferriere@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 27 70 


3/29/2006

TEXTILE (TXT) 


2003 2004 2005* 

Total Market Size 20,865** 22,396** 23,400 

Total Local Production 17,205** 18,112** 18,900 

Total Exports 11,046** 10,573** 10,800 

Total Imports 14,706** 14,857** 15,300 

Imports from the U.S. 63.8*** 57.1*** 57.3 

Exchange rate: USD1.00 0.8840 0.8039 E 0.8064 


** Official statistical figures including only textile companies employing at least 20 

people. 

*** Statistical import figures including French customs classification N0. 61-62- 63. 

In 2004, the French textile industry (including apparel) had about 1,100 companies 

employing at least 20 people. French textile companies (including apparel) generated a 

sales volume of USD 18.1 billions. In 2004, total French textile imports (including 

apparel) were valued at USD 14.8 billions, while total French textile exports (including 

apparel) for the same period amounted to USD 10.5 billions. 

The French textile industry is divided into the following three sectors: 

• Apparel, representing 74.0 percent of the industry with the following sub-sectors: 

- Women’s wear (54 percent) 

- Men’s wear (32 percent) 

- Children’s wear (11 percent) 

- Baby-wear (3 percent) 

• Technical textiles, representing 17.5 percent of the textile industry 

• Household textiles, representing 8.5 percent of the textile industry. 

In 2004, France’s major textile suppliers were Italy with a 25 percent share, China with 

14 percent, Germany and Belgium, both with 11 percent, Turkey with 9 percent, Spain 

with 8 percent, India and Portugal, both with 6 percent, and Morocco with 5 percent. 

The recent ending of the quotas on January 1, 2005 greatly affected the balance of the 

textile industry. As an immediate result, French imports of Chinese clothing grew by 30 

percent in value during the first two months of 2005. Sourcing from China is 

advantageous for several reasons: low wages, a favorable infrastructure, quality of the 

workforce, access to raw materials and ability to create a more efficient vertical supply 

chain. Consequently, European and American suppliers must face the challenge of 

competing against low-prices and large supplies. 

United States textile exports to France are mainly composed of sportswear and technical 

textiles. The advantages of American suppliers are their know-how and their ability to 

adapt quickly to the change. 

3/29/2006

Best Products/Services 

Return to top 

U.S. textile manufacturers have a strong reputation for their technological know-how. 

Best prospects within this sector are: 

• Textiles of the future, based on comfort, functionality, health and safety; 

• Technical textiles for sportswear (anti-bacterial, anti odor, breathable products); 

• Technical textiles for medical and transport products. 

Opportunities 

Return to top 

The best opportunities will be offered to U.S. companies that innovate using new 

technologies, especially for “the textiles of the future,” based on comfort, functionality, 

health and safety. 


Sources and textile trade associations: 

Union des Industries Textiles – U.I.T. 

(Textile Trade Association) 

Website: [http://www.textile.fr] 

[http://uit@textile.fr] 

Union Française des Industries de l’Habillement – U F I H 

(French Trade Association for apparel industries) 

[http:// www.ufih.fr ] 

Centre de Renseignements Statistiques des Douanes 

(French Customs Authorities – Statistical Data) 

[http://www.douane.gouv.fr] 

Major trade shows: 

• Lingerie trade show – [http://www.lingerie-paris.com] 

(February 2-5, 2006) 

• Lyon Mode City (lingerie, swimwear and fabrics) - 

[http://www.lyonmodecity.com] 

(September 1-4, 2006) 

• Women’s wear trade show – [http:// www.pretaporter.fr ] 

(February 2-5, 2006 / September 1-4, 2006) 

• Who’s Next trade show (International Lab for Fashion Trends) – 

[http:// www.whosnext.com ] 

(February 2-5, 2006 / September 1-4, 2006) 

• Premiere Vision (Fabrics trade show) – [http:// www.premierevision.fr ] 

(February 21-24, 2006 for spring-summer 07 / September 19-22, 2006 for fallwinter 

07-08) 


[Caroline.de.Villoutreysefranchi@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 26 98 

3/29/2006


3/29/2006

Direct Marketing and E-Commerce Business-to-Consumer (ECC) 


2003 2004 2005* 

Total Market Size 11.87 14.80 16.20 

Total Local Production N/a N/a N/a 

Total Exports N/a N/a N/a 

Total Imports N/a N/a N/a 

Imports from the U.S. N/a N/a N/a 



French direct marketing for consumer products and services is one of the largest 

markets in the world and one of the fastest growing in Europe, with a 13 percent growth 

rate between 2003 and 2004. This market represents 5 percent of the non-food retail 

business in France. It was valued at USD 14.8 billion (Euro 11.9 billion) in 2004, with 

product sales accounting for 79 percent of total sales, and sales of services accounting 

for 21 percent. 

In 2004, seventy-six percent of French households made average annual purchases of 

USD 595 through mail order. Textile products made up 39 percent of direct sales, with 

books and records accounting for 16 percent, and high tech products 11 percent. 

Although total mail-order sales are still dominant, a general downward trend has been 

observed in recent years due to telephone and, in particular, Internet sales undergoing a 

rapid expansion. In recent years, the total number of Internet users in France and the 

total number of commercial websites has increased drastically. Currently, there are 

approximately 25.8 million Internet users and over 13 million online buyers in France. 

Retail online sales estimates (B-to-C) in 2004 were USD 6.9 billion (5.52 Billion Euros) 

and accounted for 46 percent of total direct marketing sales, while they represented only 

8 percent in 2000. Total online sales of products and services increased by 53 percent 

from 2003 to 2004, confirming the expected prominent role that the Internet will have in 

the future of direct marketing sales. 

Internet consumers’ primary purchases are services (81 percent), while product 

purchases only account for 38 percent. 


The leading sectors continue to be consumer electronics (computers, cameras, mobile 

phones), transportation services (airfares, train), textile and accessories and tourism. 

These categories represent the most significant market share of the direct marketing 

sector. 

3/29/2006


The categories of products that have reported the best growth rates in 2004 are 

consumer electronics; computers, cameras, mobile phones (plus 72 percent) and 

cultural products; books, CDs, DVD’s (plus 10 percent). 


French Direct Marketing Association (Fédération de la Vente à Distance – FEVAD): 

Website: [http://www.fevad.com] 

E-commerce Trade Association (Association pour le commerce et les services en ligne – 

ACSEL): 

Website: [http://www.acsel.asso.fr] 

Trade event: Direct Marketing Show (product and service providers to the industry) 

MD Expo Paris 

Website: [http://www.md-expo.com] 


[Rose.Marie.Faria@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-1) 43 12 21 49 


3/29/2006

Construction Equipment (CON) 


2003 2004* 2005* 


Domestic Production 3,97 4,36 4,50 

Total Exports 2,55 2,81 2,90 

Total Imports 1,97 2,17 2,24 




Source: French National Association of Construction Equipment Manufacturers 

France's heavy construction equipment market has experienced an upturn in recent 

years. It is the fifth largest market in the world, after the United States, Japan, Germany, 

and the United Kingdom. 

The United States is France’s seventh provider of construction equipment, representing 

4.8 percent of total imports in 2004. 

Market demand depends primarily on the status of the construction industry. In 2004, 

France’s construction equipment market was estimated at USD 4.92 billion. This 

includes construction equipment for the building, handling and metallurgy industry. 

Market experts estimate that total sales of construction equipment in France will 

increase, predicting a rise of 2.5 to 3 percent for 2005. 

Material production machinery and hydraulic excavators represented the largest sectors 

in 2004, with a market share of about 24 percent each. 


France is a strong market for U.S. exporters of construction equipment. Hydraulic 

excavators are set to retain the biggest share of the market, with an expected value 

share of 27 percent in 2007. 

There is also an increasing demand for smaller machines used primarily for urban works 

projects. Among machines that offer the best sales prospects are compact shovels, 

hydraulic wheeled loaders, backhoe loaders, skid-steer loaders and compact 

excavators. Machines that offer operational versatility are more attractive to contractors. 

End-users are requiring improved post-sales service with qualified technicians and 

prompt availability of spare parts. 


Major trade event in France: 

INTERMAT - April 24-29, 2006 - Paris Nord, Villepinte 

Web site: [http://www.intermat.fr/en/2006/index.htm] 

3/29/2006


National Association of Equipment Industries (M.T.P.S) 

Web site: [http://www.mtps.org/] 

U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist in Marseille: 

[Eva.Prevost@mail.doc.gov] – Phone: (33-4) 91 54 96 23 


3/29/2006


Chapter 5: Trade Regulations and Standards 

• Import Tariffs 

• Trade Barriers 

• Import Requirements and Documentation 

• U.S. Export Controls 

• Temporary Entry 

• Labeling and Marking Requirements 

• Prohibited and Restricted Imports 

• Customs Regulations and Contact Information 

• Standards 

• Trade Agreements 


Import Tariffs Return to top 

Member states of the European Union have established a Community Integrated Tariff 

(TARIC) system, where duties are applied to imports from non-EU countries. TARIC 

was established by the 1958 Treaty of Rome as part of the European Economic 

Community (EEC). The Uruguay Round has reinforced the Single Market program. It 

focuses on the consolidation of an integrated European market, rather than on 

developing new policy directions. There are combined bilateral, regional, and 

multilateral policies. 

Duties levied on imports from non-EU countries, including the United States, are 

moderate. Most raw materials enter duty-free or at low rates, most manufactured goods 

are subject to rates between 5 and 17 percent. Most agricultural product imports are 

covered by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), subjecting many items to varied 

levies designed to equalize the prices of imported commodities with those produced in 

the EU. Agricultural products are strictly regulated based on EU and French standards. 

France and other EU member states have a network of bilateral and regional trade 

agreements – some with countries that are candidates for accession to the EU - that is 

expanding rapidly. The EU has entered into customs union agreements (with Turkey, 

Cyprus, Andorra and Malta) and 26 free trade agreements under either GATT Article 

XXIV or GATS Article V. There are free trade agreements (two-way free trade without 

common external tariffs) and other sorts of preferential trade agreements with Norway, 

Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, 

Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, 

Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Algeria. Free Trade Agreements 

with Mexico and South Africa were concluded in 1999. The EU provides non-reciprocal 

preferential access to its markets to ACP countries (African, Caribbean and Pacific 

developing countries) under the Cotonou Agreement, and to other developing countries 

under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). 

3/29/2006

To export consumer-ready food products to France, a U.S. exporter should consider 

market access restrictions and food laws. Most processed products entering the 

European Union and France are subject to additional import charges based on the 

percentage of sugar, milk fat, milk protein and starch in the product. These additional 

import charges may make certain imported processed products non-competitive in the 

European market, vis-a-vis similar products produced in the EU. Interested U.S. 

exporters should contact the Office of Agricultural Affairs for up-to-date information on 

this issue. 

The EU tariff schedule is based on the Customs Cooperation Council Nomenclature 

(CCCN), which is also referred to as the Harmonized System. This system was 

introduced to provide a standard tariff classification regime for all products imported and 

exported throughout the world. Agriculture has high import tariffs in order to maintain a 

strict regime of what type of produce and meat are accepted into the EU. Hormonetreated 

beef continues to be banned by the EU despite WTO rulings that the ban violates 

international trade agreements. The decreasing average for industrial manufacturing 

goods is expected to be around 3 per cent over the next few years. 

Trade Barriers Return to top 

For coverage of trade barriers that concern all EU countries, please see the chapter on 

the European Union in the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, 

published annually by USTR and available at the website: [http://www.ustr.gov/]. The 

following concerns trade barriers specific to France. 

Enforcement of complex technical standards and lengthy testing procedures sometimes 

appears to exceed reasonable requirement levels needed to assure proper performance 

and safety, for example in the areas of electronics, telecommunications equipment, and 

agriculture phyto-sanitary standards. There has been progress towards removal of nontariff 

barriers in trade with France and other EU countries under WTO agreements and in 

the context of the transatlantic dialogue, and toward harmonization of standards through 

mutual recognition agreements (MRAs). 

The 1989 EU Broadcast Directive requiring a "majority proportion" of television 

programming to be of European origin was incorporated into French legislation on 

January 21, 1992. France specifies a percentage of European programming (60 

percent) and French programming (40 percent). These broadcast quotas were 

approved by the EU Commission and became effective on July 1, 1992. They are less 

stringent than France's previous quota provisions, which required that 60 percent of all 

broadcasts be of EU origin, and that 50 percent be originally produced in French. The 

60 percent European/40 percent French quotas are applicable throughout the day, as 

well as during prime time slots. The prime time rules go beyond the requirements of the 

EU Broadcast Directive and limit market access for U.S. programs. Nevertheless, the 

market share of U.S. films and television shows remains high. Similar quotas affect 

radio broadcasting as well. 

Under legislation enacted in the early 1990s, the French government requires non-EU 

lawyers to qualify as "avocats," on the basis of full-fledged membership in the French 

bar. Legal consulting service providers in foreign and international law are required to 

3/29/2006

e licensed in French law. Non-EU firms are not permitted to establish branch offices in 

France under their own names. Also, foreign lawyers and firms are not permitted to form 

partnerships with or hire French lawyers. Furthermore, the professional category of 

"legal consultant" no longer exists in France. 

Concerning accounting services, there is a nationality requirement for establishment, 

which can be waived at the discretion of the French authorities. However, an applicant 

for such a permit must have lived in France for at least five years. 

Import Requirements and Documentation Return to top 

Import and export transactions exceeding euros 12,500 in value must be conducted 

through an approved banking intermediary. Goods must be imported/exported no later 

than six months after all financial and customs arrangements have been completed. 

For products originating in countries other than EU member states or participants in the 

World Trade Organization (WTO), and for a limited number of products considered to be 

sensitive, a specific import/export license may be required by product or by category of 

products. Otherwise, the following documents are required to import into France: 

Shipping Documents - - The documents generally required by France on all sea and air 

shipments from the United States include the commercial invoice, the bill of lading or air 

waybill, and a certificate of origin. 

Commercial Invoice - - As in a domestic transaction, the commercial invoice is a bill for 

the goods from the buyer to the seller. No special form of commercial invoice is 

prescribed but the firm's letterhead may be used. The invoice should contain the 

following details both in English and French: 

• Names and addresses of seller and buyer 

• Place and date the invoice was prepared 

• Method of shipment 

• Number, kind and markings of the packages and their numerical order 

• Exact description of the goods-customary commercial description according to 

kind, quality, grade, etc., with special emphasis on factors increasing or 

decreasing their value 

• Quantity of goods, expressed in units customary in international trade 

• Agreed price of the goods (unit cost, total cost, including shipping and 

insurance charges, as well as other expenses charged to the costs of the Goods) 

• Delivery and payment terms 

Although not a requirement, it is advisable to have the signature of a responsible official 

of the exporting firm on each invoice. 

Bill of Lading or Air Waybill - - This is a contract between the owner of the goods and the 

carrier. Either a straight or negotiable bill of lading is acceptable. No consular 

formalities are required and shipments may be made freight collect 

3/29/2006

Certificate of Origin - - This document certifies that the goods entering French territory 

are made in the United States, and thus are subject to the duties, taxes and restrictions 

that apply to U.S. goods. Although certificates of origin are not expressly required for all 

imports into France, they are strongly recommended. If a certificate of origin does not 

accompany a shipment, it may be held up by customs. French authorities accept 

certificates of origin certified by the local U.S. Chambers of Commerce. 

Other Documents - - Information on documents required for exportation to France of 

agricultural products (including food items) as well as plants and animals are available in 

the Foreign Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture. Owing to the 

complexities of these regulations, U.S. exporters should also obtain information directly 

from the importer prior to shipment. 

For information on duties, taxes, and documentation, contact one of the following two 

offices: 

Office of European Community Affairs 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

14th & Constitution, Rm. 3314 

Washington, D.C. 20230 

Tel: (202) 482-5276 

Fax: (202) 482-2897 

Email: [tic@ita.doc.gov] 

Web Site: [http://www.ita.doc.gov] 

French Custom’s Attache 

French Embassy 

Office B-254 

4101 Reservoir Road N.W. 

Washington D.C. 20007-2169 

Phone: 202 944 63 94 

Fax: 202 944 65 17 

E-mail: washington.douane@missioneco.org 

French Customs 

Web Site: [http://www.douane.minefi.gouv.fr/] 

U.S. Export Controls Return to top 

France cooperates with its trading partners, including the U.S., to control the export of 

products and technologies with potential defense applications. There are no other 

restrictions or regulations on the export of merchandise from France, with the exception 

of strategic products (including arms and dual-use technologies) and antiques. Before 

exporting these latter items, special licenses must be obtained from customs officials to 

insure that the objects being exported are not a part of the national heritage of France. 

For exports from the U.S., information on U.S. export controls is available from: 

3/29/2006

Bureau of Industry and Security 


Washington, DC 20230 

Website: [http://www.bis.doc.gov] 

[http://bxa.fedworld.gov] 

And 

Defense Trade Controls 

Bureau of Political Military Affairs 

U.S. Department of State 

Washington, DC 20522-0112 

Tel: (202) 663-2700 

Fax: (202) 261-8264 

Web site: [https://www.pmdtc.org] 

Temporary Entry Return to top 

Samples and Carnets: Samples with no intended commercial value enter France free of 

duties and taxes. When sending such samples parcel post, the sender must specify 

what types of samples are being shipped. "No commercial value" should be written on 

the appropriate shipping documents. 

In order for samples of commercial value to enter France duty-free and tax-free, a bond 

or deposit of the total amount of duties and taxes must be arranged. Samples must be 

re-exported within one year if the deposit is to be recouped. An alternative to placing 

such a deposit is applying for an ATA Carnet. 

ATA Carnet: An ATA carnet is a special international customs document designed to 

simplify and streamline customs entry procedures for merchandise into participating 

countries for up to one year. The initials "ATA" are an abbreviation of the French and 

English words "Admission Temporaire” and “Temporary Admission." Customs authorities 

in the United States and France accept carnets as a guarantee that all customs duties 

and excise taxes will be paid if any of the items covered by the carnet are not reexported 

within the time period allowed. Carnets may be used for commercial samples, 

professional equipment, and goods destined for exhibitions and fairs. 

To inquire about or apply for an ATA Carnet, contact the U.S. Council for International 

Business: 

3/29/2006 

USCIB 

Carnet Department 

1212 Avenue of the Americas 

New York, NY 10036 

Telephone: (866) 786-5625; (212) 703-5078 

Fax: (212) 944-0012 

Email: [atacarnet@uscib.org] 

West Coast office: 

Telephone: (415) 564-2600 

E-mail: [franca.gargiulo@att.net]

Labeling and Marking Requirements Return to top 

U.S. firms entering the French market are strongly advised to examine EU as well as 

French laws. Each European Union country is integrating the rulings of the EU into its 

national legislation. As much legislation regarding labeling is still in the developmental 

stage, EU labeling regulations and standards need to be carefully monitored. 

Manufacturers should be mindful that, in addition to the EU’s mandatory and voluntary 

schemes, French voluntary labeling schemes might still apply. These schemes may be 

highly appreciated by consumers, and thus, become unavoidable for marketing 

purposes. Labeling in France serves an increasingly informational and even promotional 

role. Labels often act as "silent salespeople," especially due to the recent growth of 

large retail stores offering little sales assistance. 

Manufacturers are advised to take note that all labels require metric units, although dual 

labeling is also acceptable until end of December 2009. The use of language on labels 

has been the subject of a Commission Communication, which encourages multilingual 

information, while preserving the freedom of Member States to require the use of the 

language of the country of consumption. 

The EU has mandated that certain products be sold in standardized quantities. Council 

Directive 80/232/EC provides permissible ranges of nominal quantities, container 

capacities and volumes of a variety of products: [http://europa.eu.int/eurlex/en/consleg/main/1980/en_1980L0232_index.html] 

The EU adopted legislation in 1992 (revised in 2000) to distinguish environmentally 

friendly production through a voluntary labeling scheme called the Eco-label. The 

symbol, a green flower, is a voluntary mark. The Eco-label is awarded to producers who 

can show that their product is less harmful to the environment than similar such 

products. This “green label” also aims to encourage consumers to buy green products. 

However, the scheme does not establish ecological standards that all manufacturers are 

required to meet to place products on the market. Products without the EU Eco-label 

can still enter the EU as long as they meet the existing health, safety, and environmental 

standards and regulations. 

There are concerns in the United States that the EU Eco-labeling program may become 

a de facto trade barrier; may not enhance environmental protection in a transparent, 

scientifically sound manner; may not be open to meaningful participation by U.S. firms; 

and may discriminate unfairly against U.S. business. The EU Eco-label is a costly 

scheme (up to EUR 1,300 for registration and up to EUR 25,000/ year for the use of the 

label, with a reduction of 25 percent for SMEs) and has therefore not been widely used 

so far. However, the Eco-label can be a good marketing tool and, given the growing 

demand for green products in Europe, it is likely that the Eco-label will become more and 

more a reference for green consumers. 

Basic Labeling Requirements: 

Though many labeling regulations are sector-related, the following information is 

generally required for all categories of products: 

3/29/2006

Origin: Cite country of origin. 

Language: Labels must be written in French. French or international law must have 

authorized any foreign words or abbreviations. The writing must be clear and nonpromotional. 

Designation: State what the product is. For example: "olive oil." 

Brand Names/Trademarks: Any name symbols and marks relating to the product must 

be found on the exterior of the packaging, the product label, and the bottle-top or lid, as 

the case applies. The manufacturer can only use registered brand names and 

trademarks. 

Composition: All ingredients or materials constituting the product must be listed. 

Usage Instructions: Explain how the product is to be used. 

Required Dates: These include when the product was made, the consumption limit for 

perishable items, and recommended "use by" date for pre-packaged and frozen food 

products. 

Qualifiers: For example: "made by hand" on leather goods. 

Name/Address of Manufacturer or Vendor 

Specifications: Labels must inform the consumer of any particular product limitations or 

sales conditions. 

Price: The price (including all taxes) must be marked on packaged goods or on the 

shelves, while they must be indicated on mail order. 

Bar Code Price Labeling (GENCOD): Stores are increasingly using this system to speed 

up the passage of clients at cash registers. GENCOD, France's bar code price labeling 

system, is generally used for products with a low per-unit value and rapid turnover, as 

well as for food and non-food products requiring an individual price marking because of 

their value, nature, or presentation. 

