The European Commission referred France for its use of the Triman logo to the Court of Justice of the European Union. National measures that obstacle the movement of compliant goods among Member States can go against the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). In the case of the Triman logo, operators have to adapt their products to the French market exclusively.
Affixing the Triman logo to cosmetic products
Currently, labels of cosmetic products on the French market must display the Triman logo sorting instructions. Decree 2014-15733 introduces the Triman logo, which must appear on the packaging regardless of whether it can be recycled or not. The logo simply indicates that a sorting or bring rule applies.
If a sorting rule applies, the symbol has to be composed also by a strapline and a target stream to provide consumers with the necessary instructions on how to recycle the packaging.
Harmonisation of recycling symbols in the EU
In the EU, national rules regulate the provisions for recycling symbols and information. However, the newly published EU Packaging Regulation introduces the basis for harmonised waste-sorting labels. Although there are no definitive specific symbols or instructions yet, over 60 European associations called against the guidelines for EU harmonised waste sorting labels suggested by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) to the European Commission. Particularly, the associations expressed concern over the use of text and colour for waste sorting labels on packaging, which would lead to additional barriers among Member States.
Do you have questions on how to affix recycling symbols and instructions to your products’ packaging? Ask COSlaw Team here or contact us at coslaw@obelis.net.
References:
European Commission (2025). Commission refers FRANCE to the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding its labelling requirements for waste sorting. Retrieved on 17/07/2025.
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