KIRIKKALE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Dear members,

In the letter dated 04.06.2021 and numbered 64383934 received from the Ministry of Commerce, it is reported that the French draft law on prevention of waste and circular economy will enter into force on January 1, 2022. In the article, it is stated that with the related draft law, the fruit and vegetable imports of France are expected to be affected as explained below:

1) Regarding the prohibition of plastic packaging:

1.1. Within the framework of Article 77 of the Law, it has been clarified that the products must be displayed partially or completely without plastic packaging in the sale of unprocessed vegetables and fruits.

1.2. Although the ban on the use of plastic packaging targets wholesalers and retailers operating in France, it is stated that the decisions taken may directly affect our importers, considering that the products are packaged before export.

1.3. Expressing that the draft list of the products exempted from this provision has been published by the French Government as it will be damaged if they are marketed without plastic packaging;

1.3.1. Washed and prepared products (chopped green beans, etc.) are exempt from the aforementioned provision,

1.3.2. It is informed that fruits (such as mango, banana and avocado) that are plucked before ripening and ripened before sale in ripening centers are included in the plastic packaging ban. In addition, it has been stated that the CSIF officials of the French Fruit and Vegetable Importers Association are continuing their negotiations with the French authorities so that washed and pre-prepared vegetables and ripe fruits can also benefit from this exemption.

2) Regarding the adhesive label ban:

2.1. Pursuant to Article 80 of the Law, it is stated that as of January 1, 2022, the use of labels that cannot be composted (converted to natural fertilizer) will be prohibited. It is understood from the text of the law that it is foreseen to prohibit the labels applied directly on the products; however, it has been stated that it is still unclear whether it is possible to sell the products on which the label that cannot be composted before being sent to France can be sold at retailers.