Quality and Ecological Labels: More established quality seals and labels exist in France 

than in any other European country. Though desirable because they offer extra 

information to the customer, they are not mandatory. 

Quality Labels: There are two types of French quality certificates: 

- Certificates issued by professional associations: each must be contacted individually 

for more information. For a list of professional associations, contact the "Mouvement 

des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)": 

MEDEF 

31, avenue Pierre-1er-de-Serbie 

75784 Paris Cedex 16 

3/29/2006

France 

Phone: (33) 1.40.69.44.44 

Fax: (33) 1.47.23.47.32 

Web Site: [http://www.medef.fr/] 

- Certificates issued by AFNOR that controls the coveted and highly regarded French 

"NF" Mark, certifies that a product complies with all applicable French standards. 

AFAQ AFNOR Certification 

116, avenue Aristide Briand – BP 40 

92224 Bagneux Cedex – France 

Phone.: 33-1 46 11 37 00 

Fax: 33 1 46 11 39 40 

e-mail: certification@afaq.afnor.org 

Environmental Labels: AFNOR also issues the "NF Environment" label, which certifies 

that a specific product meets the environmental criteria to qualify for a NF mark. This 

label is available for all types of products (source: AFNOR, NF Environnement Service 

ph.: (33-1) 41.62.80.00 – Web: [http://www.marque-nf.com]. Currently, an "NF 

Environment" label can be issued for paints, lubricants, trash bags, and household 

chemicals, heating equipment, cosmetics, insulating materials and papers. 

Biotech products labeling and trace ability: 

Biotech products labeling and trace ability is harmonized in the European Union. It was 

introduced in the Directive 2001/18/CE regulating the release of genetically modified 

organisms into the environment. This Directive is currently being transposed into French 

national law: a bill prepared by the French government is going to be discussed for vote 

in the French Parliament in Spring 2005. The French Ministry of Agriculture is the 

leading authority regulating living genetically modified organisms. 

The Trace Ability and Labeling Regulation 1830/2003 for biotech products, and the 

Novel Food/Novel Feed Regulation 1829/2003 were adopted in October 2003 and 

implemented EU-wide in April 2005. At the French level, the Fraud Control Office of the 

French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry control that the EU Regulations are 

properly implemented by the industry. 

Directive 2001/18/CE: 

[http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/l_106/l_10620010417en00010038.pdf] 

Regulation 1829/2003: 




French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Rural Affairs: 

[http://www.ogm.gouv.fr/] 

Fraud Control Office of the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry: 

[http://www.finances.gouv.fr/minefi/ministere/directions_services/index.htm] 

3/29/2006

Prohibited and Restricted Imports Return to top 

N/A 

Customs Regulations and Contact Information Return to top 

French Customs: 

Direction des Douanes 

Hotel de Cambaceres 

2 rue Montalembert 

75007 Paris 

Postal Address: - 75700 PARIS 07 SP 

France 

Phone: (33-1).40.04.04.04 

Web Site: [http://www.douane.gouv.fr/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.douane.gouv.fr/Listetheme.asp?cusnum=566] 

[http://www.douane.minefi.gouv.fr/] 

French Customs Legislation “Code des Douanes”: 

Web Site: 

[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/RechercheSimplePartieCode;jsessionid=BS2axh 

RR8sathfVfMzjIyCJ5WT1ywCIPwUW4j1wqGjouv3ZHwGj2!1083160977!iwsspad6.legifr 

ance.tours.ort.fr!10038!-1!-1385757493!iwsspad4.legifrance.tours.ort.fr!10038!- 

1?commun=&code=CDYANES0.rcv] 

European Union Taxation and Customs Regulation: 

Web Site: [http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/customs/index_en.htm] 

Standards Return to top 

• Overview 

• Standards Organizations 

• Conformity Assessment 

• Product Certification 

• Accreditation 

• Publication of Technical Regulations 

• Labeling and Marking 

• Contacts 


French Standards are conforming to EU Standards. EU Standards setting is a 

process based on consensus initiated by industry or mandated by the European 

3/29/2006

Commission and carried out by independent standards bodies, acting at the national, 

European or international level. Non-governmental organizations, such as 

environmental and consumer groups, are strongly encouraged to participate actively in 

European standardization. 

Many standards in the EU are adopted from international standards bodies such as the 

International Standards Organization (ISO). Three European standards organizations 

handle the drafting of specific EU standards: 

CENELEC, European Committee for Electro technical Standardization 

[http://www.cenelec.org/] 

ETSI, European Telecommunications Standards Institute [http://www.etsi.org] 

CEN, European Committee for Standardization, handling all other standards 

[http://www.cenorm.be/] 

Standards are created or modified by experts in Technical Committees or Working 

Groups. The members of CEN and CENELEC are the national standards bodies of the 

member states, which have “mirror committees” that monitor and participate in ongoing 

European standardization. CEN and CENELEC standards are sold by the individual 

member states standards bodies as well as through the American National Standards 

Institute (ANSI) [http://www.ansi.org/]. ETSI is different in that it allows direct 

participation in its technical committees from non-EU companies that have interests in 

Europe and gives away its individual standards at no charge on its website. In addition 

to the three standards developing organizations, the Commission of the European Union 

plays an important role in standardization through its funding of the participation in the 

standardization process of small and medium sized companies and non-governmental 

organizations, such as environmental and consumer groups. It also provides money to 

the standards bodies when it mandates standards development to the European 

Standards Organization for harmonized standards that will be linked to EU technical 

regulations. All EU harmonized standards, which provide the basis for CE marking, can 

be found on [http://www.newapproach.org/] 

- AFNOR Major Standardization Programs 

The French standards body, AFNOR, conducts technical work within major 

standardization programs (GPN). The combined whole is coordinated by the Steering 

Programming Committee (COP). A Strategic Committee (CoS) consisting of the 

principal decision-makers of the relevant economic sector pilots each program, except 

for the GPN on Fundamental Standards. The CoS is responsible for defining the 

priorities, participating in the search for funding, distributing the latter and ensuring 

adequacy between the resources and the adopted programs. 

The Major Standardizations Programs are: 

Construction - Health and Safety at Work, Energy - Industrial Engineering, Equipments, 

Materials - Electrical Engineering and Electronics - Gas -Information and 

Communications - Petroleum - Management and Services - Environment - Sport, 

Leisure, Consumer Goods and Services - Food Industry - Transport and Logistics - 

Health - Water: Environments and Uses 

3/29/2006

Contact information can be obtained at AFNOR: 

Norm’Info: Phone: (33-1) 41 62 76 44 

E-mail: [norminfo@afnor.fr] 

- French Standardization Program 

An inventory of current French work and forecasts of publications of standards in the 

different standardization field comprises all preliminary drafts under examination at 

national level within the standards commissions managed either by the competent 

Standardization Bureau (BN), or by AFNOR in the absence of a BN. The preliminary 

drafts are classified per standardization field (series of homogenous normative activities 

focused on products or topics). 

Standards Organizations Return to top 

French Standards & Certification Bodies: 

AFAQ ASCERT International Inc. 

376 Mill Street 

HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740 

USA 

Phone: (240) 313 94 45 

Fax: (240) 313 94 64 

E-mail: USA.EAST@afaq.afnor.org 

AFNOR 

11, avenue Francis de Pressensé 

93571 Saint Denis La Plaine Cedex 

Tel. (33) 1 41 62 80 00 

Fax (33) 1 49 17 90 00 

Web Site: [http://www.afnor.fr] 

Standards on Line: http://www.boutique.afnor.fr/boutique.asp 

AFNOR E-Mail Contacts: 

NF mark: [certification@afnor.fr] 

NF Service mark: [certification@afnor.fr] 

NF Environnement mark: [patricia.proia@afnor.fr] 

European eco-label: [patricia.proia@afnor.fr] 

NF Agro-alimentaire mark: [valentine.digonnet@afnor.fr] 

Validation of alternative analysis methods: [valentine.digonnet@afnor.fr] 

CE Marking of Gas appliances: [thierry.lacome@afnor.fr] 

CE Marking of Cements: [emmanuel.wagner@afnor.fr] 

Secure Medical Prescriptions: [bernard.eric@afnor.fr] 

AFNOR Compétence mark: [bernard.eric@afnor.fr] 

NF/EC coordinated certification and Quality Systems: [catherine.guisse@afnor.fr] 

AFNOR COFRAC accreditation: [arnaud.desaxce@afnor.fr] 

ISO 9000 Certification: [info.iso9000@afnor.fr] 

All other requests: [certification@afnor.fr] 

3/29/2006

French Body for Standards and Testing for Medical Devices: 

Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé (A.F.S.S.A.P.S.) 

143, boulevard Anatole France 

Saint Denis - Paris 

Tel: (33) 1.55.87.30.00 

Web Site: [http://agmed.sante.gouv.fr] 

Laboratoire National d'Essais 

1, rue Gaston Boissier 

75015 Paris 

France 

Phone: (33) 1.40.43.37.00 

Fax: (33) 1.40.43.37.37 

Web Site: [http://www.lne.fr] 

Questions regarding standards and certification of machinery, heavy equipment, and 

plant facilities should be directed to U.S. the office of APAVE, the primary French 

technical inspection organization: 

APAVE 

American European Services, Inc. 

Suite 120 1054 31st Street, NW 


Phone: (202) 337. 3214 

Fax: (202) 337.3709 

Web Site: [http://www.aes.com] 

AFAQ - Association Française pour l'Assurance de la Qualité 

B.P. 40 

92225 Bagneux Cedex 

France 

Tel: (33) 1.46.11.38.50; (33) 1.46.11.37.11 

Fax: (33) 1.46.11.37.77 

E-mail: Mary.francoise.goubaux@afaq.org 

Web Site: [http://www.afaq.org] 

French Consumer Organization working with the European Union Consumer Affairs on 

standards on Safety and Security related Standards: 

French Consumer Union: 

FÉDÉRALE DES CONSOMMATEURS (UFC - QUE CHOISIR) 

11, rue Guénot 

F-75011 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 434 855 48 

Fax: + 33 1 434 844 35 

E-mail: [quechoisir@quechoisir.org] 

Website: [www.quechoisir.org] 

3/29/2006

Residential Housing and Life Style French Consumer Union: 

CONFÉDÉRATION DE LA CONSOMMATION, DU LOGEMENT ET DU CADRE DE VIE 

(CLCV) 

17, rue Monsieur 

F-75007 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 565 432 10 

Fax: + 33 1 432 072 02 /565 432 22 

E-mail: [clcv@clcv.org] 

Web Site: [http://www.clcv.org] 

French Consumer Awareness Union: 

ADÉIC (ASSOCIATION DE DEFENSE, D'EDUCATION ET D'INFORMATION DU 

CONSOMMATEUR) 

3, rue de la Rochefoucauld 

F-75009 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 445 373 93 

Fax: + 33 1 445 373 94 

E-mail: [adeicfen@wanadoo.fr] 

French Workers Consumer Union: 

Association Force Ouvrière Consommateurs (AFOC) 

141, avenue du Maine 

F-75014 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 405 285 85 

Fax: + 33 1 405 285 86 

E-mail: [afoc@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.foconsommateurs.net] 

French Workers Consumer Union: 

ASSOCIATION ÉTUDES ET CONSOMMATION (ASSECO- CFDT) 

4, boulevard de la Villette 

F-75955 Paris Cedex 19 

Tel: + 33 1 420 383 50 

Fax: + 33 1 420 383 48 

E-mail: [asseco-cfdt@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.cfdt.fr] 

French Consumer Union: 

ASSOCIATION LÉO LAGRANGE POUR LA DÉFENSE DES CONSOMMATEURS 

(ALLDC) 

153, avenue Jean Lolive 

F-93695 Pantin Cedex 

Tel: + 33 1 481 065 82 

Fax: + 33 1 481 065 71 

E-mail: [leo.lagrange.consom@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.leolagrange-conso.org] 

French Consumer Housing Union: 

CONFÉDÉRATION GÉNÉRALE DU LOGEMENT (CGL) 

6-8, Villa Gagliardini 

F-75020 Paris 

3/29/2006

Tel: + 33 1 403 190 22 

Fax: + 33 1 403 192 74 

French Consumer Residential Housing Union: 

CONFÉDÉRATION NATIONALE DU LOGEMENT (CNL) 

8, rue Mériel, BP 119 

F-93104 Montreuil Cedex 

Tel: + 33 1 485 704 64 

Fax: + 33 1 485 728 16 

Union of French Catholic Families: 

CONFÉDÉRATION NATIONALE DES ASSOC. FAMILIALES CATHOLIQUES (CNAFC) 

28, Place St. Georges 

F-75009 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 487 881 61 

Fax: + 33 1 487 807 35 

E-mail: [cnafc@afc-france.org] 

Website: [http://www.afc-france.org] 

French Families Union: 

CONFÉDÉRATION SYNDICALE DES FAMILLES (CSF) 

53, rue Riquet 

F-75019 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 448 986 80 

Fax: + 33 1 403 529 52 

E-mail: [C.S.F.@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.csfriquet.org] 

Non-Religious Union of French Families: 

UNION OF CONSEIL NATIONAL DES ASSOCIATIONS FAMILIALES LAÏQUES 

(CNAFAL) 

108-110, avenue Ledru-Rollin 

F-75011 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 458 248 93 

Fax: + 33 1 458 228 06 

E-mail: [cdafal75@libertysurf.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.cnafal.com] 

Union of French Families: 

FAMILLES DE FRANCE (FF) 

28, Place St Georges 

F-75009 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 459 607 88 / 445 345 90 

Fax: + 33 1 445 345 90 / 463 714 76 

E-mail: [famillesdefrance@wanadoo.fr] 

Union of French Countryside Families: 

FAMILLES RURALES (FR) 

7, Cité d'Antin 

F-75009 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 449 188 88 

3/29/2006

Fax: + 33 1 449 188 89 

E-mail: [famillesrurales@wanadoo.fr] 

Association of Defense of Salaried French Consumers: 

ASSOCIATION POUR L'INFORMATION ET LA DÉFENSE DES CONSOMMATEURS 

SALARIÉS (INDECOSA-CGT) 

263, rue de Paris "case 2-2" 

F-93516 Montreuil Cedex 

Tel: + 33 1 481 884 26 

Fax: + 33 1 481 884 82 

E-mail: [indecosa@cgt.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.cgt.fr/indecosa] 

Association of French Consumers: 

ORGANISATION GÉNÉRALE DES CONSOMMATEURS (ORGECO) 

16, avenue du Château 

F-94300 Vincennes 

Tel: + 33 1 495 793 00 

Fax: + 33 1 436 533 76 

E-mail: [orgeco@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.orgeco.free.fr] 

Association of French Women: 

UNION FÉMININE CIVIQUE ET SOCIALE (UFCS) 

6, rue Béranger 

F-75003 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 445 450 54 

Fax: + 33 1 445 450 66 

E-mail: [ufcs-conso@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.ufcs.org] 

French Families Association: 

UNION NATIONALE DES ASSOCIATIONS FAMILIALES (UNAF) 

28, Place St. Georges 

F-75009 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 499 536 00 

Fax: + 33 1 401 612 76 / 499 536 44 

E-mail: [afcfrance@compuserve.com] 

Association of French Public Transports Users: 

FÉDÉRATION NATIONALE DES ASSOCIATIONS D'USAGERS DES TRANSPORTS 

(FNAUT) 

32, rue Raymond Losserand 

F-75014 Paris 

Tel: + 33 1 433 502 83 

Fax: + 33 1 433 514 06 

E-mail: [fnaut@wanadoo.fr] 

Web Site: [http://www.fnaut.asso.fr] 

3/29/2006

European Union Contacts: 

U.S. Mission to the E.U. 

Foreign Commercial Service 

Rue Zinner 13 

B - 1000 Brussels, Belgium 

Fax: 32 2 513 1228 

Gwen B. Lyle – Standards Attaché 

Tel: 32 2 508 2674 

E-Mail: [gwen.lyle@mail.doc.gov] 

Sylvia Mohr – Standards Specialist 

Tel: 32 2 508 2675 

REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ANIMAL, PLANT AND HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES 

Dan j. Sheesley 

U.S. Mission to the European Union 

40 boulevard du Regent, B3 

1000 Brussels 

Belgium 

Tel: (32) 2.508.2762 

Fax: (32) 2.511.0918 

E-mail: [dan.j.sheesley@aphis.usda.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.aphis.usda.gov] 

CEN – European Committee for Standardization 

Rue de Stassart 36 

B – 1050 Brussels, Belgium 

Fax: 32 2 550 08 19 

Tel: 32 2 550 08 25 / 550 08 11 

Web Site: [http://www.cenorm.be] 

CENELEC – European Committee for Electro technical Standardization 



Tel: 32 2 519 68 71 

Fax: 32 2 519 69 19 

Web Site: [www.cenelec.org] 

ETSI - European Telecommunications Standards Institute 

Route des Lucioles 650 

F – 06921 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France 

Tel: 33 4 92 94 42 12 

Fax: 33 4 93 65 22 99 

Web Site: [www.etsi.org] 

European Commission 

Enterprise Directorate - General 

Rue de la Science 15 


Mail: Office: SC15 02/09 B – 1049 Brussels 

Tel: 32 2 299 56 72 

3/29/2006

Fax: 32 2 299 16 75 

Web Site: [http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/standards_policy/] 

EFTA – European Free Trade Association 

Rue de Trèves 74 

B – 1040 Brussels 

Tel: 32 2 286 17 41 

Fax: 32 2 286 17 42 

Web Site: [http://www.efta.int/] 

NORMAPME – European Office of Crafts Trades and Small and Medium-Sized 

Enterprises for Standardization 

Rue Jacques de Lalaing 4 


Tel: 32 2 282 05 31 

Fax: 32 2 282 05 35 

Web Site: [www.normapme.com] 

ANEC - European Association for the Co-ordination of Consumer Representation in 

Standardization 

Avenue de Tervueren 36, Box 4 


Tel: 32 2 743 24 70 

Fax: 32 2 706 54 30 

Web Site: [www.anec.org] 

ECOS – European Environmental Citizens Organization for Standardization 

Boulevard de Waterloo 34 


Tel: 32 2 289 10 93 

Fax: 32 2 289 10 99 

EOTA – European Organization for Technical Approvals (for construction products) 

Avenue des Arts 40 


Tel: 32 2 502 69 00 

Fax: 32 2 502 38 14 

Web Site: [http://www.eota.be] 

E-Mail: [info@eota.be] 

EOTC – European Organization for Conformity Assessment 



Tel: 32 2 502 40 40 

Fax: 32 2 502 42 39 

Web Site: [http://www.eotc.be] 

Contacts in the United States: 

American National Standards Institute 

25 West 43nd Street, 4 th FI. 

3/29/2006


Tel: (212) 642-4900 

Fax: (212) 398-0023 

Email: [info@ansi.org] 

Web Site: [http://www.ansi.org] 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 

National Center for Standards and Certification Information 


100 Bureau Drive Stop 2150 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899 

Tel: (301) 975-4040 

Fax: (301) 926-1559 

Email: [ncsci@nist.gov] 

Web Site: [http://www.nist.gov] 

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. can assist U.S. exporters in understanding and 

complying with French and EU standards. UL is authorized by the French government 

to test and certify electrical equipment: 

Underwriters Laboratories 

International Compliance Services Department 

1285 Walt Whitman Road 

Melville, NY 11747 

Tel: (516) 271-6200 

Fax: (516) 271-8259 

Web Site: [http://www.ul.com] 

AFAQ, Ascert Inc. 

1054 31 st Street, NY Suite 301 


Tel: (202) 338 – 4365 

Fax: (202) 337 – 3709 

Email: [frederic.sevin@afaq.org] 

AES - American European Services 

1054 31st Street, NW Ste. 320 


Tel: (202) 337-3214 

Fax: (202) 337-3709 

Email: [sales@aes-apave.com] 

Web site: [http://www.aes-apave.com] 

3/29/2006 

NIST Notify U.S. Service 

Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required under the 

Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to report to the 

WTO all proposed technical regulations that could affect trade with other Member 

countries. Notify U.S. is a free, web-based e-mail subscription service that offers 

an opportunity to review and comment on proposed foreign technical regulations 

that can affect your access to international markets. Register online at Internet 

URL: http://www.nist.gov/notifyus/

Conformity Assessment Return to top 

Conformity Assessment is a mandatory step for the manufacturer in the process 

of complying with specific EU legislation. The purpose of conformity assessment is to 

ensure consistency of compliance during all stages of the production process to facilitate 

acceptance of the final product. EU product legislation gives manufacturers some 

choice with regard to conformity assessment, depending on the level of risk involved in 

the use of their product. These range from self-certification, type examination and 

production quality control system, to a full quality assurance system. You can find 

conformity assessment bodies in individual member state countries in this list by the 

European Commission [http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/nando-is/home/index.cfm] 

To promote market acceptance of the final product, there are a number of voluntary 

conformity assessment programs. CEN’s certification systems are the Keymark, the 

CENCER mark, and the European Standard Agreement Group. CENELEC has its own 

initiative [http://www.cenelec.org/Cenelec/Homepage.htm] ETSI does not offer 

conformity assessment services. 

Product Certification Return to top 

To sell their products on the French market, part of the European Union, U.S. 

exporters are required to apply CE marking whenever their product is covered by 

specific product legislation. CE marking product legislation offers manufacturers a 

number of choices and requires decisions to determine which safety/health concerns 

need to be addressed, which conformity assessment module is best suited to the 

manufacturing process, and whether or not to use EU-wide harmonized standards. 

There is no easy way for U.S. exporters to understand and go through the process of CE 

marking, but hopefully this chapter provides some background and clarification. 

In the eighties, the New Approach was launched to overcome the lengthy adoption 

process of “old approach” type legislation. The goal of the European Union's 

harmonization program under the New Approach is to streamline technical 

harmonization and the development of standards for certain product groups, including, 

among others, machinery, toys, construction products, electromagnetic compatibility, 

personal protective equipment, non-automatic weighing instruments, medical devices, 

gas appliances, hot water boilers, and radio and telecommunications terminal equipment 

(RTTE). Under the New Approach, Directives cover essential safety, health and 

environmental requirements. The Commission mandates the three regional European 

standards organizations, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, to develop technical standards that 

are consistent with the essential requirements of EU Directives. 

