On October 3, 2024, the European Commission decided to initiate infringement proceedings by sending an official notification (INFR (2024) 2096) to France for failing to correctly transpose the Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904). The Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) is the European Commission's plastics strategy and action plan for the circular economy. It aims to prevent and minimize the impact of certain plastic products on the environment and human health and to facilitate the transition to a circular economy. Full implementation of the sustainable practices set out in the Directive is key to effectively protecting human health, the natural environment and ensuring a successful transition to a more sustainable circular economy. France has not correctly and fully transposed several provisions of the Directive into national law. In particular, French law has not transposed several definitions set out in the Directive, such as the definition of producer, in a sufficiently clear and precise manner. Furthermore, it cannot ensure that producers of certain beverage bottles covered by SUPD comply with the requirements set out in the Directive. The Commission therefore sent France a formal notification that France now has two months to respond and address the deficiencies raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
