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
Looking for a manufacturer in Asia, verified in the official register of its country?
Publish a requestSources (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.