Products manufactured to standards adopted by CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, and 

published in the Official Journal as harmonized standards, are presumed to conform to 

the requirements of EU Directives. The manufacturer then applies the CE Mark and 

issues a declaration of conformity. With these, the product will be allowed to circulate 

freely within the European Union. A manufacturer can choose not to use the 

harmonized EU standards, but must then demonstrate that the product meets the 

essential safety and performance requirements. Trade barriers occur when design, 

rather than performance, standards are developed by the relevant European 

3/29/2006

standardization organization, and when U.S. companies do not have access to the 

standardization process through a European presence. 

The CE mark addresses itself primarily to the national control authorities of the Member 

States, and its use simplifies the task of essential market surveillance of regulated 

products. Although CE marking is intended primarily for inspection purposes by EU 

Member State inspectors, the consumer may well perceive it as a quality mark. 

The CE mark is not intended to include detailed technical information on the product, but 

there must be enough information to enable the inspector to trace the product back to 

the manufacturer or the authorized representative established in the EU. This detailed 

information should not appear next to the CE mark, but rather on the declaration of 

conformity, the certificate of conformity (which the manufacturer or authorized agent 

must be able to provide at any time, together with the product's technical file), or the 

documents accompanying the product. 

French Certification body “AFNOR CERTIFICATION”: 

NF network 

To expand its activities and thus improve recognition of its labels, AFNOR 

CERTIFICATION relies on the strength and expertise of a network of impartial and 

competent bodies whose scientific knowledge and technical know-how ensure the value 

and credibility of its certifications. 

AFNOR Certification calls upon mandated bodies (to which all the certification 

operations are assigned), technical secretariats (to which part of the certification process 

is subcontracted), specialized laboratories and inspection and auditing bodies, a network 

of specialized auditors. All these bodies meet the requirements for impartiality, 

competence and integrity described in NF EN 45011 or NF EN ISO/IEC 17025 that 

define the respective obligations to be fulfilled by the product certifying bodies and 

laboratories. AFNOR CERTIFICATION controls the entire NF network and ensures its 

consistency. 

Mandated Bodies for Certification 

The "mandated" bodies occupy a special position in this NF network, as they are highly 

experienced in the certification business and experts in their respective fields. In 

addition, they undertake to develop new NF mark applications. AFNOR 

CERTIFICATION delegates all the certification operations to certified bodies (see full 

contacts information at the end of this section). 

Laboratories and inspection and auditing bodies for Certification: 

The network also includes several dozen laboratories and auditing and inspection 

bodies. These partners are recognized on a national, European or even international 

level and carry out the tests and audits specified by the NF mark. They are experts in 

specific applications and leading practitioners in test methods and industry 

developments in their sector. For all practical information on mandated bodies, contact 

[catherine.vincensini@afnor.fr] and on other subcontractors, contact 

[arnaud.desaxce@afnor.fr] 

3/29/2006

Technical Secretariats mandated for Certification 

For certain certifications only, AFNOR CERTIFICATION subcontracts some of the 

certification operations to a body known as a "technical secretariat". AFNOR 

CERTIFICATION nevertheless remains in overall control of the certification process 

ATCG 

Association Technique de Certification des Granulats 

ATITA 

Association Technique des Industries Thermiques et Aérauliques 

Web site: [http://www.atita.com] 

CEBTP 

Centre Expérimental de recherches et d'études du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics 

Web site: [http://www.cebtp.fr/menu.html] 

CSTB 

Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment 

Web site: [http://www.cstb.fr] 

CTTB 

Centre Technique des Tuiles et Briques 

Web site: [http://www.cttb.fr] 

INFOCERT 

Infocert 

Web site: [http://www.infocert.org] 

LEMVP 

Laboratoire d'Essais des Matériaux de la Ville de Paris 

QUALIBAT 

Qualibat 

Web site: [http://www.qualibat.com] 

SETRA 

Service d'Etudes Techniques des routes et autoroutes 

Web site: [http://www.setra.fr] 

Laboratories mandated for Certification: 

ATS 

Assistance Technique Scientifique 

Web site: [http://www.atsfrance.fr] 

CEBTP 


Web site: [http://www.cebtp.fr/menu.html] 

3/29/2006

CEMAGREF 

Centre de recherche pour l'ingénierie de l'agriculture et l'environnement 

Web site: [http://www.cemagref.fr] 

CERIB 

Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches de l'Industrie du Béton 

Web Site: [http://www.cerib.com] 

CESAME LNE 

Centre Atlantique de Métrologie et d'Essais 

CETIAT 

Centre Technique des Industries Aérauliques et Thermiques 

Web site: [http://www.cetiat.fr] 

CETIM 

Centre Technique des Industries Mécaniques 

Web Site: [http://www.cetim.fr] 

CNPP 

Centre National de Prévention et de Protection 

Web site: [http://www.cnpp.com] 

CRITT Sports et loisirs 

Centre Régional d'Innovation et de Transfert de Technologie Sports et loisirs 

CSTB 



CTICM 

Centre Technique Industriel de la Construction Métallique 

Web site: [http://www.cticm.fr] 

CTIF 

Centre Technique de l'Industrie de la Fonderie 

Web Site: [http://www.ctif.com] 

CTP 

Centre Technique du Papier 

Web Site: [http://www.ctp.inpg.fr] 

CTTB 


Web Site: [http://www.cttb.fr] 

CTTN 

Centre Technique de la Teinture et du Nettoyage 

Web site: [http://www.cttn-iren.com] 

3/29/2006

EDF-CEMETE 

Electricité de France 

GDF CERUG 

Gaz de France 

INERIS 

Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques 

Web site: [http://www.ineris.fr] 

LCA 

Laboratoire Centre Atlantique 

Web Site: [http://lca-web.net] 

LCIE 

Laboratoire Central des Industries Electriques 

Web site: [http://www.lcie.fr] 

LCPP 

Laboratoire Central de la Préfecture de Police 

LEMPA 

Laboratoire d'Essais des Matériels et Produits Alimentaires 

Web site: [http://www.inbp.com/lempa.html] 

LEMVP 


LILCO 

Laboratoire Interprofessionnel Laitier de la Côte D'Or 

LNE 



LPGL-IFP 

Laboratoire Professionnel des Gaz Liquéfiés - Institut Français du Pétrole 

LRCCP 

Laboratoire de Recherche et de Contrôle du Caoutchouc et des Plastiques 

Web site: [http://www.lrccp.com] 

Laboratoire Wolff 

Labosport 

Web Site: [http://www.labosport.com] 

Lerpac 

Laboratoire d'Etudes et de Recherches pour l'Alimentation Collective 

Web Site: [http://www.afssa.fr] 

3/29/2006

MRT 

PRIMACONTROL 

RLPC 

Réseau des Laboratoires des Ponts et Chaussées 

SFC 

Société Française de Céramique 

Web Site: [http://www.ceramique.fr] 

SLG 

Prüfung und Zertifierung GmbH 

SNPE 

Société Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs 

Web Site: [http://www.snpe.com] 

UTAC 

Union Technique de l'Automobile du Motocycle et du Cycle 

Web Site: [http://www.utac.com] 

Inspection and Auditing Bodies mandated for Certification 

AFG 

Association Française du Gaz 

Web Site: [http://www.afgaz.fr] 

ATITA 

Association Technique des Industries Thermiques et Aérauliques 

Web Site: [http://www.atita.com] 

CEBTP 


Web Site: [http://www.cebtp.fr] 

CEMAGREF 

Centre de recherche pour l'ingénierie de l'agriculture et l'environnement 

Web Site: [http://www.cemagref.fr] 

CSTB 



CTTB 


Web Site: [http://www.cttb.fr] 

CTTN 

Centre Technique de la Teinture et du Nettoyage 

Web site: [http://www.cttn-iren.com] 

3/29/2006

EDF-CEMETE 

Electricité de France 

JIA 

The Japan Gas Appliances Inspection Association 

Web Site: [http://www.jia-page.or.jp/jia/english/main.html] 

LCIE 

Laboratoire Central des Industries Electriques 

Web Site: [http://www.lcie.fr] 

LEMVP 


LNE 



Labosport 

Web Site: [http://www.labosport.com] 

RLPC 

Réseau des Laboratoires des Ponts et Chaussées 

SFC 

Société Française de Céramique 

Web Site: [http://www.ceramique.fr] 

SNCF DEPART OUVRAGE D'ART 

Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer 

SNPE 

Société Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs 

Web Site: [http://www.snpe.com] 

Certification Bodies mandated by AFNOR: 

Environmental Measuring Instrumentation: 

ACIME 

Association pour la Certification des Instruments de Mesure pour l'Environnement 

1 rue Gaston Boissier 

75724 PARIS Cedex 15 

Phone: (33-1) 40 43 37 00 

Fax: (33-1) 40 43 37 37 

Contact: Pascal PRUDHON 

Phone: (33-1) 40 43 38 90 

E-mail: [pascal.prudhon @lne.fr] 

Industrial, Aspestos and food industry 

AFAQ ASCERT International 

3/29/2006

116, avenue Aristide Briand BP 40 

92225 BAGNEUX Cedex France 

Phone: (33-1) 46 15 74 46 

Fax: (33-1) 46 15 70 69 

Web Site: [http://www.afaq-ascert-international.org] 

Contact 

Line METAIS 

Phone: (33-1) 46 15 74 46 

Fax: (33-1) 46 15 70 46 

E-mail: [line.metais@afaq.org] 

Reinforced concrete structures 

AFCAB 

Association Française des Armatures du Béton 

28 rue de Liège 

75008 PARIS France 

Phone: (33-1) 44 90 88 80 

Fax: (33-1) 44 90 00 57 

Web Site: [http://www.afcab.org] 

E-mail: info@afcab.org 

Contact 

Louis-Jean HOLLEBECQ - Phone: (33-1) 44 90 88 80 

E-Mail: [info@afcab.org] 

Roads and Highways Equipment 

ASQUER 

Association pour la Qualification des Equipements de la Route - ASQUER 

46 Avenue Aristide Briand - B.P. 100 

92225 BAGNEUX Cedex France 

Phone: (33-1) 46 11 33 18 

Fax: (33-1) 46 11 31 24 

Web Site: [http://www.asquer.asso.fr] 

Email: [asquer@i-carre.net] 

Contacts 

Philippe JEROME 

Délégué Général de l'ASQUER 

Phone: (33-1) 46 11 33 64 

E-mail: [philippe.jerome@equipement.gouv.fr] 

Residential homes 

CEQUAMI 

4, avenue du Recteur Poincaré 

75782 PARIS Cedex 16 France 

Phone: (33-1) 44 96 52 50 

Fax: (33-1) 44 96 52 59 

Web Site: [http://www.constructeurs.fr] 

E-mail: [cequami@cequami.fr] 

Contact: Christophe DUBAIL - Gérant 

E-mail: [c.dubail@cequami.fr] 

3/29/2006

Concrete 

CERIB (Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches de l'Industrie du Béton) 

1, rue des Longs Réages - BP 30059 

28231 EPERNON Cedex France 

Phone: (33-2) 37 18 48 00 

Fax: (33-2) 37 83 67 39 

Web Site: [http://www.cerib.com] 

Email: [cerib@cerib.com] 

Contact: [qualite@cerib.com] 

Gaz related Equipment 

CERTIGAZ sas 

62 rue de Courcelles 


Phone: (33-1) 44 01 87 61 

Fax: (33-1) 44 01 87 90 

Web Site: [http://www.afgaz.fr/francais/certification.shtml] 

Email : [certigaz@afgaz .fr] 

Contact: [Certigaz@afgaz.fr] 

CNMIS sas 

16 avenue Hoche 


phone: (33-1) 53 89 00 40 

Fax: (33-1) 45 63 40 63 

Web Site: [http://www.cnmis.org] 

E-mail: [cnmis@cnmis.org] 

Contact: [cnmis@cnmis.org] 

Building Construction 

CSTB 


4 avenue du Recteur Poincaré 

75782 PARIS CEDEX 16 

Phone: (33-1) 40 50 28 28 

Fax: (33-1) 45 25 61 51 

Web Site : [http://www.cstb.fr] 

Contact: Stéphanie BERTON - Responsable des certifications 

E-Mail: [stephanie.berton@cstb.fr] 

Furniture and wooden-made building construction components 

CTBA - Centre Technique du Bois et de l'Ameublement 

10 avenue de Saint Mandé 


Phone: (33-1) 40 19 49 19 

Fax: (33-1) 43 40 85 65 

Web Site: [http://www.ctba.fr] 

Contact: Patrice GARNIER 

3/29/2006

Electrical equipment & apparatus 

LCIE 

Laboratoire Central des Industries Electriques (LCIE) 

33, avenue du Général Leclerc - BP 8 

92266 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex France 

Phone: (33-1) 40 95 60 60 

Fax: (33-1) 40 95 86 56 

Web Site: [http://www.lcie.fr] 

Email: [contact@lcie.fr] 

LNE 


1 rue Gaston Boissier 

75724 PARIS Cedex 15 

Phone: (33-1) 40 43 37 00 

Fax: (33-1) 40 43 37 37 


Email: certification@lne.fr 

Contact: Pascal PRUDHON 

Phone: (33-1) 40 43 38 90 

E-mail: [pascal.prudhon @lne.fr] 

Residential buildings 

QUALITEL 

136 boulevard Saint Germain 

75006 PARIS 

Phone: (33-1) 42 34 53 29 

Fax: (33-1) 40 46 93 76 

Web Site: [http://www.qualitel.org] 

Contact: [a.bonny@qualitel.org] 

Accreditation Return to top 

Competent authorities to test and certify to EU requirements have officially 

accredited the independent certification bodies, known as notified bodies. However, 

under the U.S./EU Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), notified bodies based in the 

United States and referred to as conformity assessment bodies, will be allowed to test in 

the United States to EU specifications, and vice versa. The costs will be significantly 

lower and U.S. products will, as a result, become more competitive. At this time, the 

U.S./EU MRAs cover the following sectors: EMC (in force), RTTE (in force), medical 

devices (in transition), pharmaceutical (in transition), and recreational craft (in force.) 

This link lists to American and European Conformity Assessment bodies operating under 

a mutual recognition agreement [http://ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/210/gsig/mra.htm] 

Accreditation for the French market is handled at the French level. “European 

Accreditation” [www.european-accreditation.org] is an organization representing 

nationally recognized accreditation bodies. Membership is open to nationally recognized 

accreditation bodies in countries in the European geographical area, including France 

that can demonstrate that they operate an accreditation system compatible with 

EN45003 or ISO/IEC Guide 58. 

3/29/2006

The French accreditation bodies association is: 

COFRAC - Comité Francais d'Accréditation 

Attn. Patrick Reposeur 

37, rue de Lyon 

FR-75012 PARIS 

FRANCE 

Phone: (33-1) 44 68 82 44 

Fax: (33-1) 44 68 82 21 

Contact: Patrick Reposeur 

E-mail: [patrick.reposeur@cofrac.fr] 

EU Standards Notified French Bodies 

DIRECTION REGIONALE DE L'INDUSTRIE, DE LA RECHERCHE ET DE 

L'ENVIRONNEMENT 

1, rue Pierre Montet 

67082 - STRASBOURG CEDEX 

Notified Body Number: 0001 

Product: 90/384/EEC Non-automatic weighing instruments 



42, rue du Général Larminat - B.P. 55 

33035 - BORDEAUX CEDEX 





43, rue de Wailly 

63038 - CLERMONT-FERRAND 


Products:90/384/EEC Non-automatic weighing instruments 



Citis - Le Pentacle, Av. de Tsukuba 

14029 - HEROUVILLE SAINT CLAIR 





15-17, avenue Jean-Bertin 

21000 - DIJON 


Products: 90/384/EEC Non-automatic weighing instruments 

3/29/2006



9, rue du Clos-Courtel 

35043 - Rennes Cedex 





6, rue Charles de Coulomb 

45077 - Orléans Cedex-2 





2, rue Grenet-Tellier 

51038 - CHALONS SUR MARNE 



DIRECTION REGIONALE DE D'INDUSTRIE, DE LA RECHERCHE ET DE 


Rés. d'Ajaccio - Bât.A - rue N. Péraldi 

20000 - AJACCIO 





21b, rue Alain Savary - B.P. 1269 

25005 - BESANCON 





21, avenue de la Porte des Champs 

76037 - Rouen Cedex 





6-10, rue Crillon 

75194 - PARIS CEDEX 04 





3/29/2006

6, avenue de Clavières 

30107 - Ales Cedex 





15, Place Jourdan 

87038 - LIMOGES 


Products: 

90/384/EEC Non-automatic weighing instruments 



15, rue Claude Chappe - B.P. 5038 

57071 - METZ 





12, rue Michel Labrousse - B.P. 1345 

31107 - Toulouse Cedex 





941, rue Charles Bourseul - B.P. 838 

59508 - Douai Cedex 





La Chantrerie - 2, rue Alfred Kastler, BP 30723 

44307 - NANTES CEDEX 





44, rue Alexandre Dumas 

80094 - Amiens Cedex 03 





Maison de l'Industrie-rue de la Goelette 

3/29/2006

86280 - Saint-Benoît 





67-69, avenue du Prado 

13286 - Marseille Cedex 6 





2, rue Antoine Charial 

69426 - Lyon Cedex 03 





Impasse Buzaré, B.P. 7001 

97307 - Cayenne Cedex 





130, rue Léopold Rambaud, B.P. 12 

97491 - SAINTE-CLOTILDE 



AFNOR CERTIFICATION SA 

11, avenue Francis de Pressensé 

93571 - SAINT-DENIS LA PLAINE CEDEX 


Products: 89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment 

Products: 90/396/EEC Appliances burning gaseous fuels 

Products: 92/42/EEC Hot-water boilers 

Products: 97/23/EC Pressure equipment 

GROUPEMENT DES ASSOCIATIONS DE PROPRIETAIRES D'APPAREILS A 

VAPEUR ET ELECTRIQUES (GAPAVE) 

191, rue de Vaugirard 

75015 - PARIS 


Products: 87/404/EEC Simple pressure vessels 


3/29/2006

INSTITUT DE SOUDURE 

Z.I. Paris Nord II - 90, rue des Vanesse 

95942 - Roissy CDG Cedex 



BUREAU VERITAS 

34, rue Rennequin 

75850 - Paris Cedex 17 



98/37/EC Machinery 

94/25/EC Recreational craft 

95/16/EC Lifts 

96/98/EC Marine Equipment 

97/23/EC Pressure equipment 

99/36/EC Transportable pressure equipment 

UNION TECHNIQUE DE L'AUTOMOBILE, DU MOTOCYCLE ET DU CYCLE 

Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry - B.P.212 

91311 - Montlhéry Cedex 



99/5/EC Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment 

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE ET DE SECURITE 

B.P. 27 

54501 - Vandoeuvre Cedex 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery 

89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment 

LABORATOIRE NATIONAL D'ESSAIS (LNE) 

1, rue Gaston Boissier 



Products: 

88/378/EEC Safety of toys 


90/384/EEC Non-automatic weighing instruments 



2000/14/EC Noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors 

3/29/2006

INSTITUT FRANCAIS DU TEXTILE ET DE L'HABILLEMENT 

Avenue Guy de Collongue 

69134 - ECULLY CEDEX 



INSTITUT DE PROTECTION ET DE SURETE NUCLEAIRE (CENTRE TECHNIQUE 

D'HOMOLOGATION DES EQUIPEMENTS NUCLEAIRES) 

B.P. 6 

92265 - Fontenay-Aux-Roses Cedex 



CENTRE EXPERIMENTAL DE RECHERCHES ET D'ETUDES DU BATIMENT ET DES 

TRAVAUX PUBLICS 

Domaine de Saint-Paul, B.P. 37 

78470 - Saint-Rémy-les-Chevreuses 



CENTRE TECHNIQUE DU CUIR ET DE LA MAROQUINERIE 

Parc Sc. T. Garn. - 4, rue Herm. Frankel 




LABORATOIRE DE RECHERCHE ET DE CONTROLE DES CAOUTCHOUCS ET DES 

PLASTIQUES 

60, rue Auber 

94408 - Vitry-sur-Seine Cedex 



APAVE PARISIENNE 

97-103, boulevard Victor Hugo 

93400 - SAINT OUEN 





INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA PLONGEE PROFESSIONNELLE 

Entrée 3 - Port de la Pointe Rouge 

13008 - MARSEILLE 



INSTITUT NATIONAL DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT INDUSTRIEL ET DES RISQUES 

Parc Technique ALATABP 2 

60550 - VERNEUIL-EN-HALATTE 

3/29/2006



93/15/EEC Explosives for civil uses 

94/9/EC Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive 

atmospheres 

LABORATOIRE CENTRAL DES INDUSTRIES ELECTRIQUES 

33, avenue du Général Leclerc 

92266 - FONTENAY-AUX-ROSES 


Products: 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility 

98/37/EC Machinery 


94/9/EC Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive 

atmospheres 



CETE APAVE SUDEUROPE 

8, rue JJ Vernazza 8 

Zac Saumaty BP 193 

13322 - Marseille Cedex 16 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery Injection or compression rubber-moulding machines with 

manual loading or unloading (section A11 of annex IV) 

89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment to protect against falls from a height. 


DELEGATION GENERALE POUR L'ARMEMENT 

Centre Aéroporté de Toulouse, BP 3023 

31024 - Toulouse Cedex 


Products: 89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment to protect against falls from a 

height. 

