Environmental impact: what does French regulation say?

What is the AGEC law?

The AGEC law, or Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy, is a French law enacted on February 10, 2020. It aims to reduce waste, promote circular economy, and fight against planned obsolescence. This law impacts several sectors... including the furniture industry  👀

Are there already effective obligations?

Affirmative ! And there's more than one! Here's a recap 👇

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1. Since 2022 - Public Procurement - Art 58 AGEC Law

⚠️ Mandatory since January 2021

👉 Obligation for public procurement to acquire goods from reuse or incorporating recycled materials, and prohibition for the State to acquire single-use plastic products.

❓ Why does this concern you? This is relevant to you because offering products from reuse or incorporating recycled materials can become a real competitive advantage!

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2. Since 2023: Prevention and Eco-design Plan - Art 72 AGEC Law

⚠️ Mandatory since September 15, 2023

👉 Plan to be written by any producer concerned by an EPR sector (Extended Producer Responsibility)

❓ This plan aims to help you implement your eco-design strategy and track your progress toward the objectives defined.

💸 Sanctions: Not defined, but cannot exceed €1,500 for individuals and €7,500 for legal entities

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3. Since 2023: Consumer Information - Art 13 AGEC Law

⚠️ Progressive deployment since January 2023

👉 The Environmental Qualities and Characteristics (EQC) of your products must be accessible to consumers.

❓ For the furniture sector, the EQC that must be available free of charge to consumers at the time of purchase are the percentage of recycled materials incorporated in the product, product recyclability, and presence of hazardous substances

Claims such as 'biodegradable,' 'environmentally friendly,' or similar are now prohibited.

💸 Sanctions: €15,000 for legal entities

☝️Also, from January 1st, 2025, new companies will be subject to this obligation!

4. And when will the furniture eco-score be implemented?

We are talking about the Climate & Resilience Law. For the furniture sector, methodological work and experimentation will begin next January and is set to become mandatory by 2027.

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