France delays professional packaging waste scheme to 2027 and expands transport energy audit rules

The French government announced that the operational launch of the extended producer responsibility (REP) system for professional packaging will be postponed to 1 January 2027. Minister Mathieu Lefèvre said the delay is due to unfinished work on identifying the economic actors required to join one of the three approved eco‑organisms and the late publication of the eco‑organism fee schedules, which have prevented operators from planning for the new charge. The ministry expects all operators to be affiliated with an eco‑organism by the end of the year to ensure the REP is fully functional at the start of 2027.

Separately, from 11 October 2026, France will broaden the scope of mandatory energy audits for transport companies. The new regulation will bring many firms that were previously exempt into compliance, requiring them to assess and improve energy performance. The industry body eco co2 is offering a webinar on 10 September 2026 to help companies understand the requirements and explore options such as ISO 50001 certification.