ASSOCIATION FRANÇAISE POUR L'ASSURANCE QUALITE (AFAQ) 

116, avenue Aristide Briand - B.P.40 

92224 - Bagneux Cedex 




ASSOCIATION POUR LA PROMOTION DE L'ASSURANCE QUALITE DANS LA 

FILIERE DU TEXTILE ET DE L'HABILLEMENT (ASQUAL) 

14, rue des Reculettes 

75013 - PARIS 


Products: 89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment system for ensuring EC quality of 

production by means of monitoring - Protective clothing - EC quality control system for 

the final product - Personal protective equipment intended to protect the hand and arm 

3/29/2006

SGS MULTILAB CTS 

20-22, rue Charles Paradinas 

92583 - CLICHY Cedex 


Products: 88/378/EEC Safety of toys 

LABORATOIRES POURQUERY 

93, boulevard du Parc d'Artillerie 



Products: 

88/378/EEC Safety of toys 

ASSOCIATION POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DE L'INSTITUT DE LA VIANDE 

BP 3 - Saint-Jean 

63015 - Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery Circular saws (single- or multi-blade) for working with 

wood and analogous materials or for working with meat and analogous materials - 

sawing machines with fixed tool during operation, having a fixed bed with manual feed of 

the work piece or with a demountable power feed - sawing machines with fixed tool 

during operation, having a manually operated reciprocating saw-bench or carriage - 

sawing machines with fixed tool during operation, having a built-in mechanical feed 

device for the work pieces, with manual loading and/or unloading - sawing machines 

with movable tool during operation, with a mechanical feed device and manual loading 

and/or unloading 

- Band-saws with a fixed or mobile bed and band-saws with a mobile carriage, with 

manual loading and/or unloading, for working with wood and analogous materials or for 

working with meat and analogous materials 

NORISKO EQUIPEMENTS 

Zone industrielle de Magré - BP 308 

87008 - Limoges Cedex 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Presses, includes press-brakes, for the cold working of 

metals, with manual loading and/or unloading, whose movable working parts may have a 

travel exceeding 6 mm and a speed exceeding 30 mm/s. 

ASSOCIATION INTERPROFESSIONNELLE DE FRANCE - AINF 

Zone industrielle - rue Marcel Dassault 

59472 - SECLIN 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Presses, including press-brakes, for the cold working of 


travel exceeding 6 mm and a speed exceeding 30 mm/s. - Manually-loaded trucks for 

the collection of household refuse incorporating a compression. 

ASSOCIATION INTERPROFESSIONNELLE DE FRANCE - AINF 

Zone industrielle - rue Marcel Dassault 

59472 - SECLIN 


3/29/2006

Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Presses, including press-brakes, for the cold working of 


travel exceeding 6 mm and a speed exceeding 30 mm/s 

APAVE ALSACIENNE 

Rue Thiers, 2 - BP 1347 

68056 - Mulhouse Cedex 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Manually loaded trucks for the collection of household 

refuse incorporating compression 

CENTRE NATIONAL DU MACHINISME AGRICOLE, DU GENIE RURAL, DES EAUX 

ET FORETS 

Parc de Tourvoie - BP 44 

92163 - Antony Cedex 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Guards and detachable transmission shafts with 

universal joints - Rollover protection structures (ROPS) - Fallings-object protective 

structures (FOPS 


BUREAU VERITAS CONSUMER PRODUCTS SERVICES - FRANCE 

Les Peupliers - rue du Vertuquet 

59960 - Neuville en Ferrain 


Products: 88/378/EEC Safety of toys 

G-MED GROUPEMENT POUR L'ÉVALUATION DES DISPOSITIFS MÉDICAUX 

33, avenue du Général Leclerc 

92260 - FONTENAY-AUX-ROSES 


Products: 90/385/EEC Active implant able medical devices 

93/42/EEC Medical devices 

98/79/EC In vitro diagnostic medical devices 

C.R.I.T.T. SPORTS ET LOISIRS 

Rue Albert-Einstein, Zone du Sanital 

86100 - CHATELLERAULT 


Products: 89/686/EEC Personal protective equipment for sports or leisure activities - 

protective helmets for sports use - Chest protectors and groin protectors - life buoys and 

life jackets - life-jackets designed for recreational sailing 

CENTRE TECHNIQUE DES INDUSTRIES MECANIQUES (CETIM) 

52, rue Felix Louat - B.P. 80067 

60304 - SENLIS 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Devices for the lifting of persons involving a risk of 

falling from a vertical height of more than 3 meters - Electro-sensitive devices designed 

specifically to detect persons in order to ensure their safety (non-material barriers, 

sensor mats, electromagnetic detectors, etc.) - Logic units which ensure the safety 

3/29/2006

functions of bi-manual controls - Automatic movable screens to protect the presses 

referred to in 9, 10 and 11 (section B3 of annex IV) 



EMITECH 

Z.A. de l'Observat.-3, rue des Coudriers 

78180 - MONTIGNY LE BRETONNEUX 


Products 

89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility - Apparatus designed for the transmission of 

radio communications not covered by Directive 99/5/EC 

99/5/EC Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment - Radio equipment and 

telecommunications terminal equipment 

AEMC MESURES - ETABLISSEMENT DE CHASSIEU 

7, rue Georges Mélliès 

69680 - CHASSIEU 


Products: 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic compatibility - Apparatus designed for the 

transmission of radio communications not covered by Directive 99/5/EC 

99/5/EC Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment - Radio equipment and 

telecommunications terminal equipment 

AEMC MESURES - ETABLISSEMENT DE GARGENVILLE 

Z.I. Garennes - 4, rue des Longueraies - 

78440 - GARGENVILLE 





Radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment 

INSTITUT POUR LA CERTIFICATION ET LA NORMALISATION DANS LE NAUTISME 

52 rue Senac de Meilhan 

17000 - LA ROCHELLE 


Products: 94/25/EC Recreational craft 

AFAQ-ASCERT INTERNATIONAL 

B.P.83 - 116 avenue Aristide Briand 

92225 - Bagneux Cedex 



EMITECH GRAND SUD 

Rue du Massacan 3, ZI Vallée du Salaison 

34741 - VENDARGUES 




3/29/2006

EMITECH ATLANTIQUE 

Rue de la Claie 15, ZI Angers-Beaucouzé 

49070 - BEAUCOUZE 




SOCIETE DE CONTROLE TECHNIQUE (SOCOTEC) 

les quadrants, 3 av. du Centre Guyancourt 

78182 - ST QUENTIN EN YVELINES 


Products 95/16/EC Lifts 

EURO QUALITY SYSTEM France 

4, rue de l'Abreuvoir 

92415 - COURBEVOIE 


Products: 95/16/EC Lifts 

QUALICONSULT 

85, avenue HENRI BARBUSSE 

92140 - CLAMART 



ASSOCIATION POUR LA SECURITE DES APPAREILS A PRESSION (ASAP) 

Imm. Ampère 

16, rue Ampère 

95307 - CERGY PONTOISE 


87/404/EEC Simple pressure vessels 


99/36/EC Transportable pressure equipment 

NORIKO CONSTRUCTION 

121, Rue d'Alésia 

75686 - PARIS 



APAVE NORD-OUEST 

51, avenue Architecte Cordonnier 

BP24759019 - Lille cedex 


Products: 98/37/EC Machinery - Manually loaded trucks for the collection of household 

refuse incorporating a compression mechanism - Vehicles servicing lifts 

BUREAU ALPES CONTROLES SA 

166, rue du Rocher de l'Ozier 

38430 - MOIRANS 

3/29/2006



AGENCE DE CERTIFICATION FERROVIAIRE (CERTIFER) 

154, boulevard Harpignies 

F-59300 - VALENCIENNES 


Products: 96/48/EC Interoperability of the Trans-European high-speed rail system - 

Basically structural areas: -Infrastructures - Energy - Control and command and 

signaling - Rolling stock - Maintenance - Operation - and their constituents 

CETECOM SARL 

2 rue Jacques Monod - Parc Club O. Univ 

91893 - ORSAY CEDEX 


Products: 99/5/EC Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment 

CNMIS 

Avenue Hoche, 16 

75008 - PARIS 


96/98/EC Marine Equipment 

Products: 96/98/EC Marine Equipment - Fire protection 

EUROCEM 

364, rue Armand Japy 

25461 - Etupes Cedex 




INTERTEK TESTING SERVICES FRANCE 

91, rue du Général de Gaulle 

27100 - LE VAUDREUIL 


Products: 88/378/EEC Safety of toys referred to in article 1 

SERVICE TECHNIQUE DES REMONTÉES MÉCANIQUES ET DES TRANSPORTS 

GUIDÉS 

1461, Rue de la Piscine 

38400 - Saint Martin d'Hères 


Products: 2000/9/EC Cableway installations designed to carry persons - Cableway 

installations designed to carry persons: safety components - Cableway installations 

designed to carry persons: subsystems 

EC examination for assessment of conformity of subsystems 

CERTIGAZ SAS 

62, rue de Courcelles 

75008 - PARIS 


3/29/2006

Products: 90/396/EEC Appliances burning gaseous fuels 

COFREND - CONFÉDÉRATION FRANÇAISE DES ESSAIS NON DESTRUCTIFS 

1, rue Boissier 


Notified Body Number: - 

Products 97/23/EC Pressure equipment 

Publication of Technical Regulations Return to top 

The Official Journal is the official gazette of the European Union. It is published 

daily and consists of two series covering draft and adopted legislation as well as case 

law, questions from the European Parliament, studies by committees, and more 

[http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/index.html]. National technical regulations are published 

on the Commission’s website [http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/tris/] to allow other 

countries interested parties to comment. 

In France, AFNOR provides standards applying in France in conformity with European 

standards: Access on-line at Web site: [http://www.boutique.afnor.fr/boutique.asp] 

Labeling and Marking Return to top 

U.S. firms entering the French market are strongly advised to examine EU as 

well as French laws. Each European Union country is integrating the rulings of the EU 

into its national legislation. As much legislation regarding labeling is still in the 

developmental stage, EU labeling regulations and standards need to be carefully 

monitored. 

Manufacturers should be mindful that, in addition to the EU’s mandatory and voluntary 

schemes, French voluntary labeling schemes might still apply. These schemes may be 

highly appreciated by consumers, and thus, become unavoidable for marketing 

purposes. Labeling in France serves an increasingly informational and even promotional 

role. Labels often act as "silent salespeople," especially due to the recent growth of 

large retail stores offering little sales assistance. 

Manufacturers are advised to take note that all labels require metric units, although dual 

labeling is also acceptable until end of December 2009. The use of language on labels 

has been the subject of a Commission Communication, which encourages multilingual 

information, while preserving the freedom of Member States to require the use of the 

language of the country of consumption. 

The EU has mandated that certain products be sold in standardized quantities. Council 

Directive 80/232/EC provides permissible ranges of nominal quantities, container 

capacities and volumes of a variety of products: [http://europa.eu.int/eurlex/en/consleg/main/1980/en_1980L0232_index.html] 

The EU adopted legislation in 1992 (revised in 2000) to distinguish environmentally 

friendly production through a voluntary labeling scheme called the Eco-label. The 

symbol, a green flower, is a voluntary mark. The Eco-label is awarded to producers who 

3/29/2006

can show that their product is less harmful to the environment than similar such 

products. This “green label” also aims to encourage consumers to buy green products. 

However, the scheme does not establish ecological standards that all manufacturers are 

required to meet to place products on the market. Products without the EU Eco-label 

can still enter the EU as long as they meet the existing health, safety, and environmental 

standards and regulations. 

There are concerns in the United States that the EU Eco-labeling program may become 

a de facto trade barrier; may not enhance environmental protection in a transparent, 

scientifically sound manner; may not be open to meaningful participation by U.S. firms; 

and may discriminate unfairly against U.S. business. The EU Eco-label is a costly 

scheme (up to EUR 1,300 for registration and up to EUR 25,000/ year for the use of the 

label, with a reduction of 25 percent for SMEs) and has therefore not been widely used 

so far. However, the Eco-label can be a good marketing tool and, given the growing 

demand for green products in Europe, it is likely that the Eco-label will become more and 

more a reference for green consumers. 

Basic Labeling Requirements: 

Though many labeling regulations are sector-related, the following information is 

generally required for all categories of products: 

Origin: Cite country of origin. 

Language: Labels must be written in French. French or international law must have 

authorized any foreign words or abbreviations. The writing must be clear and nonpromotional. 

Designation: State what the product is. For example: "olive oil." 

Brand Names/Trademarks: Any name symbols and marks relating to the product must 

be found on the exterior of the packaging, the product label, and the bottle-top or lid, as 

the case applies. The manufacturer can only use registered brand names and 

trademarks. 

Composition: All ingredients or materials constituting the product must be listed. 

Usage Instructions: Explain how the product is to be used. 

Required Dates: These include when the product was made, the consumption limit for 

perishable items, and recommended "use by" date for pre-packaged and frozen food 

products. 

Qualifiers: For example: "made by hand" on leather goods. 

Name/Address of Manufacturer or Vendor 

Specifications: Labels must inform the consumer of any particular product limitations or 

sales conditions. 

Price: The price (including all taxes) must be marked on packaged goods or on the 

3/29/2006

shelves, while they must be indicated on mail order. 

Bar Code Price Labeling (GENCOD): Stores are increasingly using this system to speed 

up the passage of clients at cash registers. GENCOD, France's bar code price labeling 

system, is generally used for products with a low per-unit value and rapid turnover, as 

well as for food and non-food products requiring an individual price marking because of 

their value, nature, or presentation. 

Quality and Ecological Labels: More established quality seals and labels exist in France 

than in any other European country. Though desirable because they offer extra 

information to the customer, they are not mandatory. 

Quality Labels: There are two types of French quality certificates: 

- Certificates issued by professional associations: each must be contacted individually 

for more information. For a list of professional associations, contact the "Mouvement 

des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)": 

MEDEF 

31, avenue Pierre-1er-de-Serbie 


France 

Phone: (33) 1.40.69.44.44 

Fax: (33) 1.47.23.47.32 

Web Site: [http://www.medef.fr/] 

- Certificates issued by AFNOR that controls the coveted and highly regarded French 

"NF" Mark, certifies that a product complies with all applicable French standards. 

AFAQ AFNOR Certification 

116, avenue Aristide Briand – BP 40 

92224 Bagneux Cedex – France 

Phone.: 33-1 46 11 37 00 

Fax: 33 1 46 11 39 40 

e-mail: certification@afaq.afnor.org 

Environmental Labels: AFNOR also issues the "NF Environment" label, which certifies 

that a specific product meets the environmental criteria to qualify for a NF mark. This 

label is available for all types of products (source: AFNOR, NF Environnement Service 

ph.: (33-1) 41.62.80.00 – Web: [http://www.marque-nf.com]. Currently, an "NF 

Environment" label can be issued for paints, lubricants, trash bags, and household 

chemicals, heating equipment, cosmetics, insulating materials and papers. 

Biotech products labeling and trace ability: 

Biotech products labeling and trace ability is harmonized in the European Union. It was 

introduced in the Directive 2001/18/CE regulating the release of genetically modified 

organisms into the environment. This Directive is currently being transposed into French 

national law: a bill prepared by the French government is going to be discussed for vote 

in the French Parliament in Spring 2005. The French Ministry of Agriculture is the 

leading authority regulating living genetically modified organisms. 

3/29/2006

The Trace Ability and Labeling Regulation 1830/2003 for biotech products, and the 

Novel Food/Novel Feed Regulation 1829/2003 were adopted in October 2003 and 

implemented EU-wide in April 2005. At the French level, the Fraud Control Office of the 

French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry control that the EU Regulations are 

properly implemented by the industry. 

Directive 2001/18/CE: 






French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Rural Affairs: 

[http://www.ogm.gouv.fr/] 

Fraud Control Office of the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry: 

[http://www.finances.gouv.fr/minefi/ministere/directions_services/index.htm] 

Contacts Return to top 

James koloditch, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer – Standards 

Olivier H. Collette, Senior Commercial Specialist - Standards 


American Embassy 

2, avenue Gabriel 

75008 Paris 

France 

Phone: (33-1).43.12.23.96 & (33-1) 43 12 21 97 

Fax: (33-1).43.12.21.72 

E-mail: [james.koloditch@mail.doc.gov] and [olivier.collette@mail.doc.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/] 

U.S. Mission to the E.U. 


Rue Zinner 13 

B - 1000 Brussels, Belgium 

Fax: 32 2 513 1228 

Gwen B. Lyle – Standards Attaché 

Tel: 32 2 508 2674 

E-mail: [gwen.lyle@mail.doc.gov] 

Sylvia Mohr – Standards Specialist 

E-mail: [sylvia.mohr@mail.doc.gov] 

Tel: 32 2 508 2675 

Fax: 32 2 513 1228 

3/29/2006

CEN – European Committee for Standardization 



Fax: 32 2 550 08 19 

Tel: 32 2 550 08 25 / 550 08 11 

Website: [http://www.cenorm.be] 

CENELEC – European Committee for Electro technical Standardization 



Tel: 32 2 519 68 71 

Fax: 32 2 519 69 19 

Website: [http://www.cenelec.org] 

ETSI - European Telecommunications Standards Institute 

Route des Lucioles 650 

F – 06921 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France 

Tel: 33 4 92 94 42 12 

Fax: 33 4 93 65 22 99 

Website: [http://www.etsi.org] 

European Commission 

Enterprise Directorate - General 

Rue de la Science 15 


Mail: Office: SC15 02/09 B – 1049 Brussels 

Tel: 32 2 299 56 72 

Fax: 32 2 299 16 75 

Website: [http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/standards_policy/] 

EFTA – European Free Trade Association 

Rue de Trèves 74 

B – 1040 Brussels 

Tel: 32 2 286 17 41 

Fax: 32 2 286 17 42 

Website: [http://www.efta.int/] 

NORMAPME – European Office of Crafts Trades and Small and Medium-Sized 

Enterprises for Standardization 

Rue Jacques de Lalaing 4 


Tel: 32 2 282 05 31 

Fax: 32 2 282 05 35 

Website: [http://www.normapme.com] 

ANEC - European Association for the Co-ordination of Consumer Representation in 

Standardization 

Avenue de Tervueren 36, Box 4 


Tel: 32 2 743 24 70 

3/29/2006

Fax: 32 2 706 54 30 

Website: [http://www.anec.org] 

ECOS – European Environmental Citizens Organization for Standardization 

Boulevard de Waterloo 34 


Tel: 32 2 289 10 93 

Fax: 32 2 289 10 99 

EOTA – European Organization for Technical Approvals (for construction products) 

Avenue des Arts 40 


Tel: 32 2 502 69 00 

Fax: 32 2 502 38 14 

Website: [http://www.info@eota.be] 

EOTC – European Organization for Conformity Assessment 



Tel: 32 2 502 40 40 

Fax: 32 2 502 42 39 

Website: [http://www.eotc.be] 

Trade Agreements Return to top 

N/A 


N/A 


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Chapter 6: Investment Climate 

• Openness to Foreign Investment 

• Conversion and Transfer Policies 

• Expropriation and Compensation 

• Dispute Settlement 

• Performance Requirements and Incentives 

• Right to Private Ownership and Establishment 

• Protection of Property Rights 

• Transparency of Regulatory System 

• Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment 

• Political Violence 

• Corruption 

• Bilateral Investment Agreements 

• OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs 

• Labor 

• Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports 

• Foreign Direct Investment Statistics 


Openness to Foreign Investment Return to top 

Ensuring that France's investment climate is attractive to foreign investors is a stated 

priority for the French government, which sees foreign investment as a way to create 

durable jobs and stimulate growth. Despite this, comments by some Government 

officials following rumored takeovers of French firms by foreign competitors in 2005, and 

the ensuing debate over “economic patriotism,” caused some observers to question the 

depth of this commitment. Nevertheless, investment regulations are simple, and a range 

of financial incentives for foreign investors are available. A public and commercial 

establishment, the French Agency for International Investment (Agence Francaise pour 

les Investissements Internationaux – AFII) integrates all offices responsible for 

promoting investment in France. The agency combines the overseas offices of the 

Invest in France Agencies (IFA), with the Invest in France Network (IFN) association. 

Foreign investors say they are attracted to France by its skilled and productive labor 

force; its central location in Europe with its free movement of people, services (with 

certain limitations), capital and goods that took on even greater significance with the 

introduction of Euro coins and bills in January 2002; good infrastructure; and its 

technology-oriented society. However, despite a decade or more of halting economic 

reforms and liberalization, U.S. and foreign companies often point to high payroll and 

income taxes, pervasive regulation of labor and products markets, and occasional 

negative attitudes toward foreign investors as disincentives to investing in France. 

3/29/2006

The Formal Investment Regime 

The formal French investment regime remains among the least restrictive in the world. 

While there is no generalized screening of foreign investment, legislation passed at the 

end of 2005 dictates that only acquisitions, irrespective of size or the nationality, 

involving “sensitive” sectors are subject to prior approval by the Finance Minister 

([http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/] – search the 31 December 2005 French Official Journal 

– decree 2005-1739 of 30 December 2005). For investors from non-EU countries (or not 

from European Economic Space Countries having signed an administrative convention 

with France), protected sectors include: gambling activities (e.g., casinos); private 

security services; research, development or production of chemical or biological 

antidotes; activities concerning equipment for intercepting communications or 

eavesdropping; services for evaluation of security of computer systems; dual-use (civil 

and military) technologies; cryptology; activities of firms that are repositories of defense 

secrets; research, production or trade in arms, munitions, explosives or other military 

equipment; or any other industry supplying the defense ministry any of the goods or 

services described above. The EU Commission has said it would study the December 

2005 decree to ensure consistency with European Community law. 

The decree also changes the triggers for GOF investment scrutiny. The prior decree 

required GOF review if a proposed investment were to rise above the threshold of 33 

percent of the outstanding shares or voting rights. Now, the decree spells out that any 

investment that grants control of a firm, or surpasses the 33 percent threshold, or 

involves any part of any branch of any firm that has established headquarters in France, 

is subject to GOF review. Authorities also consider place of residence, rather than to 

the nationality, of a potential investor. The place of residence of a corporate investor is 

determined by the place of residence of its ultimate beneficial owners, without regard to 

place of incorporation. While firms owned or controlled by American citizens legally 

resident in an EU country will usually be considered as EU residents, France will 

normally consider firms established or incorporated in other EU countries, and owned or 

controlled by American residents as non-EU residents. 

