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President's Council

Trade Regulations and Standards

Import Tariffs

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).

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. Hormone-treated 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

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 non-tariff 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 be 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

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

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 AmCham France.

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@N0SPAM.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

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:

Bureau of Industry and Security
U.S. Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 20230
Website: http://www.bis.doc.gov
http://bxa.fedworld.gov

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

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 re-exported 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:

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@N0SPAM.uscib.org
West Coast office:
Telephone: (415) 564-2600
E-mail: franca.gargiulo@N0SPAM.att.net

Labeling and Marking Requirements

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/eur-lex/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:

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 non-promotional.

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
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@N0SPAM.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:
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_268/l_26820031018en00010023.pdf

Regulation 1830/2003:
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_268/l_26820031018en00240028.pdf

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

Customs Regulations and Contact Information 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”:

European Union Taxation and Customs Regulation:
Web Site: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/customs/index_en.htm

Standards Overview

French Standards are conforming to EU Standards. EU Standards setting is a process based on consensus initiated by industry or mandated by the European 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

Contact information can be obtained at AFNOR:
Norm’Info: Phone: (33-1) 41 62 76 44
E-mail: norminfo@N0SPAM.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
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@N0SPAM.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@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
NF Service mark: certification@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
NF Environnement mark: patricia.proia@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
European eco-label: patricia.proia@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
NF Agro-alimentaire mark: valentine.digonnet@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
Validation of alternative analysis methods: valentine.digonnet@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
CE Marking of Gas appliances: thierry.lacome@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
CE Marking of Cements: emmanuel.wagner@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
Secure Medical Prescriptions: bernard.eric@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
AFNOR Compétence mark: bernard.eric@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
NF/EC coordinated certification and Quality Systems: catherine.guisse@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
AFNOR COFRAC accreditation: arnaud.desaxce@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
ISO 9000 Certification: info.iso9000@N0SPAM.afnor.fr
All other requests: certification@N0SPAM.afnor.fr

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
Washington, DC 20007
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

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@N0SPAM.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@N0SPAM.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
Rue de Stassart 35
B – 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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
B – 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Mail: Office: SC15 02/09 B – 1049 Brussels
Tel: 32 2 299 56 72
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
B – 1040 Brussels, Belgium
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
B – 1040 Brussels, Belgium
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
B – 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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
B – 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: 32 2 502 69 00
Fax: 32 2 502 38 14
Web Site: http://www.eota.be
E-Mail: info@N0SPAM.eota.be

EOTC – European Organization for Conformity Assessment
Rue de Stassart 36
B – 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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, 4th FI.
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (212) 642-4900
Fax: (212) 398-0023
Email: info@N0SPAM.ansi.org
Web Site: http://www.ansi.org

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
National Center for Standards and Certification Information
U.S. Department of Commerce
100 Bureau Drive Stop 2150
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Tel: (301) 975-4040
Fax: (301) 926-1559
Email: ncsci@N0SPAM.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 31st Street, NY Suite 301
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338 – 4365
Fax: (202) 337 – 3709
Email: frederic.sevin@N0SPAM.afaq.org

AES - American European Services
1054 31st Street, NW Ste. 320
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 337-3214
Fax: (202) 337-3709
Email: sales@N0SPAM.aes-apave.com
Web site: http://www.aes-apave.com

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
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
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 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.

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@N0SPAM.afnor.fr and on other subcontractors, contact arnaud.desaxce@N0SPAM.afnor.fr

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

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
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@N0SPAM.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@N0SPAM.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@N0SPAM.i-carre.net
Contacts
Philippe JEROME
Délégué Général de l'ASQUER
Phone: (33-1) 46 11 33 64
E-mail: philippe.jerome@N0SPAM.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@N0SPAM.cequami.fr
Contact: Christophe DUBAIL - Gérant
E-mail: c.dubail@N0SPAM.cequami.fr

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@N0SPAM.cerib.com
Contact: qualite@N0SPAM.cerib.com

Gaz related Equipment
CERTIGAZ sas
62 rue de Courcelles
75008 PARIS France
Phone: (33-1) 44 01 87 61
Fax: (33-1) 44 01 87 90
Web Site: http://www.afgaz.fr
Email : [certigaz@afgaz .fr]
Contact: Certigaz@N0SPAM.afgaz.fr

CNMIS sas
16 avenue Hoche
75008 PARIS France
phone: (33-1) 53 89 00 40
Fax: (33-1) 45 63 40 63
Web Site: http://www.cnmis.org
E-mail: cnmis@N0SPAM.cnmis.org
Contact: cnmis@N0SPAM.cnmis.org

Building Construction
CSTB
Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment
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@N0SPAM.cstb.fr

Furniture and wooden-made building construction components
CTBA - Centre Technique du Bois et de l'Ameublement
10 avenue de Saint Mandé
75012 PARIS France
Phone: (33-1) 40 19 49 19
Fax: (33-1) 43 40 85 65
Web Site: http://www.ctba.fr
Contact: Patrice GARNIER

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@N0SPAM.lcie.fr

LNE
Laboratoire National d'Essais
1 rue Gaston Boissier
75724 PARIS Cedex 15
Phone: (33-1) 40 43 37 00
Fax: (33-1) 40 43 37 37
Web Site: http://www.lne.fr
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@N0SPAM.qualitel.org

Accreditation
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.

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@N0SPAM.cofrac.fr

Publication of Technical Regulations
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

Please note AmCham is open: Monday-Thursday 9:30-13:00, 14:00-18:00, Friday 9:30-13:00
AmCham France is not open to the public. Please call to make an appointment if you would like to come by.

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Trade Regulations and Standards