Rules and standards

Bowls, plates, chopsticks, lunch boxes, utensils: tableware and kitchen items imported from Asia are "materials in contact with food". They follow strict rules, and one trap comes up often: "melamine-bamboo" tableware.

The "bamboo" tableware trap

Many cups, bowls and plates sold as "eco-friendly, made of bamboo" are in fact plastic (often melamine) mixed with bamboo powder. This mixture is illegal in the European Union: bamboo is not on the list of substances authorised in plastics in contact with food (Regulation (EU) 10/2011). The EU Member States carried out a joint control operation against these products, completed in April 2022 (European Commission, "Bamboo-zling").

Not to be confused: an object made of solid bamboo (chopsticks, board, spoon carved from bamboo) is not covered by this ban on plastics, but it must also be safe for contact with food.

The essential obligations

• Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 sets the basic rule: the object must not transfer dangerous substances to food or change its taste or smell.
• For plastic objects, Regulation (EU) 10/2011 sets the list of authorised substances and migration limits. Ask your supplier for the written declaration of compliance and the test results.
• The object must show that it is intended for food (wording or glass-and-fork symbol), unless this is obvious.
• Keep traceability: who supplied you, which batch.

Inspection in France: DGCCRF (the French consumer protection authority).

The rule common to all products

Since 13 December 2024, the European regulation on general product safety (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) requires a responsible economic operator established in the European Union (often the importer) to be indicated, with its contact details, on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document. A company that imports from China, Vietnam or Thailand to sell in France becomes this operator: it is the one that answers for the product.

To go further

Sources (consulted on 1 November 2026): European Commission, "Bamboo-zling" (food.ec.europa.eu); Regulations (EC) 1935/2004 and (EU) 10/2011; Regulation (EU) 2023/988.

For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026. General information, not legal advice: check the official text (EUR-Lex) and ask the inspection authority before selling. This information does not engage the liability of Passerelle France-Asie.

Toys made in Asia are numerous on the European market, and they are also the most closely checked products: they are intended for children. Here is what a small business that imports them needs to know, including the big change to come.

Today: CE marking

• Every toy sold in the European Union must carry the CE marking: the manufacturer declares that it meets the safety requirements (Directive 2009/48/EC). Ask the manufacturer for the declaration of conformity and the test reports, and keep them.
• The importer shows its name and address on the toy or its packaging.
• The warnings (for example "not suitable for children under 3 years") and the instructions must be in French.

What will change: the new 2025 regulation

Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 on the safety of toys replaces the directive. It entered into force on 1 January 2026, but its rules will apply from 1 August 2030 (transition period). The big new feature: each toy will need a digital product passport, available online through a QR code, which customs will be able to check. Serious Asian manufacturers are already preparing for it: it is a good question to ask a future supplier.

Inspection in France: DGCCRF and customs.

The rule common to all products

Since 13 December 2024, the European regulation on general product safety (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) requires a responsible economic operator established in the European Union (often the importer) to be indicated, with its contact details, on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document. A company that imports from China, Vietnam or Thailand to sell in France becomes this operator: it is the one that answers for the product.

To go further

Sources (consulted on 1 November 2026): European Commission, "Toy safety" and "Stronger toy safety rules enter into force" (23/12/2025); Directive 2009/48/EC; Regulation (EU) 2025/2509.

For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026. General information, not legal advice: check the official text (EUR-Lex) and ask the inspection authority before selling. This information does not engage the liability of Passerelle France-Asie.

Clothes, fabrics, household linen, footwear: China, Vietnam and Thailand are major textile manufacturers. To sell these products in France, three subjects matter: the composition label, prohibited substances and recycling.

1. The composition label, in French

Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 requires the fibre composition to be shown ("60% cotton, 40% polyester"), with the official names of the fibres, in the language of the country of sale: in France, in French.

2. Prohibited substances

The European REACH regulation prohibits certain substances in textiles and leather. Example: azo dyes that release certain aromatic amines, limited to 30 mg per kilogram (European Chemicals Agency, ECHA). Ask your supplier for recent test reports. See our REACH guide.

3. Recycling: a French obligation

In France, any company that places clothes, household linen or footwear on the market, including an importer, must join the approved producer responsibility organisation for the sector, Refashion, and pay an eco-contribution. The Triman logo and sorting information are mandatory (French Ministry of Ecological Transition).

Inspection in France: DGCCRF (labelling); Ministry of Ecological Transition and ADEME (recycling).

The rule common to all products

Since 13 December 2024, the European regulation on general product safety (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) requires a responsible economic operator established in the European Union (often the importer) to be indicated, with its contact details, on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document. A company that imports from China, Vietnam or Thailand to sell in France becomes this operator: it is the one that answers for the product.

