EPR France for Toys and Sporting Goods: New Categories Foreign Importers Cannot Ignore

New EPR categories that catch importers off guard

France created two new EPR categories in 2024 that affect a massive number of foreign importers. The Toys category (JOUET) covers all toys and games sold to consumers. The Sporting Goods and Leisure category (ASL) covers sports equipment, fitness gear, camping equipment, and leisure products. Both categories are now fully operational with eco-organisations approved and IDU requirements enforced.

Many foreign importers, particularly those based in China, are unaware of these new obligations. They may have packaging and WEEE EPR in order but have not registered for toy or sporting goods EPR. French authorities have announced targeted inspection campaigns for these new categories in 2026.

The Toy EPR category in detail

Ecojouets (managed by Ecomaison) is the sole approved eco-organisation for toy EPR. The scope covers all products designed for children under 14 to play with: board games, puzzles, dolls, construction sets, outdoor play equipment, creative activity kits, and model-building kits.

Eco-contributions are calculated per unit based on the dominant material (plastic, wood, metal, textile, paper). Electronic toys with batteries trigger additional WEEE and battery EPR on top of the toy EPR, creating a triple or quadruple registration requirement.

Do not confuse the toy category with the DIY and garden category (ABJ). Toy building sets are toys. Adult model kits are toys if marketed for under 14. Educational science kits for children are toys.

The Sporting Goods category in detail

Ecologic is the approved eco-organisation for sporting goods and leisure (ASL). The scope covers bicycles, e-bikes, fitness equipment, camping gear, hiking equipment, water sports equipment, team sports equipment, and outdoor recreation products.

Eco-contributions are calculated per unit or per kilogram depending on the product subcategory. Electric sporting goods (e-bikes, electric scooters with sporting function) also trigger WEEE and battery EPR.

The enforcement timeline for 2026

The DGPR has announced sectoral inspection campaigns targeting toys, sporting goods, and DIY articles in 2026. These recently created categories have low producer coverage rates, meaning a large number of obligated producers are still unregistered. Importers who bring products from China or other Asian countries are the primary enforcement targets.

Marketplace verification for toy and sporting goods IDU numbers is being rolled out progressively. Amazon France already checks for packaging and WEEE IDU. Toy and sporting goods IDU verification is expected to follow the same pattern.

How we handle toy and sporting goods EPR for importers

We register you across all applicable categories in a single coordinated process. Toys, sporting goods, packaging, WEEE, batteries: all handled together with one mandataire, one contact point, and one consolidated reporting. Contact us for a free compliance assessment covering all applicable categories.

Electronic toys: the multi-category complexity

An electronic toy with a rechargeable battery sold in a cardboard box triggers four simultaneous EPR categories: toys (Ecojouets), WEEE (Ecosystem), batteries (Ecosystem), and packaging (Citeo). Four registrations, four IDU numbers, four annual declarations. For importers of Chinese electronic toys, this creates significant administrative complexity that justifies mandataire representation.

The inspection campaign risk for 2026

The DGPR has specifically announced targeted inspections for toys, sporting goods, and DIY categories in 2026. These new categories have the lowest producer registration rates, making them enforcement priorities. The cross-referencing of customs import data with SYDEREP registrations makes it straightforward for authorities to identify non-compliant importers. Registration now protects you before the campaign begins. Contact us to register across all applicable categories.

The multi-category trap for toy and sporting goods importers

Electronic toys with rechargeable batteries create the most complex EPR situation in France: four simultaneous registrations required. Toy EPR with Ecojouets (Ecomaison). WEEE EPR with Ecosystem or Ecologic. Battery EPR with Ecosystem or Screlec. Packaging EPR with Citeo. Four eco-organisations, four IDU numbers, four annual declarations, four payment schedules. For Chinese manufacturers exporting electronic toys to France, this complexity makes mandataire representation virtually essential.

The 2026 enforcement wave and how to prepare

The DGPR has announced targeted inspection campaigns for toys, sporting goods, and DIY categories in 2026. These new categories have producer registration rates well below 50 percent, making enforcement a priority. The cross-referencing of customs import data with SYDEREP registrations makes it straightforward for authorities to identify importers who have not registered. The contribution d'office mechanism voted by the Senate allows authorities to issue payment orders directly based on estimated volumes.

Registering now, before the inspection campaign begins, demonstrates good faith and avoids the retroactive penalties that will apply to producers identified through enforcement.

Classification nuances that affect your costs

Not everything marketed as a toy is classified as a toy for EPR purposes. Adult puzzle games are not in the toy category. Educational electronic kits for adults are not toys. Promotional items resembling toys but not intended for children under 14 may not be toys. Conversely, collectible figurines marketed to children are toys even if primarily purchased by adults. Correct classification determines which eco-organisation you register with and what rate you pay.

Our comprehensive registration service for importers

We handle multi-category registration as a single coordinated process. Toys, sporting goods, WEEE, batteries, packaging: all managed through one mandataire, one contact point, one consolidated report. We verify every product classification, identify the optimal eco-organisation for each category, and file coordinated annual declarations. Request a free multi-category assessment below.

The quadruple registration for electronic toys

Electronic toy with rechargeable battery in cardboard box: four simultaneous registrations. Toys (Ecojouets). WEEE (Ecosystem). Batteries (Ecosystem/Screlec). Packaging (Citeo). Four eco-organisations, four IDU numbers, four declarations. For Chinese electronic toy exporters, mandataire representation is virtually essential.

2026 enforcement: why registering now matters

The DGPR has announced targeted inspections for these new categories. Customs import data cross-referenced with SYDEREP makes non-registered importers easy to identify. The contribution d'office mechanism allows direct payment orders based on estimated volumes. Registering before the campaign demonstrates good faith and avoids retroactive penalties.

Classification nuances that save money

Not everything marketed as a toy is classified as one for EPR. Adult puzzles are not toys. Collectible figurines for children are. Correct classification determines your eco-organisation and rate. We verify every product. Request a multi-category assessment below.