Importing electrical and electronic goods from Asia: CE and recycling

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.