To go further

Sources (consulted on 1 November 2026): French Ministry of Ecological Transition, "Produits textiles (TLC)"; European Commission, questions and answers on Regulation 1007/2011; ECHA, REACH restrictions (entry 43).

For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026. General information, not legal advice: check the official text (EUR-Lex) and ask the inspection authority before selling. This information does not engage the liability of Passerelle France-Asie.

Chargers, lamps, small household appliances, electronic gadgets: these products from Asia are subject both to safety rules and to a recycling obligation in France. The importer is responsible for them.

Safety: CE marking

An electrical or electronic appliance must carry the CE marking: the manufacturer declares that it complies with the European rules (electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, restriction of hazardous substances known as RoHS). Ask for the declaration of conformity and the test reports, and check that the contact details of the manufacturer and of the importer appear on the appliance. The instructions and safety information must be in French. See CE marking and RoHS.

Recycling: WEEE

In France, the company that places on the market electrical equipment coming from a country outside the Union, i.e. the importer, is considered a "producer". It must join an approved producer responsibility organisation (for example Ecologic, ecosystem or Soren) and register with ADEME, the French environment agency (French Ministry of Ecological Transition, ADEME).

Inspection in France: DGCCRF (safety, labelling); Ministry of Ecological Transition and ADEME (recycling).

The rule common to all products

Since 13 December 2024, the European regulation on general product safety (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) requires a responsible economic operator established in the European Union (often the importer) to be indicated, with its contact details, on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document. A company that imports from China, Vietnam or Thailand to sell in France becomes this operator: it is the one that answers for the product.

To go further

Sources (consulted on 1 November 2026): French Ministry of Ecological Transition, "Équipements électriques et électroniques (DEEE)"; ADEME, EEE sector; Directives 2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2011/65/EU.

For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026. General information, not legal advice: check the official text (EUR-Lex) and ask the inspection authority before selling. This information does not engage the liability of Passerelle France-Asie.

Soaps, creams, balms, hair products: many cosmetics from Asia are popular in France. But a cosmetic is not sold like an ordinary object: the importer becomes legally responsible for the product.

The importer becomes the "responsible person"

Under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, each cosmetic sold in the European Union has a responsible person established in the Union. For an imported product, it is the importer, unless it designates in writing another person who accepts this role.

The essential obligations

• A product information file, with a safety report drawn up by a qualified assessor, kept for 10 years after the last batch was placed on the market.
• A notification of the product on the European CPNP portal, before the first sale.
• A label with the name and address of the responsible person and the list of ingredients (INCI names), with the particulars in French.
• Authorised ingredients: some substances are prohibited or restricted in Europe, even if they are allowed in Asia.

Inspection in France: DGCCRF.

Good to know: the Passerelle does not accept medicines or food supplements (see our registration conditions). Cosmetics and care products are accepted.

The rule common to all products

Since 13 December 2024, the European regulation on general product safety (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) requires a responsible economic operator established in the European Union (often the importer) to be indicated, with its contact details, on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document. A company that imports from China, Vietnam or Thailand to sell in France becomes this operator: it is the one that answers for the product.

To go further

Sources (consulted on 1 November 2026): Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (articles 4, 11, 13, 19), European Commission; Regulation (EU) 2023/988.

For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026. General information, not legal advice: check the official text (EUR-Lex) and ask the inspection authority before selling. This information does not engage the liability of Passerelle France-Asie.

Which products must carry the CE marking, who is responsible, and which documents to ask from a manufacturer outside the European Union.

What is it?

The “CE” logo shows that the manufacturer declares that its product meets the EU safety rules that apply to it.

Which products?

Only certain families: for example toys, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, personal protective equipment. Not every product needs it.

Who is responsible?

The manufacturer. But if you import into the EU a product made elsewhere, you must check that it complies: that is your responsibility too.

Which documents to ask for?

The EU declaration of conformity, signed by the manufacturer, and confirmation that the technical documentation is available.

In case of doubt?

Do not order large quantities. Ask for the documents first, then a sample.

Official source: Your Europe — CE marking

In France, the description of a product sold to the public, its instructions and its warranty must be in French: what to ask your supplier.

• In France, law no. 94-665 of 4 August 1994 (the “Toubon law”) requires French for the name, presentation, instructions and warranty of a product offered to the public.
• Another language can be added, but French must always be there.
• Before ordering, ask your supplier who translates and prints the French labels and instructions, and at what price.
• For some products (toys, textiles, cosmetics, food), other EU labelling rules also apply: check them for your product.