To determine if non-EU investors control a firm, the French government looks at the 

residency of the registered office (“siege social”) and the ability of non-EU investors to 

veto key management decisions or commercial ties (such as loans, guarantees, options, 

licenses, or contracts) if these factors effectively make the French company dependent 

on foreign investors. Firms with questions about their residency status should contact 

the Office of Foreign Investments at the following addresses: 

Ministere de l'Economie, des Finances et de l'Industrie, 

Direction Generale du Trésor et de la Politique Economique: 

Multicom 2 - Services, Investissements et Propriete Intellectuelle 

139, rue de Bercy 

75012 Paris, France 

Tel: (33)1 44-87-72-87 

Service du Financement de L'Economie 

FINENT 1 Epargne et Marché Financier 



3/29/2006

Tel: (33)- 1- 40-04-04-04 

Agence des Participations de l’Etat 



Tel: or (33)- 1- 40-04-04-04 

AFII’s website (http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica in English) explains basic 

regulations covering foreign direct investment, and a general framework on legal issues 

to help business decisions, notably in its "Doing Business in France" report. The 

website of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides French summaries of 

regulations applicable to foreign direct investment: (http://www.inforeg.CCIP.fr). 

Informal Impediments to Foreign Investors 

The January 1, 1999 introduction of the Euro as the single currency of the European 

Monetary Union (EMU), including France, has increased the competitive pressures on 

France to improve its domestic business and investment climate in order to promote 

growth and create new jobs. In addition, France has responded to a more competitive 

international investment climate by implementing some market-oriented economic 

reforms that increase the attractiveness of the French economy to foreign investors, and 

by offering a variety of investment incentives. Foreign investors also say they are 

attracted to France by its central location in Europe, highly skilled labor force, and good 

infrastructure. France is closing the gap with the U.S. and some other European 

countries in personal computer use and Internet access. 

Yet, while today's foreign investors face less interference than was once the case, more 

than a decade of reforms has not entirely overcome a traditional preference for state 

intervention and a sometimes-reflexive opposition to foreign investment. In some cases, 

this can be seen in labor organization opposition to acquisitions of French businesses by 

U.S. firms, often reflecting a perception that U.S. firms focus on short-term profits at the 

expense of employment. In other cases, French firms have stated a preference for 

working with French and European, rather than U.S. firms. A degree of opaqueness in 

the privatization process (see below) can also aggravate suspicions about the equal 

treatment of foreign investors in publicly held firms. 

In addition, deregulation is far from complete and the state remains very involved in 

economic life. There is extensive regulation of business and labor markets, and 

business taxation rates are high compared to other leading industrial countries. Foreign 

investors most often cite complicated and pervasive labor regulation and high income 

and payroll taxes as the greatest disincentives to investing in France. In the case of 

labor market regulation, the impact on companies of the 35-hour legal workweek is 

mixed. Many companies took the opportunity of negotiations with employees on the 

switch to the 35-hour workweek to implement work-hour on an annual basis for greater 

labor flexibility. Companies also benefited from a further cut in payroll taxes on low 

wages. On the negative side, the 35-hour workweek increased unit labor costs since 

total wages remained unchanged even though the number of hours worked declined. 

The government is taking measures to make the law less rigid and is seeking to 

introduce more flexibility in employment contracts (See D. Labor). 

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The French and U.S. business communities initially described France's new "social 

modernization law", passed in July 2001, as creating burdensome new obligations. The 

center-right government elected in 2002 selectively implemented the law through its 

power to implement by decree. In addition, the Government introduced a broad range of 

new investment promotion and competitiveness measures in 2005. 

In making its decision on raising the minimum wage an average of 5.5 percent (effective 

July 2005), the Government aimed to stimulate household consumption, the motor of 

economic growth. Despite the increase in the minimum wage, wages in the private and 

public sectors are expected to accelerate only slightly compared with last year (2.5-2.6 

percent compared with 2.5 percent in 2004) as the high unemployment rate restrains 

wage demands. The government decision to apply income tax cuts in 2007 should 

benefit the French economy, making France a more attractive place for both French and 

foreign investment. 

The French treat two social security taxes, the "Contribution Sociale Generalisee" (CSG) 

and the "Contribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale" (CRDS), as social 

security contributions. U.S. contributors to the U.S. Social Security system do not pay 

these taxes. (Based on the "May 2 2001-377 ordonnance" to apply the 1408/71 EEC 

regulation, only "individuals who are subject to income taxes in France and contribute to 

the French social security system including health insurance pay CSG and CRDS". The 

related "circulaire d'application" was published in the May 20, 2001 "Bulletin Officiel du 

Travail, de l"Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle" [http://www.travail.gouv.fr]. 

On December 8, 2004, the United States amended the income tax convention between 

the United States and France to avoid double taxation and the prevention of fiscal 

evasion, and the estate and gift tax convention to avoid double taxation with respect to 

taxes on estates, inheritances and gifts [http://www.treas.gov/offices/taxpolicy/treaties.shtml]. 

In December 2005, the French government introduced two bills 

ratifying the two amendments. The provisions will resolve problems related to the 

double taxation of partnerships and estates. 

English summaries of labor and tax regulations applicable to foreign companies in 

France are available at the AFII's website [http://www.investinfrance.org/] and at the 

Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industries' website [http://www.CCIP.fr]. 

France's Privatization Program 

The former Socialist-led government that took office in July 1997 returned to the private 

sector all or parts of its stakes in a number of large companies, banks and insurance 

groups. U.S. firms showed interest in some of these sales. The current center-right 

government, elected in 2002, announced preliminary plans, but the global slump in air 

transportation and equity markets put a brake in privatizations through the sale of 

shares. In 2003 and 2004, the government reduced its stakes in large companies such 

as Air France-KLM (to 44.6 from 54.0 percent), France Telecom (to 42.2 from 54.5 

percent), Thales (formerly Thomson CSF, to 31.3 from 33.3 percent), Renault (to 15.6 

from 26.0 percent), and Thomson (to 2.0 from 20.8 percent through TSA). Smaller 

projects were carried out: privatizations of SAPRR (Paris-Rhin-Rhone highway 

company), and of the electricity company SNET. In the energy sector, the government 

sold shares in EDF and GDF, retaining a 85.9 percent stake in EDF and a 79 percent 

stake in GDF, but postponed the privatization of Areva. After a long selection process in 

3/29/2006

2005, the sale of toll-road companies ASF, APRR and Sanef will be effective in early 

2006. Capital openings for employees of Aeroports de Paris and EDF are planned for 

2006. The government still has stakes in Bull and Safran (renamed after Sagem merged 

with Snecma), and in 1,280 other firms, and has stated its intention to continue 

privatization, based largely on the same criteria as the Socialists had used. 

Sales of government interests are conducted either through market-based public 

offerings or, more often, through an off-market bidding process. In both cases, key 

decisions are made by the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry on the advice of 

the quasi-independent "Commission des Participations et des Transferts" (formerly 

known as the Privatization Commission). Both of these consider financial and business 

plans submitted by bidders. While there is a strict legal and procedural process 

regulating these decisions, the confidential nature of off-market sales can raise 

suspicions about the equal treatment of foreign versus French bidders. This can in itself 

have a chilling effect on foreign investment. In the past, a policy of selling former 

holdings to "core" shareholders in an effort to avoid the splitting-up of companies or 

sales of sensitive state assets to foreign investors also hampered market efficiency and 

tended to favor French firms. 

When privatizing state-owned firms either through off-market placements or marketbased 

offerings, the 1993 privatization law gives the French government the option to 

maintain a so-called "golden share" to "protect national interests." This provision is not 

specifically targeted at foreign companies, and has not been a part of every privatization 

operation. A golden share gives the government three legal rights: 

-- To require prior authorization from the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry 

for any investor or group of investors acting in concert to own more than a certain 

percentage of a firm's capital. The thresholds would apply to all investors; 

-- To name up to two non-voting members to the firm's board of directors; and 

-- To block the sale of any asset to protect "national interests." Assets could include 

shares, but also buildings, technology, patents, trademarks, and any other tangible or 

intangible property. 

The French Government will have to reconsider its use of golden shares in future 

privatization operations following the June 2002 European Court of Justice's decision to 

reaffirm the basic principle of free movement of capital in the EU. The Court stated that 

the use by some EU countries, including France, of golden shares was a serious 

impediment to that principle. Nonetheless, the Government is considering holding a 

golden share in the privatization of Areva due to loopholes in the court's judgment. 

Areva’s chairman stated that the golden share could be consistent with EU 

requirements. 

French Government Participation in R&D Programs 

The French government (GOF) contributes roughly 1 percent of the GDP to R&D while the 

industrial sector contributes 1.2 percent, according to 2004 figures. Despite budgetary 

restraints, the GOF has decided to increase spending for government research by an 

additional one billion euros annually from 2005 to 2007. The GOF thus confirms its intent 

to increase R&D spending to 3 percent of the GDP by 2010, with two percent coming from 

3/29/2006

the private sector. The French government relies on increased tax credits and incentives 

for the development of new investment structures to boost industrial research. The GOF 

has also begun an ambitious effort to rethink its R&D strategy, organization, evaluation, 

and funding as reflected in the forthcoming Research and Innovation Bill (February 2006). 

In 2005, the GOF created two agencies -- an NSF-style National Research Agency and an 

Agency for Industrial Innovation -- to encourage basic and applied research programs 

selected on the basis of a competitive, merit-based review system, to help develop 

public/private partnerships, and to facilitate technology transfer to the economic world. The 

GOF also supports partnerships between public research agencies and universities at the 

regional level within the framework of "Research and Higher Education Poles," and 

encourages the cross-fertilization between research and innovation notably in the 

framework of newly designated "competitiveness clusters." 

The GOF sponsors R&D and technology development programs at three different levels: 

-- International/European programs (e.g. ITER, ESA, CERN, EUREKA, EU Framework 

program); 

-- Technology development programs in the private sector (approx. 45 percent of R&D 

expenditures are funded by the French government), with specific programs to 

encourage the transfer of research and to aid small and medium firms; and 

-- National research programs (mostly administered by the Research Ministry), with specific 

emphasis given to health and biotech (fight against cancer, research on aging and physical 

disabilities, focus on new epidemics, genomic/genetics); resource management (including 

food resources, food safety, water management); sustainable development and the fight 

against greenhouse gases (research on clean vehicles, new energies, energy storage and 

use of hydrogen, nuclear fusion); information and communication technologies; Nan 

technologies; and space. 

The breakdown of the 2006 Higher Education and Research budget is as follows (in 

millions of euros): 

Budget categories Budget Amount 2005/2006 

percentage 

change 

Higher education and university research 10,125.0 10.0 

Scientific and technical research 3,602.0 - 2.0 

Space research 1,248.0 1.0 

Energy sector research 658.0 7.0 

Industrial research 527.0 24.0 

Others 4,527.0 n/a 

For access to R&D subsidies, the French government provides national treatment to all 

foreign companies registered in France, allowing them to receive the same treatment as 

French companies. U.S. companies have experienced no difficulty in participating in these 

opportunities. 

3/29/2006

Visas, Work Requirements 

The government of France requires that foreign citizens complete extensive procedures 

if they wish to work in France. The requirements are essentially the same whether 

foreign citizens work for French or foreign-controlled firms. Non-EU nationals who 

intend to work or conduct any commercial activity in France must receive a long-term 

visa and a work permit (Carte de travail) or business permit (Carte de commercant - 

foreign trader's card) before establishing residence in France. Information can be 

obtained from French consulates in the United States. The web address is 

[http://www.info-france-usa.org/intheus/consulates.asp]. For more information on the 

foreign trader's card, please consult the Invest in France agency Web site at: 

[http://www.investinfrance.org/France/Living/Expatriate/?p=formalities&1=en]. For more 

information on other types of visas and applicable fees, contact your local Consulate 

General of France. In addition, a foreigner's ability to practice a profession may be 

curtailed by government regulation and the regulations of French professional 

associations. For example, lawyers seeking to practice in France must become 

members of the French bar before they can practice any type of law under their own 

names. This requires passing the bar examination in French. A number of legislative 

changes to these regulations are under consideration. 

Conversion and Transfer Policies Return to top 

All inward and outward payments must be made through approved banking 

intermediaries by bank transfers. There is no restriction on repatriation of capital. 

Similarly, there are no restrictions on transfers of profits, interest, royalties, or service 

fees. Foreign-controlled French businesses are required to have a resident French bank 

account and are subject to the same regulations as other French legal entities. The use 

of foreign bank accounts by residents is permitted. 

France has little effective foreign exchange control regulations. For exchange control 

purposes, the French government considers foreigners as residents from the time they 

arrive in France. French and foreign citizens are subject to the same rules. Residents 

are entitled to open an account in foreign currency with a bank established in France 

and to establish accounts abroad. Residents must report the account number for all 

foreign accounts on their annual income tax returns. French-source earnings may be 

transferred abroad. 

As part of the international effort to combat money laundering and the financing of 

terrorism, France's banking regulations have undergone several changes, which affect 

the handling of checks, as recommended by the Financial Action Task Force. Additional 

changes are expected. France sometimes uses its powers under national law to 

execute asset freeze orders against terrorists, as well as operating within EU structures. 

3/29/2006

Expropriation and Compensation Return to top 

Under French law, private investors are entitled to compensation if their properties are 

expropriated, and such compensation must be adequate and paid promptly. In France's 

bilateral investment treaties, the French government promises to provide both prompt 

and adequate compensation. There have been no recent disputes involving 

expropriation of U.S. investments. 

Dispute Settlement Return to top 

There have been few major disputes involving established U.S. firms in recent years. 

Government decisions in investment cases can be appealed to administrative tribunals 

and ultimately to the Council of State (Conseil d'Etat). The rights of U.S. investors are 

also protected by the U.S.-French bilateral convention (see Section B below). 

The judicial system is independent. Property and contractual rights are enforced by the 

French civil code. Judgments of foreign courts are accepted and enforced by courts in 

France once they have been "declared executor" by a French judge through "executor" 

proceedings (Art. 2123 of the French Civil Code and Art. 509 of the Civil Procedure 

Code). However, in some civil cases and in bankruptcy cases, foreign judgments are 

recognized and enforced by French courts without executor proceedings. 

France is a member of the World Bank's International Center for the Settlement of 

Investment Disputes (ICSID – [http:// www.worldbank.org/ICSID]). In addition, in most of 

its bilateral investment treaties (BIT's) it has agreed to accept binding arbitration to 

resolve investor-state disputes. However, most of France's BIT partners are developing 

countries whose investors have few investments in France. (See below). 

Performance Requirements and Incentives Return to top 

Investment Incentives 

France offers a range of financial incentives to foreign investors. The following 

information reflects incentives, as they existed at time of this writing. The government 

has a broad range of investment and competitiveness measures in the legislative 

pipeline. 

France's domestic planning and investment promotion agency, DATAR (Delegation a 

l'Amenagement du Territoire et a l'Action Regionale) was renamed DIACT (Delegation 

Interministerielle a l’Amenagement et la Competitivite des Territoires) in December 

2005. It has a broad mandate, including increasing the “attractiveness” of the national 

territory for foreign investors and assisting potential investors. In addition, financial 

subsidies and tax incentives are offered at the local, regional and national government 

3/29/2006

level to attract investment to France's less affluent areas. Incentives are available 

equally to French and foreign investors and eligibility requirements are the same. 

Within the French government, foreign investment promotion is the responsibility of the 

AFII "Invest in France Mission" headed by an ambassador at-large, who is based at the 

Ministry of the Economy, and backed up by DIACT. DIACT maintains offices throughout 

France and around the world to seek out and advise potential investors on project 

development, site selection, investment incentives (the largest of which are administered 

by DIACT) and administrative and legal requirements. DIACT's overseas offices were renamed 

"Invest in France Agencies" (IFA -- IFANA in North America) in 2001. There are 

three DATAR/IFANA offices in the United States: 

Northern and Eastern States 

IFANA New York 

810 Seventh Avenue, Suite 3800 


Tel: (212) 757-9340 

Fax: (212) 245-1568 

Western and Southern States 

IFANA Palo Alto 

575 High Street, Suite 310 

Palo Alto, 

CA 94301-1663 

Tel: 650/326-8440 

Fax: 650/326-8438 

Midwestern States 

IFANA Chicago 

205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3750 

Chicago, IL 60611 

Tel: (312) 628-1054 

Fax: (312) 628-1033 

AFII’s internet address is [http://www.InvestinFrance.org]. DATAR’s site, 

[http://www.datar.gouv.fr/] or [http://www.DIACT.gouv.fr]. 

The primary investment incentive offered through DIACT is the Prime d'Amenagement 

du Territoire (PAT). DATAR had revised downward the PAT program at the European 

Commission's request. Nonetheless, PAT incentives remain generous for investment in 

disadvantaged zones (parts of north and central France, and Corsica). The list of 

eligible zones will stay the same until December 31, 2006. Interestingly the current PAT 

system is more supportive of small and medium sized companies in the industry, 

services, and research and development sectors. (New rules were issued in the April 13, 

2001 and June 6, 2001 "Journal Officiel”). Other investment incentives may also be 

available. New related criteria have been set for the 2000-2006 period. Potential 

investors should consult DIACT and AFII to determine the full range of possibilities, 

including: 

3/29/2006

-- Research and development project grants, notably for businesses located in 

competitiveness clusters 

-- Special tax treatment for company headquarters 

-- Local and regional tax holidays and special subsidies 

-- "Industrial conversion" zones featuring tax breaks and grants for job-creation 

-- Special access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises 

-- Assistance for training, including a portion of wages paid to employees in training. 

Besides DIACT/IFA at the national level, several French cities and regions have 

developed their own investment promotion agencies that advise potential investors, offer 

administrative assistance, and oversee investment incentives. The February 2002 Local 

Democracy Law ("Democratie de proximite" – www.legifrance.gouv.fr) gives regional 

councils ("Conseils Regionaux") full powers to establish (without decree or national 

convention) schemes for direct aids to companies (subsidies, reduced interest rates on 

loans, and advances). Each "Conseil Regional" has it own website, which can be found 

with any internet search engine using "conseil regional" and the name of the appropriate 

region. 

All incentives are covered by regulations set by the European Commission. 

Performance Requirements 

Other than those linked to incentives, there are no mandatory performance requirements 

established by law. However, the French government will generally require 

commitments regarding employment or research and development from both foreign and 

domestic investors seeking government financial incentives. For example, to be eligible 

for DIACT grants, the French government usually requires that firms, whether owned by 

EU or non-EU residents, create a minimum of 15 jobs within the first three years. As 

noted above, PAT and R&D subsidies are based on the number of jobs created. In 

addition, the authorities have occasionally sought commitments as part of the approval 

process for acquisitions by foreign investors. 

Nonetheless, foreign firms need the French government's approval on a variety of 

regulatory issues, and in France, officials generally have much wider discretion than 

their U.S. counterparts. This can leave firms subject to "unwritten" performance 

requirements, with regulatory officials making it known that a firm's request would be 

more favorably viewed if it increased employment, R&D, or exports. 

Right to Private Ownership and Establishment Return to top 

The French government maintains legal monopolies in the following sectors: postal 

services (La Poste), national rail transportation (SNCF), Parisian bus and metro services 

(RATP), and tobacco manufacturing and distribution (Seita). The electricity and gas 

3/29/2006

Companies (EDF/GDF) no longer have monopolies on production, distribution and sale 

of electricity and gas. Market opening in Europe has surpassed 37 percent (by volume) 

of the electricity market and 70 percent of the gas market -- meaning that that proportion 

of customers is free to choose another supplier, although few have. In July 2004, the 

option to switch suppliers was opened to all commercial customers. After a critical piece 

of energy sector reform legislation passed that same month, the first public sales of 

shares for EDF and GDF began in 2005, leading effectively to a partial privatization of 

the two companies. However, the new law requires the GOF to retain at least a 70 

percent interest. 

Protection of Property Rights Return to top 

France is a strong defender of intellectual property rights and has highly developed 

protections for intellectual property. Under the French system, patents and trademarks 

protect industrial property, while literary/artistic property is protected by copyrights. By 

virtue of the Paris Convention and the Washington Treaty regarding industrial property, 

U.S. Nationals have a "priority period" after filing an application for an U.S. patent or 

trademark, in which to file a corresponding application in France. This period is twelve 

months for patents and six months for trademarks. In July 2004, the French 

government, internet access providers and authors and producers of music signed a 

“Charter to fight piracy and develop legal offers of music online.” This charter allows 

access providers to address a warning message to Net surfers and to remove 

subscription rights of people condemned for hacking. In December 2005, the lower 

house of Parliament, the National Assembly, narrowly passed an amendment that, if 

enacted into law, could authorize online peer-to-peer copying of works for private use, 

but the Government promised a closer review in 2006 to ensure copyrights continue to 

be protected. 

Transparency of Regulatory System Return to top 

The French government has made considerable progress in recent years improving the 

transparency and accessibility of its regulatory system. Government Ministers, 

companies, consumer organizations and trade associations may petition the Unfair 

Competition Council to investigate anti-competitive practices. 

Of most concern to foreign companies has been standards setting. With standards 

different from those in the U.S., rigorous testing and approval procedures must 

sometimes be undertaken before goods can be sold in France, particularly those that 

entail risk. When EU-wide standards do not exist, specific French standards apply. The 

United States and the EU have negotiated mutual recognition agreements covering the 

testing and certification of certain specified regulated products. Information about these 

agreements and efforts to extend them can be found at the website of the Trans-Atlantic 

Business Dialogue, [http://www.tabd.com/]. The National Institute of Standards and 

Technology, [http://www.nist.gov/], is represented at the International Bureau of Weights 

and Measures, [http://www.bipm.fr/], located in Sevres, France, and may be of 

assistance to firms. 

3/29/2006

Industry associations have an influential role in developing both government policies and 

influencing self-regulatory organizations. U.S. firms may find it useful to become 

members of local industry groups. Experience has shown that even "observer" status 

can offer U.S. firms an insight into new investment opportunities and greater access to 

government-sponsored projects, even if U.S. firms sometimes feel they are not always 

given an adequate opportunity to participate in the determination of regulations. 

Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment Return to top 

Access to Capital and Capital Markets 

France has an open financial market that gives firms easy access to a variety of financial 

products in both French and international markets. As markets expand, foreign and 

domestic portfolio investment has become increasingly important. France continues to 

modernize its marketplace, introducing tax-advantaged retirement funds in 2004. Facing 

the prospect of increasingly tough competition with other European marketplaces 

following the introduction of the Euro, French financial markets are continually updating 

and adapting their products, procedures and services. 

