Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here) - BNA

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The subject has been also been covered in the section about Standards (see below). 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 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: 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. 2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 78 INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, © 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.
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 55 avenue Bosquet 75330 Paris Cedex 07 France Phone: 01 53 59 19 19 Fax: 01 45 51 20 44 Website: [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. 2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 79 INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, © 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.
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Doing Business in France: 2008 Coun
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The trade balance on all bilateral
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Key Link: [http://eurlex.europa.eu/
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Statutory representatives work acco
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that for the past thirty years dire
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Selling to the Government Return to
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French food retailers generally fal
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France employing 39,000 people. The
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Retail online sales estimates (B-to
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Key link: http://ec.europa.eu/healt
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Product Liability Under the 1985 Di
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Designs The EU adopted a Regulation
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Page 31 and 32: Financial services [http://ec.europ
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Page 37 and 38: Project Management Software The mar
Page 39 and 40: Aircraft & Parts (AIR) (CSF, CSV) R
Page 41 and 42: Travel & Tourism (TRA) Return to to
Page 43 and 44: Penetration of the security market
Page 45 and 46: Computers and Peripherals (CPT) Ret
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Page 49 and 50: Best Products/Services Return to to
Page 51 and 52: Small- and Medium-Sized Plants In o
Page 53 and 54: Medical Equipment (MED) Return to t
Page 55 and 56: Syndicat National de l'Industrie de
Page 57 and 58: This report does not cover consumab
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Page 61 and 62: Cosmetics (COS) Return to top Overv
Page 63 and 64: Education Services (EDS) Return to
Page 65 and 66: TEXTILES (TXT) Return to top Overvi
Page 67 and 68: Union française des Industries de
Page 69 and 70: Resources Return to top French Dire
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Page 73 and 74: EU Broadcast Directive and limit ma
Page 75 and 76: y restricting the sale of batteries
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Page 91 and 92: CRITT Sports et loisirs Centre Rég
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Page 99 and 100: U.S. Mission to the European Union
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Page 105 and 106: English summaries of labor and tax
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Page 123 and 124: Web Resources Return to top French
Page 125 and 126: secured and non-secured overdrafts.
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European Commission. For informatio
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ENPI: replaces the former TACIS and
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French Banks FEDERATION BANCAIRE FR
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U.S. Companies that require travel
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Temporary Entry of Materials and Pe
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MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR COMMERCIAL A
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AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - TOULOUSE J
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OFFICE OF THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTA
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French National Testing Laboratory
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French Federation of Jewelry, Gifts
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Photographic and Video Equipment In
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CREDIT AGRICOLE [http://www.credit-
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Market Research Return to top To vi
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March 11-14 SITL Europe - Internati
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June 16-20 EUROSATORY U.S. PAVILION
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November 15-18 SALON DE LA PISCINE,
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