Ecological transition, circular economy: What’s changing in France on 1 January 2025
December 2024
From 1 January 2025, new measures will come into force to promote the ecological transition, the circular economy and the protection of French citizens in the face of environmental challenges. An overview of the main measures.
Decarbonisation
Automotive sector
A new stage of the European CAFE regulation applies from 1 January 2025, requiring manufacturers selling vehicles in Europe to reduce the average greenhouse gas emissions of vehicles registered in Europe.
Energy saving certificate (CEE)
From 1 January 2025, three new sheets governing CEEs for industry will enable better use to be made of waste heat, whether for conversion (into electricity or compressed air) or storage.
Combating fuel poverty
Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE)
Homes owned by private landlords with a DPE label of G will no longer be considered decent from an energy point of view, in accordance with the Climate and Resilience Act.
Circular economy
Ban on plastic reheating containers in collective catering for municipalities with more than 2,000 inhabitants.
From 1 January 2025, plastic reheat containers in collective catering services such as schools, nurseries and specific medical establishments will be banned in municipalities with more than 2,000 inhabitants.
Simplified vehicle collection for the EPR system for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs)
The principle behind EPR (extended producer responsibility) schemes is that producers are responsible for financing and/or organising the collection and treatment of waste from the products they place on the market. From 2025, old vehicles, whatever their make, can now be collected free of charge directly from the place where they are owned.
Ban on exports of electrical and electronic waste from the European Union and OECD countries
From 1 January 2025, the export of electrical and electronic waste from the European Union and OECD member countries will be banned. The aim is to prevent waste from being mismanaged in third countries.
Air quality
Tighter air quality standards
In accordance with the French Climate and Resilience Act, restrictions on private vehicles classified as Crit’air 3 will come into force from 1 January 2025 in areas where regulatory air quality thresholds are exceeded.
Risk prevention and adaptation
Information on the legal obligation to clear undergrowth in the information system for buyers and tenants
From 1 January 2025, future owners or tenants of forest areas classified as fire-risk will be informed of the obligation to clear their land of undergrowth, as part of the information system for buyers and tenants. Compliance with the legal obligation to clear undergrowth is a major risk prevention and safety issue.