France is actively involved in the effort to create a system of internationally accepted 

accounting standards (to learn more, go to [http://www.iasb.org.uk/] or search the SEC's 

website at [http://www.sec.gov/]. Most EU listed companies will be required to use 

international accounting standards from 2005. French market and banking regulators 

continue to enhance and develop cooperation with their foreign counterparts. French 

legal, regulatory and accounting systems may not be as transparent as U.S. systems, 

but are consistent with international norms. 

Commercial banks offer all classic financing instruments, including short, medium, and 

long-term loans, short-and medium-term credit facilities, and secured and non-secured 

overdrafts. Commercial banks also assist in public offerings of shares and corporate 

debt, and mergers, acquisitions and takeovers. Banks offer hedging services against 

interest rate and currency fluctuations. France also had 186 foreign banks with total 

assets accounting for 10 percent of total bank assets at the end of 2004, some with 

sizable branch networks. Foreign companies have access to all banking services. 

Although some subsidies are available for home mortgages and small business 

financing, most loans are provided at market rates. 

Increasingly, firms in France are bypassing banks and going directly to financial markets 

for their financing needs. The center of the French market is the Euronext stock 

exchange. Euronext N.V., a holding company incorporated under Dutch law, was 

formed on 22 September 2000 when the exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris 

merged. The Euronext group expanded at the beginning of 2002 with the acquisition of 

LIFFE (London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange) and the merger 

with the Portuguese exchange BVLP (Bolsa de Valores de Lisboa e Porto). As of 

December 2005, Euronext listed 1,259 companies (of which 300 are foreign excluding 

countries members of Euronext), with a total capitalization of USD 2.3 billion. In 

February 2005, Euronext Paris merged the three separate markets of the Paris 

exchange, the cash market (“Marche au Comptant”), the regulated market (“Second 

3/29/2006

Marche”) and the “Nouveau Marche” (growth segment) on which new companies, 

especially smaller ones with an emphasis on growth and technology, can raise start-up 

capital. The new market list (“Eurolist”) was split in three segments based on the 

capitalization of companies (150 million euros, 150 million to 1 billion euros, and more 

than 1 billion euros). The changes are aimed at improving liquidity and visibility of small- 

and medium-sized companies. A financial futures market, the "Marche a Terme des 

Instruments Financiers," commonly known as the MATIF, trades standard contracts on 

interest rates, short- and long-term bonds, stock market indices, and commodities. It 

has established linkages with its German and Swiss counterparts as well as with the 

Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Options are traded on the "Marche des Options 

Négociables de Paris” (MONEP) exchange, operated by Euronext. Finally, though not 

nearly as developed as in the United States or the United Kingdom, venture capital 

markets (“Marche Libre” and “Marche de gre a gre”) have become increasingly important 

ways for start-up firms to raise funds. In 2005, Euronext created a market, “Alternext,” to 

offer companies a new unregulated market (based on the legal definition of the 

European investment services directive) with more consumer protection than the 

“Marche Libre,” which will continue to operate. 

Foreigners hold more than 40 percent of the capital of publicly traded French 

companies. For a foreign company incorporated in an OECD country to be listed on the 

Euronext stock exchange, a French bank or broker must sponsor it. It must also prepare 

a French language prospectus to get a permit from the "Autorite des Marches 

Financiers” (AMF), the new unified body that has taken up responsibilities of the former 

Commissions des Operations de Bourse (COB)" (the French equivalent to the SEC). 

The Council of State stated in December 2001 that the "urgent measures for economic 

and financial reform" law ("Mesures urgentes de reforme a caractere economique et 

financiere MURCEF") was not unconstitutional, authorizing foreign companies to provide 

statements in English and a short summary in French. Since July 1, 2005, France has 

applied the European 809-2004 regulation that details the content of prospectuses. 

AMF has modified its general regulation on September 8, 2005, taking into account the 

transposition of the November 4, 2003 EU directive on prospectus on securities offered 

to the public or admitted to trading. Based on the December 13, 2005 2005-11 

disposition, an application to the AMF must include a summary in French or any other 

language commonly used in financial issues that describes "essential information related 

to the content and modalities of operations" as well as to the "organization, financial 

situation and development of the activity of the company". Details may be found on the 

AMF web site [http://www.amf-france.org/], which merged with the COB web site 

[http://www.cob.fr/]. 

The sponsoring bank or broker is responsible for placing the securities with investors 

when the securities are listed and for acting as a market maker. More information is 

available on the Paris Stock Exchange website, [ http://www.euronext.com/ ]. 

Cross-Shareholding 

An intricate network of cross-shareholdings among French corporations has often been 

seen as a barrier to foreign acquisition of French firms. Often, two French companies will 

each own a significant share of the other. This system, which was traditionally a means 

to help ensure state-control of the economy, has weakened in recent years under the 

pressure of the marketplace. 

3/29/2006

Mergers and Acquisitions 

Although French laws regarding takeovers do not discriminate against foreign investors, 

a hostile takeover in France by a foreign investor could face public and even official 

scrutiny. Provisions of the company takeover law are designed to limit hostile takeovers 

of publicly traded companies. For example, with the new regulation, passed by the 

Parliament on December 15, 2005, stockholders are required to notify company 

management and AMF when they have decided to prepare a takeover. France 

extended its public offering rules, requiring investors taking control of a company listed 

on a French market (“the target”) to make a public offering on French and foreign 

subsidiaries having shares listed on a regulated market of the European economic 

space or an equivalent regulated by foreign laws if “the target” holds more than one third 

of voting rights in these companies and if companies constitute essential assets of the 

target. 

Political Violence 

Return to top 

Occasionally, anti-American sentiments, particularly by those who see themselves as 

threatened by U.S. policies, result in demonstrations against U.S. investments. The 

recent massive demonstrations by anti-globalization protesters at major international 

conferences and summits around the world, which have resulted in the targeting of U.S. 

firms and significant property damage, could be replicated in France should there be an 

attractive opportunity for such groups. That said, incidents targeting U.S. investments 

are rare. France is one of the world's leading democracies and a founding member of 

the EU; there is little danger of insurrection, belligerent neighbors, or widespread civil 

disturbances. Moreover, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there have 

been relatively fewer anti-American demonstrations in France as compared to prior 

years. 

Corruption 

Return to top 

France has laws, regulations and penalties that effectively combat acts of corruption 

committed in France. A 1993 law established a Central Service for the Prevention of 

Corruption under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice. The French judiciary is responsible 

for prosecution, and is active in doing so. There have been numerous investigations and 

convictions of public officials and businessmen under the anti-corruption statutes. 

Penalties for acts of corruption vary according to the circumstances; they often include 

fines and prison terms. At the 2003 trial of former executives of the oil company Elf, the 

prosecution has sought five to eight-year prison sentences as well as fines for three of 

the main figures among the 37 defendants. The criminal investigation into the activities 

of the then state-owned oil companies was launched in 1994 and is considered France’s 

biggest corruption investigation in recent history. 

France ratified the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and enacted implementing legislation 

to enforce its provisions in 2000. The OECD Anti-Bribery Conventions is enforced via 

amendments to the Criminal code, which have been integrated into Articles 435-3 and 

3/29/2006

435-4 of a new chapter on international corruption (Chapter V, Title III, Book IV). Article 

435-3 incriminates the offer or promise of a bribe, but not the actual payment of a bribe, 

which is explicitly mentioned in the convention. Furthermore, there is a difference in the 

treatment of victims of bribery, depending on whether the bribery is domestic, EU or 

foreign. In cases of bribery of GOF/EU officials, any victim may initiate prosecution. In 

cases involving the bribery of other foreign government officials, on the other hand, 

criminal proceedings may be initiated only by the public prosecutor on the basis of a 

complaint from a Government official in the country where the bribery took place. In 

other words, if the victim were a U.S. company, it would not be able to initiate criminal 

proceedings under French legislation. No case has yet been brought before the French 

Justice system under the OECD Anti-Bribery convention as of the end of 2005. 

The OECD Anti-Bribery convention is further enforced via amendments to the Tax Code 

and to the Code of Criminal Procedure. Article 39-2 of the French Tax Code puts an end 

to the tax deductibility of bribes as of the entry into force in France of the Convention 

(September 29, 2000). Finally, Article 706-1 of the amended Code of Criminal 

Procedure provides that acts criminalized by the OECD Convention will be prosecuted in 

the Economic and Financial Unit of the Paris Court of Justice. More information about 

France’s implementation of the agreement can be found at the OECD's Internet address, 

[http://www.oecd.org/]. 

France has also begun ratification of the Council of Europe’s civil and criminal 

conventions on corruption. The procedure should be completed during the first half of 

2006. 

There have been no specific complaints from U.S. firms of unfair competition or 

investment obstacles due to corrupt practices in France in recent years. More 

information on the international fight against corruption can be found at the Internet site 

of Transparency International, [www.Transparency.org], a private organization. 

According to Transparency International’s French Chapter, the sectors most affected by 

corrupt practices tend to be public works and the defense industry. 

Bilateral Investment Agreements Return to top 

1959 U.S.-France Convention on Establishment 

U.S. investment in France is subject to the provisions of the Convention on 

Establishment between the United States of America and France, which was signed in 

1959 and is still in force. Some of the rights it provides to U.S. nationals and companies 

include: 

-- The right to be treated like domestic nationals in all types of commercial activities 

including the right to establish offices and acquire majority control of French firms. (This 

right does not apply to firms involved in communications, air transportation, water 

transportation, banking, the exploitation of natural resources, certain "professions," and 

the production of electricity) and in obtaining and maintaining patent and trademarks; 

3/29/2006

-- The right to receive the best treatment accorded to either domestic nationals and 

companies or third country nationals and companies with respect to transferring funds 

between France and the U.S.; and 

-- The requirement that property may only be expropriated for a public purpose and that 

payment must be just, realizable, and prompt. 

The treaty does not apply to the use or production of fissionable materials, arms, or any 

materials used directly or indirectly to supply military establishments. The treaty does not 

prevent application of measures necessary to protect essential security interests. 

Bilateral Investment Treaties 

Investments in France by other EU member states are governed by the provisions of the 

Treaty of Rome and by Union Law. France has also signed Bilateral Investment Treaties 

(BITs) with the following 81 countries: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, 

Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 

Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial 

Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Honduras, Hungary, 

India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (South), Kuwait, 

Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, 

Mauritius, Moldavia, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, 

Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Qatar, 

Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, 

Trinidad and Tobago, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, 

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, and Yugoslavia (the former Federal Republic). 

Bilateral Investment Treaties signed with the following 11 countries have not yet been 

ratified: Bahrain, Bosnia, Brazil, Byelorussia, Ghana, Libya, Madagascar, Mozambique, 

Namibia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

French BITs generally cover the following: 

-- Just and equitable treatment that is no less favorable than that accorded to domestic 

investors or the most favored investor from a third country; 

-- Restrictions on expropriation of investments, and requirements that, in the case of 

expropriation, compensation be prompt and adequate; 

-- Free transfers; and, 

-- The ability to resolve investor-state disputes through binding international arbitration. 

OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs Return to top 

Given France's high per capita income, investments in France do not qualify for 

investment insurance or guarantees offered by the Overseas Private Investment 

Corporation (OPIC). Further information can be found at [http://www.opic.gov/]. 

3/29/2006

Labor Return to top 

France's private sector labor force is one of the country's strongest points in attracting 

foreign investment, combining high quality with relatively competitive unit-wage costs 

compared with those of other industrialized countries. 

The labor code sets minimum standards for working conditions including the workweek, 

layoffs, overtime, vacation and personal leave. Other labor standards are contained in 

collective agreements, which are usually negotiated by sector on a national or regional 

basis by the various trade union federations and employers' associations. French 

absenteeism is modest by European standards, and in the private sector, peaceful labor 

relations generally prevail. 

While the rate of unionization in France has steadily declined to a little more than half 

that of the United States, French labor law provides an extensive institutional role for 

employee representatives and for organized labor. 

-- In companies with more than 10 employees, employee delegates are elected for a 

one-year term. They are authorized to present individual or collective claims and 

grievances relating to working conditions, to inform government labor inspectors of any 

complaints under the labor law, and to concur with management in any reorganization of 

the workweek. Management is required to meet with employee delegates at least 

monthly. 

-- A company with more than 50 employees must have a joint management/employee 

enterprise committee, to which employee representatives are elected. The committee 

must be consulted for all major corporate decisions, but has no veto. The enterprise 

committee must be provided with the same information that is made available to 

shareholders. It is funded by the company at a rate equal to at least 0.2 percent of the 

firm's payroll, and uses this money to finance social and cultural activities for the benefit 

of employees. 

-- Workers also hold most slots on occupational health and safety committees, which 

are mandatory in medium and large size companies. Labor tribunals (playing a role 

largely equivalent to the NLRB in resolving labor disputes) are comprised of equal 

numbers of union and employer representatives. Appeals are possible to the level of the 

“Cour de Cassation,” one of France's high courts. 

Due to a variety of macro and microeconomic factors, including high payroll taxes, a high 

minimum wage, and rigid labor laws, French businesses tend to use less labor-intensive 

procedures and rely more on laborsaving technology than businesses in other countries. 

This is one reason for France's high unemployment rate. 

While not rejecting outright the 35-hour workweek, the government of former Prime 

Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin (in office from May 2002 to June 2005), made the law less 

rigid, principally by loosening restrictions on overtime hours. By allowing French 

employees to work longer overtime hours, the Raffarin government engineered a 

potential return to a 39-hour workweek. 

3/29/2006

Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports Return to top 

France is subject to all European Union free trade zone regulations and arrangements. 

These allow member countries to designate portions of their customs territory as free 

trade zones and free warehouses. France has taken advantage of these regulations in 

several specific instances. The French Customs Service administers these zones and 

can provide more details. Customs can be contacted at the finance ministry web 

address: [http://www.douane.gouv.fr/ use search to find information about “zones 

franches”)]. 

In addition, the French government has renewed the tax exemption program for five 

years, until December 31, 2007, in the existing urban "enterprise zones" (Zones 

Franches Urbaines), for 44 depressed or impoverished municipalities in France or its 

overseas territories, added 41 new zones to the list in 2004, and 15 new zones in 2005. 

Since January 2004, any zone benefited from tax exemptions on corporate tax, payroll 

taxes, professional tax and real estate tax. Related information is notably available at 

the City Government web site [http://www.ville.gouv.fr/]. 

More information on enterprise and investment zones is available from various sources: 

[http://www.zones-franches.org], [http://www.InvestinFrance.org] 

[http://www.diact.gouv.fr], and [http://www.oseo.fr] for assistance to small and medium 

sized companies. 

The 67 competitiveness clusters created by the government in July 2005 to reinforce 

innovation in France and fight against relocation of enterprises abroad will benefit from 

income and social tax exemptions. Clusters involved in research and innovation will also 

benefit from financial support from the state-owned investment bank Caisse des Depots. 

Foreign Direct Investment Statistics Return to top 

Foreign investment represents a significant percentage of production in many sectors. 

Rapid growth in the new technologies sector has given way to renewed growth in 

traditional sectors: automobiles, metalworking, aerospace, capital goods, and 

consultancy and services. France has remained one of the main destinations of foreign 

direct investment (FDI), although foreign investment in industrialized countries has 

declined. Foreign investment inflows remained significant, but decreased in 2004 by 48 

percent to 1.2 percent of GDP (versus 2.7 percent in 2003) due in part to the absence of 

large merger-acquisitions initiated by foreign investors. Based on preliminary 

information the U.S. remained one the largest sources of FDI in France. Using Bank of 

France balance of payments data based on the historical book value of investment, U.S. 

firms accounted for 13 percent (versus 25 percent in previous years) of the stock of 

foreign investment. 

Using the book value instead of the market value of investments tends to underestimate 

the value of U.S. investments in France. This is because investments by U.S. companies 

tend to be considerably older than other countries' investments and because U.S. firms 

often finance expansions and acquisitions on domestic French capital markets or 

3/29/2006

through subsidiaries in third countries. Thus, much U.S. investment in France is not 

recorded in balance of payments statistics, even though U.S. citizens ultimately control 

it. 

Correcting for these statistical biases, and including the value of U.S. holdings of French 

stocks, the market value of the stock of U.S. investment in France may be as much as 

five times the USD 58.9 billion book value for 2004 reported in U.S. Department of 

Commerce data [http://www.bea.doc.gov/bea/di/home/directinvhtm]. About 2,000 

affiliates of U.S. firms are established in France. Around 590,000 jobs result from U.S.origin 

investments. 

Today, foreign-controlled firms play a significant role in France's economy: they account 

for 15 percent of capital expenditures, 30 percent of exports, and 15 percent of 

production. 

An updated list of U.S. investors may be found on 

[http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica/YourProject/Database/?l=en] 

Lists of foreign investors by industry can be found in local periodicals such as 

Expansion ("Les 1000 de l'Expansion": [http://www.lexpansion.com/PID/7800.html]). 

The Expansion link provides useful information on the first 1000 companies and financial 

institutions established in France. 

Stock by country of origin (Book value) (USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

EU (12) 

of which 

188.0 256.0 n.a. 

Germany 45.0 58.0 n.a. 

Belgium 39.0. 55.0 n.a. 

Italy 14.0 15.0 n.a. 

Netherlands 57.0 78.0 n.a. 

Other EU (15) 

of which 

74.0 50.0 n.a. 

UK 57 74 n.a. 57.0 74.0 n.a 

Sweden 4.0 6.0 n.a 

North America 

of which 

47.0 76.0 n.a 

USA 48.0 62.0 n.a. 

Canada 1.0 5.0 n.a. 

Other Industrialized 

21.0 72.0 n.a. 

countries 

Japan 8.0 10.0 n.a. 

Switzerland 21.0 27.0 n.a. 

Other countries 16.0 20.0 n.a. 

Total 347.0 466.0 430.0 

Total as percent of 

GDP 

24.0 26.0 21.0 


USD1.00 

Source: Bank of France 

Euro 1.060 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 

3/29/2006

Stock by Industrial Sector of Destination (USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

Holdings 117 164 n/a 

Finance 

intermediation 

52 71 n/a 

Real estate 38 55 n/a 

Retail trade 25 31 n/a 

Chemical 

industry 

19 25 n/a 

Transportation 

equipment 

9 11 n/a. 

Transport and 

Communications 

9 11 n/a. 

Food and 

processed food 

6 7 n/a 

Metal Industry 5 5 n.a. 

Wood industry 

publication – 

printing 

Mechanical 

industry 

3 4 n/a. 

4 5 n.a. 

Oil refining 3 4 n/a. 

Other 57 73 n/a 

Total 347 466 n/a 


USD1.00 

Euro 1.060 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 


Flows by country of origin (Market value) (USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

EU (25) 38 31 23 

EU (12) 21 26 17 

of which 

Germany 10 1 5 

Belgium 1 10 5 

Italy 0 0 1 

Netherlands 0 4 -1 

Other EU (15) 16 5 6 

Other EU (15) 16 5 6 

of which 

UK 16 4 4 

Denmark 0 0 2 

Sweden 1 0 1 

New EU members (1) 0 0 0 

North America 6 9 8 

of which 

USA 0 5 1 

3/29/2006

Canada 6 3 6 

Other Industrialized 

Countries 

of which 

3 1 2 

Japan 3 1 0 

Switzerland 0 1 2 

Other countries 2 2 -11 

Total 49 43 24 


USD1.00 


Euro 1.060 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 

(1) Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Czechoslovakia, 

Slovakia, and Slovenia. 

Stock by country of destination (Book value) (USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

EU (12) 

of which 

213 267 n.a. 

Germany. 33 47 n.a 

Belgium 80 80 n.a. 

Italy 18 24 n.a. 

Netherlands 43 64 n.a. 

Other EU (15) 

Of which 

50 37 n.a. 

UK 2 96 n.a. 

Sweden 5 6 n.a. 

North America 

of which 

139 187 n.a. 

USA 127 139 n.a. 

Canada 21 27 n.a. 

Other industrialized 67 95 n.a. 

countries 

Japan 10 13 n.a. 

Switzerland 18 25 n.a. 

Other countries 55 70 n.a. 

Total 529 645 746 

Total as percent of 

GDP 

36.6 35.9 36.4 


USD 1.00 equals 


Euro 1.060 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 

Stock by country of destination (Market value) (USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

Total 808 1,075 1,270 

Total as a percent 

of GDP 

55.9 59.9 70.8 

3/29/2006

Stock by Industrial Sector Destination (USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

Holdings 193 240 n.a. 

Finance 

intermediation 

112 138 n.a. 

Retail trade 31 42 n.a. 

Transportation 

equipment 

24 32 n.a. 

Transportation and 

Communications 

34 31 n.a. 

Electricity, natural 

gas, and water 

19 15 n.a. 

Other 104 129 n.a. 

Total 529 645 n.a. 




Euro 1.060 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 

Flows by country of destination (Market value, USD billions) 

2002 2003 2004 

EU (25) 25 37 45 

EU (12) 

of which 

19 23 31 

Germany 5 6 8 

Belgium 7 6 8 

Italy 0 3 2 

Netherlands 2 11 7 

Other EU (15) 

Of which 

4 13 11 

UK 4 12 10 UK 4 12 10 UK 4 12 10 UK 4 12 10 

Denmark 1 0 0 

Sweden 1 1 1 

New EU members 1 1 3 

North America 

of which 

15 8 -1 

USA 16 6 -1 

Canada 0 1 0 

Other Industrialized 4 9 1 

Countries 

Japan 2 3 0 

Switzerland 2 5 1 

Other countries 6 0 4 

Total 

Total as a percent 

of GDP 3.5 3.0 2.3 

51 53 48 




Euro 1.060 Euro 0.8840 Euro 0.8039 

3/29/2006

(1) Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Czechoslovakia, 

Slovakia, and Slovenia. 


Investment in “sensitive” sectors that are subject to prior approval by the Finance 

Minister: search the 31 December 2005 French Official Journal – decree 2005-1739 of 

30 December 2005 on [http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/]. 

Basic regulations covering foreign direct investment in English on AFII’s website 

[http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica] 

Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides French summaries of regulations 

applicable to foreign direct investment: [http://www.inforeg.CCIP.fr] 

Payments of social security contributions CSG and CRDS: search for the May 2001 

“Bulletin Officiel du travail, de l’Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle on 

[http://www.travail.gouv.fr] 

France introduced two bills ratifying two amendments to the income tax convention 

between the U.S. and France: [http://www.treas.gov/offices/tax-policy/treaties.shtml]; 

English summaries of labor and tax regulations applicable to foreign companies in 

France are available at the AFII’s internet address [http://www.InvestinFrance.org], and 

at the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industries’ website [http://www.inforeg.CCIP.fr]. 

Information on visas: [http://www.info-france-usa.org/intheus/consulates.asp] 

Information on foreign trader’s card: 

[http://www.investinfrance.org/France/Living/Expatriate/?p=formalities&1=en 

International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes: [http:// 

www.worldbank.org/ICSID] 

DATAR/IFANA offices in the U.S.: (http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica in 

English; DATAR’s site, [http://www.datar.gouv.fr/] or [http://www.DIACT.gouv.fr]. 

Trans-Atlantic Business Dialogue [http://www.tabd.com/]. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology [http://www.nist.gov/] 

The International Bureau of Weights and Measures [http://www.bipm.fr/] 

International accounting standards: [http://www.iasb.org.uk/] or search the SEC's 

website at [http://www.sec.gov/]. 

Access to capital market/Issuing Prospectuses: [http://www.amf-france.org/], which 

merged with the COB web site [http://www.cob.fr/]. 

3/29/2006

Paris Stock Exchange website: [http://www.euronext.com/] 

OECD anti-bribery convention: [http://www.oecd.org/] 

Corruption/Transparency International: [http://www.transparency.org/] 

Investment insurance or guarantees offered by OPIC: [http://www.opic.gov] 

Information on foreign-trade zones: 

-[http://www.douane.gouv.fr/ use search to find information about “zones franches”)]; 

-Information related to zones benefiting from tax exemptions on corporate tax, payroll 

taxes, professional tax and real estate tax is notably available at the City Government 

web site [http://www.ville.gouv.fr/]; 

-More information on enterprise and investment zones is available from various sources: 

[http://www.zones-franches.org], [http://www.InvestinFrance.org] 

[http://www.diact.gouv.fr], and [http://www.oseo.fr] for assistance to small and medium 

sized companies. 

U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign Direct Investment Statistics: 

[http://www.bea.doc.gov/bea/di/home/directinvhtm 

Updated list of U.S investors in France may be found on 

[http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica/YourProject/Database/?l=en] 

Lists of foreign investors by industry can be found in local periodicals such as Expansion 

("Les 1000 de l'Expansion": [http://www.lexpansion.com/PID/7800.html]. 


3/29/2006


Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing 

• How Do I Get Paid (Methods of Payment) 

• How Does the Banking System Operate 

• Foreign-Exchange Controls 

• U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks 

• Project Financing 


How Do I Get Paid (Methods of Payment) Return to top 

For U.S. exporters, the financing of export sales is basically same as financing domestic 

sales. The fundamental concern in both cases is that one is paid in a timely manner for 

the goods and/or services delivered. 

France's modern banking system offers a full range of payment means, the most 

significant of which are: 

- Commercial letters of credit 

- Sight and time drafts 

- Bank transfers 

- Certified checks 

- Electronic payments including electronic payment orders, pre-formatted interbank 

payment orders, electronic commercial trade bills, and electronic processed promissory 

notes. 

Although bank transfers and certified checks are fairly self-explanatory methods of 

payment, commercial letters of credit and sight and time drafts may be less familiar to 

the would-be exporter but are potentially attractive terms of payment. 

How Does the Banking System Operate Return to top 

The French banking system underwent a fundamental structural reform in 1984, which 

removed most of the distinction between commercial banks and merchant banks and 

grouped most financial institutions under a single supervisory system. The largest 

French commercial banks, such as Credit Agricole-Credit Lyonnais, SocieteGenerale, 

BNP Paribas, le groupe Credit Mutuel-CIC, and HSBC rank among the largest banks in 

the world. These commercial banks offer all classic financing instruments, including 

short, medium, and long-term loans, short-and medium-term credit facilities, and 

secured and non-secured overdrafts. Commercial banks also assist in public offerings 

of shares and corporate debt, as well as mergers, acquisitions and takeovers. Banks 

also offer hedging services against interest rate and currency fluctuations. France also 

has 186 foreign banks; some have sizeable branch networks. 

The Bank of France ("Banque de France") is a member of the European System 

3/29/2006

of Central Banks (ECSB) and the Banque de France's governor sits on the executive 

board of the European Central Bank. The Banque de France introduced Eurodenominated 

banknotes and coins in January 2002, completing the transition to the 

Euro, and eliminating the French franc. 

The Banque de France participates in the regulation and supervision of the 

French banking and financial system. Its governor is the chair of the 

Committee on Credit Institutions, which grants or withdraws banking 

licenses. The governor is also president of the Banking Commission, which 

ensures that banks adhere to banking regulations. The system also includes two 

consultative committees, the Committee on financial regulation, and the Financial Sector 

Consultative Committee. 

The French government has sold its majority equity stakes in major banks 

and insurance companies. However, it retains ownership of the Caisse des 

Depots et Consignations and minority stakes in several major financial 

institutions. The French postal service, La Poste, an independent public 

entity, holds 10 percent of the French financial services market. La Poste has created 

its own bank “La Banque Postale”, which in 2006 acquired the status of a regular bank. 

Foreign-Exchange Controls Return to top 

As part of the international effort to combat money laundering and the 

financing of terrorism, France's banking regulations have undergone several 

changes, which affect the handling of checks, as recommended by the 

Financial Action Task Force [http://www.fatf-gafi.org]. France sometimes 

uses its powers under national law to execute asset freeze orders against 

terrorists, as well as operating within EU structures. 

In general, all inward and outward payments must be made through approved 

banking intermediaries by bank transfers. 

Repatriation of Capital and Earnings: 

There is no restriction on repatriation of capital provided this is carried 

out through an approved bank and the investment in question was authorized. 

Similarly, there is no restriction on transfers of profits, interest, 

royalties, or service fees, provided the investment was authorized and made 

through approved banks. 

Businesses: 

Foreign-controlled French businesses are required to have a resident French 

bank account and are subject to the same regulations as other French legal 

entities. The use of foreign bank accounts by residents is permitted. 

Individuals: 

France has few controls on the use of foreign exchange. For exchange 

control purposes, foreigners are considered to be residents from the time 

they arrive in France. French and foreign citizens are subject to the same 

rules. Residents are entitled to open an account in foreign currency with 

3/29/2006

a bank established in France and to establish accounts abroad. Residents 

must report the account number for all foreign accounts on their annual 

income tax returns. French-source earnings may be transferred abroad, 

without limitations if carried out through an approved bank. 

U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks Return to top 

All large French banks have correspondent U.S. banking arrangements. Many 

French banks also have subsidiaries or branch offices in the United States based on 

Federal Reserve list 

[http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/iba/]: 

BNP Paribas: Bank of the West (San Francisco); BNP Paribas (Atlanta, Chicago, 

Dallas, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco); First Hawaiian Bank 

(Honolulu); Cooper King of Prussia 

[http://www.bnpparibas.com/] 

Societe Generale: CBG Compagnie (Miami); Societe Generale (Chicago, Dallas, 

Greenwich, Houston, New York, San Francisco) 

[http://www.socgen.com/] 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : Banque Transatlantique (Washington) 

[http://www.cic.fr/] ; [http://www.transat.tm.fr/] 

Banque Federale des Banques Populaires: Natexis Banques Populaires ( Los Angeles, 

Miami, Houston, New York, Greenwich): 

[http://www.nxbp.fr/] 

Credit Agricole - Societe Anomyme Simplifiee rue la Boetie : Banca Intesa Spa (New 

York), Banque Sudameris (Miami); Calyon (Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New 

York); Credit Lyonnais (Miami, New York) 

[http://www.sudameris.fr/]; [http://www.credit-agricole.fr/; [http://www.lcl.fr/]; 

[http://www.calyon.com/] 

Below is a list of major American Banks and financial institutions present in Paris: 

American Express Cartes France 

4, rue Bleriot 

92561 Rueil Malmaison Cedex 

Tel: (33) 1 47 77 77 07 

Web Site: [http://www.americanexpress.fr/] 

Bank of America 

43-47 avenue de la Grande Armée 


3/29/2006

Tel: (33) 1 45 02 68 00 

Fax: (33) 1 45 01 77 89 

Web Site: [http://www.bankofamerica.com/] 

The Bank of New York (representative office) 

13-15, boulevard de la Madeleine 

75001 Paris 

Tel: (33) 1 42 97 90 20 

Fax: (33) 1 42 97 43 73 

Web Site: [http://www.bankofny.com/] 

Banque AIG (subsidiary) 

46, rue Bassano 

75008 Paris 

Tel: (33) 1.49.52.36.00 

Fax ; (33) 1.47.20.43.06 

Web Site: [http://www.aig.com/gateway/home] 

Banque Lehman Brothers (subsidiary) 

21, rue Balzac 

75008 Paris 

Tel: 01.53.89.30.00 

Fax : 01.53.89.31.30 

Web Site: [http://lehman.com/] 

Goldman Sachs (subsidiary) 

2, rue Thann 

75017 paris 

Tel: 01.42.12.10.00 

Website: [http://www.gs.com/] 

Citibank International 

19 Le Parvis 

92800 Puteaux 

Tel: (33) 1 49 06 10 10 

Fax: (33) 1 49 06 15 16 

Web Site: [http://www.citibank.fr/] 

JP Morgan Chase Bank (subsidiary) 

14, Place Vendôme 

75001 Paris 

Tel: (33) 1 40 15 45 00 

Web Site: [http://www.jpmorganchase.com/] 

3/29/2006

Lazard Freres bank 

121, boulevard Haussman 

75008 Paris 

Tel: 01.44.13.01.11 

Telex: LFCX 651666F 

Telex: LFCX 651684F 

Web Site: [http://www.lazard.com/] 

Project Financing Return to top 

Foreign companies have access to all banking services described in Section A. The 

other main financing is through French financial markets. The center of the French stock 

market is the Paris stock exchange (the "Bourse") that is part of the cross-border 

exchange Euronext. More details can be found in the Investment Climate Section of 

this report (A9). 


Export-Import Bank of the United States: http://www.exim.gov/ 

Country Limitation Schedule: 

http://www.exim.gov/tools/country/country_limits.html 

OPIC: http://www.opic.gov/ 

Trade and Development Agency: http://www.tda.gov/ 

SBA's Office of International Trade: http://www.sba.gov/oit/ 

USDA Commodity Credit Corporation: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ccc/default.htm 

U.S. Agency for International Development: http://www.usaid.gov/ 

· U.S. Banks in France 

AMERICAN EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL BANKING CORPORATION 

Web Site: [http://www.americanexpress.fr/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.americanexpress.com/] 

BANK OF AMERICA 

Web Site: [http://www.bankamerica.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.bankofamerica.com/] 

BANK OF NEW-YORK 

3/29/2006

Web Site: [http://www.bankofny.com/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.bankofny.com/] 

Banque AIG 

Web Site : [http://www.aig.com/] 

Banque Lehman Brothers (subsidiary) 

Web Site: [http://www.lehman.com/] 

Goldman Sachs 

Website: [http://www.gs.com/] 

CITIBANK 

Web Site: [http://www.citibank.com/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.citibank.fr/] 

JP MORGAN 

Web Site: [http://www.jpmorganchase.com/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.jpmorganchase.com/] 

Lazard Freres bank 

English Web Site: [http://www.lazard.com/] 

· French Banks 

FEDERATION BANCAIRE FRANCAISE 

Web Site: [http://www.fbf.fr/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.fbf.fr/, click on English site] 

SOCIETE GENERALE 

Web Site: [http://www.societegenerale.fr/] 

English Web Site: [http://www.socgen.com/] 

BNP-PARIBAS 

Web Site: [http://www.bnpparibas.com/] 

CREDIT AGRICOLE 

Web Site: [http://www.credit-agricole.fr/] 

[http://www.credit-agricole-sa.fr/] 

CREDIT INDUSTRIEL ET COMMERCIAL 

Web Site: [http://www.cic.fr/] 

[http://www.cic-banques.fr/] 

CREDIT LYONNAIS 

Web Site: [http://www.lcl.fr/] 

BANQUES POPULAIRES –NATEXIS 

Web Site: [http://www.banquepopulaire.fr/] 

[http://www.nxbp.fr/] 

3/29/2006


Chapter 8: Business Travel 

• Business Customs 

• Travel Advisory 

• Visa Requirements 

• Telecommunications 

• Transportation 

• Language 

• Health 

• Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays 

• Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings 


Business Customs Return to top 

The most important characteristic of French business behavior is its emphasis on 

courtesy and a certain formality. Appointment schedules and hierarchical titles are to be 

respected and correspondence--whether by mail or by fax--should be acknowledged 

promptly. A handshake is customary upon initiating and closing a business meeting, 

accompanied by an appropriate greeting. Professional attire is expected. 

Today, many French executives put less emphasis on long, heavy business lunches for 

reasons of health and time. Nevertheless, informal business discussions in restaurants 

where everyone appreciates a good meal are one of the best ways to promote good 

working relations. 

Travel Advisory Return to top 

State Department Travel Website: [http://travel.state.gov/] 

Visa Requirements Return to top 

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States 

should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa 

applicants should go to the following links. 

State Department Visa Website: [http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html] 

United States Visas.gov: [http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/] 

3/29/2006

Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Paris: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/default.htm] 

U.S. Embassy, Paris France – Visas: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/NIV.HTM] 

Telecommunications Return to top 

Telecommunications to and from Paris compare favorably with those in any large U.S. 

city. A direct-dial telephone system links France to the U.S. and most of the world. 

Calls to the States may be charged to international telephone cards such as AT&T, MCI 

and Sprint; international directory inquiries may be reached by dialing 0-800-99-00-11 

(AT&T Direct U.S. operator). Most public phones in France are equipped for the 

convenient "Telecartes" (pre-paid cards) available in tobacco shops, post offices and 

subway/railway stations at 15 euros for 100 units and 7,50 euros for 50 units. 

Transportation Return to top 

Frequent direct air service is available to many U.S. and French cities. The two airports 

serving Paris-- Charles De Gaulle Roissy and Orly -- are easily accessible by excellent 

bus (Air France) and rail service. The French railway system is among the best in the 

world; its efficient network ties in conveniently with public transportation in most French 

cities. 

Buses and the Metro (subway) may be crowded during rush hours but they provide fast 

and efficient service, however, a word to the wise: as in many large cities world-wide, 

one should be alert to the dangers of pick-pockets while in public places. 

Language Return to top 

While French is the official language in France, many business people speak English. 

Product literature, correspondence and negotiations in the French language provide a 

distinct advantage over competitors who use only English. It should be noted that other 

EU suppliers are accustomed to dealing in the French language. 

Health Return to top 

Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Paris: [http://www.ambusa.fr/consul/acs/home.htm] 

American Hospital in Paris 

63, boulevard Victor Hugo 

92200 Neuilly sur Seine 

Telephone: (33) 1.46.41.25.25 

3/29/2006

(24-hour English-speaking medical and dental emergency service; credit cards 

accepted.) 

Emergency Medical Team and Ambulance (SAMU) 

Telephone: 15 or (33) 1.45.67.50.50 

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays Return to top 

The working days abutting the French holidays and vacation periods are not "prime time" 

for business meetings; this could include the month of August and the several vacation 

periods between Christmas and Easter. Business hours in France are generally 9:00 

AM to 6:00 PM (banking hours 9:00-4:30) Monday through Friday while stores are 

generally open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. To ensure availability, 

advance appointments are recommended. 

French Holidays 

January 1, 2006 New Year's Day 

April 17, 2006 Easter Monday 

May 1, 2006 Labor Day 

May 8, 2006 Veterans' Day (WWII)/Ascension Day 

May 25, 2006 Ascension Day 

June 5, 2006 Whit Monday 

July 14, 2006 French National Day 

August 15, 2006 Assumption Day 

November 1, 2006 All Saints' Day 

November 11, 2006 Veterans' Day (WWI) 

December 25, 2006 Christmas 

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings Return to top 

Every U.S. citizen entering France must present a valid American passport; for stays of 

less than 3 months there is no requirement for visas, entry permits or health certificates. 

Bona fide personal effects in a visitor's luggage (or hand-carried) are not normally 

subject to customs duties nor to the 19.6 percent value-added tax. Items to be declared, 

however, include those intended to be left in France, goods for professional/commercial 

use as well as any prohibited items. Goods imported for exhibition may enter under 

bond, deposit or an ATA carnet. 

Professional equipment may be temporarily imported into France free of duty and tax 

under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment; 

the appropriate carnet may be obtained from the U.S. Council of the International 

Chamber of Commerce. 

3/29/2006


State Departement Travel Website: [http://travel.state.gov] 

State Department Visa Website: [http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html] 

United States Visas.gov: [http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/] 

Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Paris: [http://www.ambusa.fr/consul/consulat.htm] 

Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy Paris: [http/www.amb-usa.fr/fcs] 


3/29/2006


Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research, and Trade Events 

• Contacts 

• Market Research 

• Trade Events 

Contacts Return to top 

U.S. Embassy Trade Related Contacts 

AMBASSADOR 

Craig R. Stapleton 



75008 Paris 

France 

Unit 21551, APO AE 09777 

Phone: (33-1).43.12.27.00 

Fax: (33-1).42.66.97.83 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr] 

DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION 

Karl Hofmann 



75008 Paris 

France 

Unit 21551, APO AE 09777 

Phone: (33-1).43.12.28.00 

Fax: (33-1).42.66.97.83 


MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS 

Thomas J. White 



75008 Paris 

France 

Unit 21551, APO AE 09777 

Phone: (33-1).43.12.26.54 

Fax: (33-1).42.66.97.83 


MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS 

Robert S. Connan 



3/29/2006

75008 Paris 

France 

Unit 21551, APO AE 09777 

Phone: (33-1).43.12.23.70 

Fax: (33-1).43.12.21.72 

E-mail: [Paris.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/] 

MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS 

Elizabeth B. Berry 



75008 Paris 

Unit 21551, APO AE 09777 

Phone: (33-1).43.12.23.29 

Fax: (33-1).43.12.26.62 

E-mail: [AgParis@usda.gov] 

Web site: [www.amb-usa.fr/fas/fas.htm] 

REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ANIMAL, PLANT AND HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES 

Alexandro Thiermann 

U.S. Mission to the European Union 

40 Boulevard du Regent, B3 

1000 Brussels 

Belgium 

Phone: (32-2).508.2762 

Fax: (32- 2).511.0918 

E-Mail: [dan.j.sheesley@aphis.usda.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.aphis.usda.gov] 

AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - BORDEAUX 

J. Brinton Rowdybush 

Consul 

Bruno Gravelier 

Trade Specialist 

10 Place de la Bourse 

BP 77 

33025 Bordeaux Cedex 

Phone: (33-5).56.48.63.80 

Fax: (33-5).56.51.61.97 

E-mail: [Bordeaux.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

Email: [Bruno.gravellier@mail.doc.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/bordeaux.htm] 

AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - LILLE 

Vacant 

Consul 

Corinne Chan-Mane 


107, rue Royale 

59800 Lille 

3/29/2006

Phone: (33-3).20.78.29.60 

Fax: (33-3).20.55.64.32 

E-mail: [lille.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [Corinne.Chan-Mane@mail.doc.gov 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/lille.htm] 

AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - LYON 

Angie Bryan 

Consul 

Michel-Pierre Montet 


Lyon Commerce International 

69289 Lyon Cedex 02, France 

Phone: (33-4).78 38 39 42 & 05 92 

Fax: (33-4).78.38.31.74 

E-Mail: [Lyon.office.box@mail.doc.gov\] 

E-Mail: [michel.montet@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [angiebryan@fr.psinet.com] 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/lyon.htm] 

U.S. CONSULATE - MARSEILLE 

Philip J. Breeden 

Consul General 

Eva Prevost 


12, boulevard Paul Peytral 

13286 Marseille 

France 

Phone: (33-4) 91 54 96 23 

Fax: (33-4) 91 55 09 47 

E-mail: [Marseille.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [eva.prevost@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [BreedenPJ@state.gov 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/marseill.htm] 

AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - RENNES 

Virginia E. Murray 

Consul 

Eric Beaty 


30, quai Dugay-Trouin 

35000 Rennes 

Phone: (33-2) 23 44 09 65 

Fax: (33-2) 44 99 35 00 92 

E-mail: [rennes.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [eric.beaty@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [MurrayVE@state.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/rennes.htm] 

3/29/2006

U.S. CONSULATE - STRASBOURG 

Frankie A.Reed 

Consul General 

Jacqueline Munzlinger 


15, avenue d'Alsace 

67082 Strasbourg Cedex 

France 

Phone: (33-3).88.35.31.04 

Fax: (33-3).88.24.06.95 

E-mail: [Strasbourg.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [Jacqueline.munzlinger@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [reedFA@state.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/strasbou.htm] 

AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - TOULOUSE 

Jennifer Bachus-Carleton 

Consul 

Christopher Mente 


25, Allees Jean Jaures 

31000 Toulouse 

Phone: (33-5).34.41.36.50 

Fax: (33-5).34.41.16.19 

E-mail: [Toulouse.office.box@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [Christopher.mente@mail.doc.gov] 

E-mail: [BachusJL@State. gov] 

Web: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/toulouse.htm] 

U.S. MISSION TO O.E.C.D. 

Mr. Stephen Morrison 

Senior Commercial Officer 

19, rue Franqueville 


Phone: (33-1).45.24.74.37 

Fax: (33-1) 45 24 74 10 

E-Mail: [stephen.morrisson@mail.doc.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.amb-usa.fr/usoecd/homepage.html] 

U.S. States Represented in France: 

STATE OF WASHINGTON EUROPEAN OFFICE 

Ms. Dominique Gervais, Director 

Office of Travel & Tourism 

Phone: (33-1).44.95.72.05 

Fax: (33-1).44.95.72.06 

E-mail: [WAEurope@Club-Internet.fr] 

Web: [http://www.tourism.wa.gov] 

3/29/2006

Washington-based USG Country Contacts 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

Office of Western European Affairs EUR/WE 

Susan Ball, France Desk Officer 


Phone: (202) 647-4372 

Fax: (202) 647-3459 

E-mail: [BallSM@state.gov 

Web site: [http://www.state.gov] 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

Office of European Union and Regional Affairs 

Robert McLaughlin, France Desk Officer 

14th Street and Constitution Avenue 

Room 3042 


Phone: (202) 482-3748 

Fax: (202) 482-2897 

E-mail: [Robert_McLaughlin@ita.doc.gov] 

Web sites: [http://www.export.gov] 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Foreign Agricultural Service 

Processed Products Division (PPD) 

14th Street and Independence Avenue SW 


Phone: (202) 720 6343 

Fax: (202) 690 0193 

Web site: [http://www.fas.usda.gov] 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Foreign Agricultural Service 

International Trade Policy Program Area 

David Young, Deputy Director Western Europe Group 

14th and Independence Ave. S.W. 


Phone: (202) 720 1322 

Fax: (202) 690 2079 

Web site: [http://www.fas.usda.gov] 

ENERGY DEPARTMENT 

Office of International Energy Relations 

Ken Workman, Western Europe 

1000 Independent Avenue, SW, Room 7G-069 


Phone: (202) 586-6383 

Fax: (202) 586-6148 

Web site: [http://www.doe.gov] 

3/29/2006

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

International Environmental Policy 

Paul Almeida, Western Europe 

2650 R 

401 M Street, SW 


Phone: (202) 564-6401 

(202) 564-6400 (general number) 

Fax: (202) 565-2412 

Web site: [http://www.epa.gov] 

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Parklawn Bldg. 

Mail Code: HF-1 

5600 Fishers Lane 

Rockville, MD 20857 

Phone: (301) 827-24 10 

Fax: (301) 443-31 00 

Web site: [http://www.fda.gov] 

LABOR DEPARTMENT 

Bureau of International Labor Affairs 

William Brumfield, European Desk 

200 Connecticut Avenue, NW 

Room S-5006 


Phone: (202) 219-6234 

Fax: (202) 219-5613 

E-mail: [ Brmufield-william@dol.gov] 

Web site: [http://www.dol.gov] 

TREASURY DEPARTMENT 

International Affairs 

Leslie Hull, France Desk 

Room 5441 

1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW 


Phone: (202) 622-1233 

Fax: (202) 622-2308 

Web site: [http://www.treas.gov] 

OFFICE OF THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE 

Shann Donelly, Office of Europe and the Mediterranean 

600, 17 th Street, NW 


Phone: (202) 395-9624 

Fax: (202) 395-3511 

Web site: [http://www.ustr.gov] 

3/29/2006

U.S.-Based Multipliers Relevant for Country 

FRENCH EMBASSY ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS 

Phone: (202) 944-6316 

Fax: (202) 944-6336 

E-mail: [sao-etatsunis@missioneco.org] Web: Web: 

[http://www.missioneco.org/etatsunis/organigramme.asp] 

FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE U.S. 

Phone: (212) 715-4444 

Fax: (212) 715-4441 

E-mail: [SBellanger@cicny.com] 

Web: [http://www.faccnyc.org/facc_about.html] 

INVEST IN FRANCE AGENCY (I.F.A.) 

Phone: 212 757 9340 

Fax: 212 245 1568 

Email: us@investinfrance.org 

Web: [http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica/] 

Country Government Agencies 

PRIME MINISTER AND FRENCH GOVERNMENT 

Web Site: [http://www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 

Web Site: [http://www.education.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR 

Web Site: [http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF LABOR 

Web Site: [http://www.emploi-solidarite.gouv.fr/] 

[http://www.travail.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF HOUSING 

Web Site: [http://www.logement.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY 

Web Site: [http://www.sante.gouv.fr/] 

[http://www.handicap.gouv.fr/] 

[http://www.personnes-agees.gouv.fr/] 

[http://www.assurancemaladie.sante.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE 

Web Site: [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE 

Web Site: [http://www.justice.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

3/29/2006

Web Site: [http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRESURY, INDUSTRY AND FOREIGN TRADE 

Web Site: [http://www.minefi.gouv.fr] 

[http://www.industrie.gouv.fr/index.htm] 

[http://www.www.commerce-exterieur.gouv.fr] 

MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURES, TRANSPORTATION, TOURISM AND SEA 

Web Site: [http://www.equipement.gouv.fr/] 

[http://www.tourisme.gouv.fr/] 

[http://www.transports.equipement.gouv.fr/frontoffice/] 

MINISTRY OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND STATE REFORM 

[http://www.fonction-publique.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE 

[http://www.agriculture.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY 

[http://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sommaire.php3] 

MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION 

[http://www.culture.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF SMEs, TRADE, CRAFTSMEN, PROFESSIONALS AND 

CONSUMMSION 

[http://www.pme.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES 

[http://www.outre-mer.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SPORTS AND ASSOCIATIONS 

[http://www.jeunesse-sports.gouv.fr/] 

MINISTRY OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY RIGHTS 

[http://www.social.gouv.fr/femmes/] 

Other Country Government Sub-Agencies 

Agency For Corporate Development Of Ile De France 

AGENCE REGIONALE DE DEVELOPPEMENT PARIS-ILE DE FRANCE 

Web Site: [http://www.paris-region.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.invest-iledefrance.org/e-index.htm] 

French Statistical Institute Insee Infos Services 

INSEE 

Web Site: [http://www.insee.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.insee.fr/en/home/home_page.asp] 

3/29/2006

French Customs 

SERVICE DES DOUANES 

Web Site: [http://www.finances.gouv.fr/douanes] 

English Web Site: [http://www.finances.gouv.fr/Listetheme.asp?cusnum=566] 

E-mail: [http://www.crd-ile-de-france@douane.finances.gouv.fr] 

French Foreign Investment Control Agency 

MINEFI 

Web Site: http://www.minefi.gouv.fr 

English Web Site: [http://www.finances.gouv.fr/minefi/minefi_ang/index.htm] 

French National Testing Laboratory 

LABORATOIRE NATIONAL D’ESSA I- L.N.E. 

Web Site: www.lne.fr 

English Web Site: [http://www.lne.fr/index_en.html] 

E-Mails: 

[info@lne.fr] 

[certification@lne.fr] 

[materials@lne.fr] 

[medical.device@lne.fr] 

[packaging@lne.fr] 

[metrology@lne.fr] 

[consumer.products@lne.fr] 

Official Gazette 

JOURNAL OFFICIEL 

Web Site: [http://www.journal-officiel.gouv.fr] 

National Agency For entrepreneurship 

OSEO 

Web Sites: [http://www.oseo.fr/] - [http://www.bdpme.fr] - [http://www.anvar.fr] 

National French Standards Association 

ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE DE NORMALISATION - AFNOR 

Web Site: [http://www.afnor.fr] 

(See full contacts at Chapter 5, Standards, section H contacts) 

National Institute Of Industrial Property 

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA PROPRIETE INDUSTRIELLE - INPI 


French Export Promotion Agency 

UBIFRANCE 

Web Site: [http://www.ubifrance.com/] 

Other Country Trade Associations 

American Chamber of Commerce In France 

CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE AMERICAINE EN FRANCE 

Web Site: http://www.amchamfrance.org 

English Web Site: [http://www.amchamfrance.org] 

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U.S. Travel & Tourism Promotion Association 

VISIT USA COMMITTEE FRANCE 

OFFICE DU TOURISME – USA 

Web Site: [http://www.office-tourisme-usa.com] 

European-American Chamber of Commerce 

CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE EUROPEENNE-AMERICAINE 

Web Site: [http://www.faccparisfrance.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.faccparisfrance.com] 

Association of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry 

ASSEMBLEE DES CHAMBRES FRANCAISES DE COMMERCE ET D”INDUSTRIES 

Web Site: [http://www.acfci.cci.fr 

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris 

CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE ET D’INDUSTRIE DE PARIS 

Web Site: http://www.ccip.fr 

English Web Site: [http://www.ccip.fr/home/uk/index.html] 

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Val D'oise – Yvelines 

CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE ET D’INDUSTRIE DU VAL D’OISE 

Web Site: [http:// www.versailles.cci.fr] 

Importers' Association For Mechanics And Electronics 

FEDERATION DES ENTREPRISES INDUSTRIELLES ET COMMERCIALES 

INTERNATIONALES DE LA MECANIQUE ET DE L’ELECTRONIQUE 

Web Site: [http://www.ficime.fr] 

French Employers Association 

MEDEF 

Web Site: [http://www.medef.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.medef.fr/uk/html/index.htm] 

Appliance Manufacturers' Association 

GROUPEMENT INTERPROFESSIONEL DES FABRICANTS D’APPAREILS 

D’EQUIPEMENT MENAGER 

Web Site: [http:// www.gifam.fr] 

Automotive Equipment Industry Association 

FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES ET EQUIPEMENTS POUR VEHICULES 

Web Site: [http://www.fiev.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.fiev.fr/index-en.htm] 

Bakery Equipment Industry Association 

UNION DES FABRICANTS FRANCAIS D’EQUIPEMENTS POUR LA BOULANGERIE 

Web Site: http://www.uffeb.com 

English Web Site: [http://www.uffeb.com/sommaire.asp?langue=2] 

Building Materials And Quarries Industry Association 

UNION NATIONALE DE L’INDUSTRIE DE LA CARRIERE ET DE LA CONSTRUCTION 

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Web Site: [http://www.unicen.fr] 

Business Gifts Professionals Union 

SYNDICATS DES PRODUCTEURS DE CADEAUX D’AFFAIRES ET D’OBJETS 

PUBLICITAIRES - SYPOGRAF 

Web Site: [http://www.syprocaf.fr] 

Chemical Industry Association 

UNION INDUSTRIELLE DE LA CHIMIE 

Web Site: [http://www.uic.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.uic.fr/index_uk.htm] 

Cycle Manufacturers Association 

CONSEIL NATIONAL DE LA PROFESSION DU CYCLE 

Web Site: [http://www.tousavelo.com] 

Farm Machinery Industry Association 

SYNDICAT GENERAL DES CONSTRUCTEURS DE TRACTEURS ET MACHINES 

AGRICOLES 

Web Site: [http://www.sygma.org] 

English Web Site: [http://www.sygma.org/default.asp?lang=AN] 

Federation of Electric and Electronic Industries 

FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES ELECTRIQUE ELECTRONIQUE ET DE 

COMMUNICATION 

Web Site: http://www.fieec.fr 

English Web Site: [http://www.fieec.fr/P-Acc-e.htm] 

French Federation of Jewelry, Gifts, Diamonds, Gems, Pearls and Related Activities 

UNION FRANCAISE DE LA BIJOUTERIE, JOAILLERIE, ORFEVRERIE, DES PIERRES 

ET DES PERLES 

Web Site: [http://www.bjo-france.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.bjo-france.com/Index_us.html] 

French Federation of Toy Industries 

FEDERATION JOUET ET PUERICULTURE 

Web Site: [http://www.fjp.fr] 

French International Trade Association 

CONFEDERATION DU COMMERCE DE GROS ET INTERNATIONAL 

Web Site: [http://www.cgi-cf.com] 

French Aeronautic And Space Industry Association 

GROUPEMENT DES INDUSTRIES FRANCAISES AERONAUTIQUES ET SPACIALES 

Web Site: [http://www.gifas.asso.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.gifas.asso.fr/version_eng/index_eng.htm] 

French Automobile Manufacturers Committee 

COMITE DES CONDUCTEURS FRANCAIS D’AUTOMOBILES 

Web Site: [http://www.ccfa.fr] 

3/29/2006

Gas And Petroleum Industry Association 

ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE POUR LA PROMOTION DES TECHNOLOGIES 

D’EQUIPEMENTS ET DE SERVICE DE L’ENERGIE PETROLIERE ET GAZ 

Web Site: [http://www.gep-france.com] 

Laboratory Equipment Industry Association 

FABRILABO 

Web Site: [www.fabrilabo.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.fabrilabo.com/e_presentation.htm] 

Measuring And Control Equipment Industry Association 

SYNDICAT DE LA MESURE 

Web Site: [http://www.syndicat-mesure.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.syndicat-mesure.fr] 

Mechanical Engineering Industries Association 

FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES MECANIQUES 

Web Site: [http://www.fim.net] 

Medical Industry Association 

SYNDICAT NATIONAL DE L’INDUSTRIE DES TECHNOLOGIES MEDICALES 

Web Site: [http://www.snitem.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.snitem.fr/V_angl/som_r.htm] 

Minerals And Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association 

FEDERATION DES CHAMBRES SYNDICALES DES MINERAIS, MINERAUX 

INDUSTRIELS ET METAUX NON FERREUX 

Web Site: [http://www.mineraux-et-metaux.org] 

National Union of Product Advertising 

SYNDICAT NATIONAL DE LA PUBLICITE PAR L’OBJET 

Web Site: [http://www.europv.com] 

National Building Federation 

FEDERATION FRANCAISE DU BATIMENT 

Web Site: [http://www.ffbatiment.fr] 

National Federation of Public Works 

FEDERATION NATIONALE DES TRAVAUX PUBLIQUES 

Web Site: [http://www.fntp.fr] 

National Confederation Wood Industry For Construction 

UNION DES INDUSTRIES DU BOIS 

Web Site: [http://www.industriesdubois.com] 

International Association Of D.I.Y. Produceurs 

UNION NATIONALEDES INDUSTRIES DU BRICOLAGE DU JARDINAGE ET DES 

ACTVITES MANUELLES DE LOISIR 

Web Site: [http://www.unibal.org] 

English Web Site: [http://www.unibal.org] 

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National Union of French Furniture Industries 

UNIFA 

Web Site: [http://www.meublefrance.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.meublefrance.com/menu-en.htm] 

National Wood Federation 

FEDERATION NATIONALE DU BOIS 

Web Site: [http://www.fnbois.com] 

Nautical Industry Federation 

FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES NAUTIQUES 

Web Site: [http://www.france-nautic.com] 

Optical Industry Association 

GROUPEMENT DES INDUSTRIES FRANCAISES DE L’OPTIQUE 

Web Site: [http://www.gifo.org] 

English Web Site: [http://www.gifo.org/english/index.php3] 

Paints & Inks Industry Association 

FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES DES PEINTURES, ENCRES, COULEURS, COLLES 

ET ADHESIFS 

Web Site: [http://www.fipec.org] 

Paper, Cardboard, Cellulose Industry Association 

CONFEDERATION FRANCAISE DE L’INDUSTRIE DES PAPIERS, CARTONS, ET 

CELLULOSES 

Web Site: [http://www.copacel.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.copacel.fr/anglais.htm] 

PERFUME INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES DE LA PARFUMERIE 

Web Site: [http://www.fipar.com] 

Pharmaceutical Industry Association 

LES ENTREPRISES DU MEDICAMENT 

Web Site: [http://www.leem.org] 

Photographic And Video Equipment Industry Association 

FEDERATION FRANCAISE DES INDUSTRIES DE L’IMAGE 

Web Site: [http://www.federation-image.fr] 

PLASTIC TRANSFORMERS FEDERATION 

Web Site: [http://www.proplast.org] 

Printing And Graphic Arts Federation 

FEDERATION DE L’IMPRIMERIE ET DE LA COMMUNICATION GRAPHIQUE 

Web Site: [http://www.ficg.fr] 

Professional Union Of Plastics Manufacturers 

SYNDICAT DES PRODUCTEURS DE MATIERE PLASTIQUE 

Web Site: [http://www.lesplastiques.com] 

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Railroad Industry Federation 

FEDERATION DE L’INDUSTRIE FEROVIAIRE 

Web Site: http://www.fif.asso.fr 

English Web Site: [http://www.industrie-ferroviaire.com/en/index.php3] 

Ship Builders Union 

CHAMBRE SYNDICALE DES CONSTRUCTEURS DE NAVIRES 

Web Site: [http://www.cscn.fr] 

Sporting Goods Industry Association 

FEDERATION FRANCAISE DES INDUSTRIES DE SPORT 

Web Site: [http://www.fifas.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.fifas.com] 

Stationary Producers' Unions 

FEDERATION DES ARTICLES DE PAPETERIE 

Web Site: [http://www.fap-fr.org] 

Telecommunication Industry Union 

GROUPEMENT DES INDUSTRIES DES TECHNOLOGIES DE L’INFORMATION ET 

DE LA COMMUNICATION 

Web Site: [http://www.gitep.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.gitep.fr/default.asp?LAN_ID=2] 

Textile Industry Union 

L’UNION DES INDUSTRIES TEXTILES 

Web Site: [http://www.textile.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.textile.fr/textile_a.htm] 

Union of Plastic and Rubber Industry Distributors 

UNION DES SYNDICATS DES PME DU CAOUTCHOU ET DE LA PLASTURGIE 

Web Site: [http://www.ucaplast.fr] 

Veterinarian Drug Industry Association 

SYNDICAT DE L’INDUSTRIE DU MEDICAMENT VETERINAIRE ET REACTIF 

Web Site: [http://www.simv.org] 

Market Research Firms in France 

ALGOE 

Web Site: [http://www.algoe.fr] 

ARTHUR D. LITTLE FRANCE 

Web Site: [http://www.adlittle.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.arthurdlittle.com] 

AVISO CONSEIL 

Web Site: [http://www.aviso.fr] 

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B.V.A (Brule Ville Associates) 

Web Site: [http://www.bva.fr] 

CEGOS 

Web Site: www.cegos.com 

English Web Site: [http://www.cegos.fr/cegos/800/home_uk.jsp] 

GROUPE MV2 

Web Site: [http://www.mv2.fr] 

U.S. Banks in France 

AMERICAN EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL BANKING CORPORATION 

Web Site: [http://www.americanexpress.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.amercanexpress.com] 

BANK OF AMERICA 

Web Site: [http://www.bankamerica.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.bankamerica.com] 

BANK OF NEW-YORK 

Web Site: [http://www.bankofny.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.bankofny.com] 

CITIBANK 

Web Site: [http://www.citibank.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.citibank.com] 

JP MORGAN 

Web Site: [http://www.jpmorganchase.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.jpmorganchase.com] 

HSBC BANK 

Web Site: [http://www.hsbcrepublic.com] 

French Banks 

FEDERATION BANQUAIRE FRANCAISE 

Web Site: [http://www.afb.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.afb.fr/afb_angl.htm] 

SOCIETE GENERALE 

Web Site: [http://www.socgen.com] 

[http://www.societegenerale.fr/] 

BNP-PARIBAS 

Web Site: [http://www.bnpparibas.com] 

CREDIT AGRICOLE 

Web Site: [http://www.credit-agricole.fr/] 

[http://www.credit-agricole-sa.fr/] 

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CREDIT INDUSTRIEL ET COMMERCIAL 

Web Site: [http://www.cic.fr/] 

[http://www.cic-banques.fr/] 

CREDIT LYONNAIS 

Web Site: [http://www.creditlyonnais.com/] 

BANQUES POPULAIRES –NATEXIS 

Web Site: [http://www.banquepopulaire.fr/] 

[http://www.nxbp.banquepopulaire.fr/ 

Logistics and Transportation Services in France: 

FEDERATION DES ENTREPRISES DE TRANSPORT ET DE LOGISTIQUE DE 

FRANCE 

Web Site: http://www.e-tlf.com 

ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE DU TRANSPORT ROUTIER INTERNATIONAL 

Web Site: [http://www.aftri.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.aftri.com/sommaire_angl.html] 

Providers: 

AIR FRANCE CARGO 

Web Site: [http://www.airfrance.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.airfrance.com/us] 

BRITISH AIRWAYS WORLD CARGO 

Web Site: [http://www.britishairways.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.britishairways.com] 

CALBERSON 

Web Site: [http://www.calberson.com] 

DHL INTERNATIONAL 

Web Site: [http://www.dhl.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.dhl.fr/uk/pages_html/index/index_vf_ie.htm] 

EXEL LOGISTICS 

Web Site: http://www.exel.com 

English Web Site: http://www.exel.com 

EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL FRANCE SA 

Web Site: [http://www.expeditors.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.expd.com] 

FEDEX 

Web Site: [http://www.fedex.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.fedex.com] 

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PROLOGIS-GARONOR 

Web Site: [http://www.prologis.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.prologis.com] 

GEODIS 

Web Site: [http://www.geodis.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.geodis.com] 

REGUS 

Web Site: [http://www.regus.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.regus.com] 

SERNAM 

Web Site: [http://www.sernam.fr] 

SNCF FRET 

Web Site: [http://www.sncf.fr] 

English Web Site: [http://www.sncf.com/indexe.htm] 

TNT 

Web Site: [http://www.tntew.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.tntew.com] 

UPS 

Web Site: [http://www.ups.com] 

English Web Site: [http://www.ups.com] 

Market Research Return to top 

To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service please go to 

the following website: http://www.export.gov/marketresearch.html and click on Country 

and Industry Market Reports. Also view market briefs at: 

http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/182.html 

Please note that these reports are only available to U.S. citizens and U.S. companies. 

Registration to the site is required, but free of charge. 

`Trade Events Return to top 

Please click on the links below for information on upcoming trade events. 

http://www.export.gov/tradeevents.html 



3/29/2006


Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services 

The U.S. Commercial Service offers customized solutions to help your business enter 

and succeed in markets worldwide. Our global network of trade specialists will work 

one-on-one with you through every step of the exporting process, helping you to: 

• Target the best markets with our world-class research 

• Promote your products and services to qualified buyers 

• Meet the best distributors and agents for your products and services 

• Overcome potential challenges or trade barriers 

For more information on the services the U.S. Commercial Service offers U.S. 

businesses, please click on the link below. 



U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or country-specific 

commercial information should consult with their nearest Export Assistance Center or 

the U.S. Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center at (800) USA- 

TRADE, or go to the following website: http://www.export.gov 

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report is accurate as of 

the date published. However, The Department of Commerce does not take 

responsibility for actions readers may take based on the information contained herein. 

Readers should always conduct their own due diligence before entering into business 

ventures or other commercial arrangements. The Department of Commerce can assist 

companies in these endeavors. 

3/29/2006

Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here)

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