French origin of products: the State is tightening the screw and has already carried out nearly 2,000 checks since the start of the year

La commercialisation de produits français est un enjeu stratégique pour les industriels et les distributeurs. MAXPPP – Vincent Isore

Since the start of the year, the General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) has already carried out nearly 2,000 checks out of the 10,000 planned for 2024. And several establishments are at fault.

Do you know about francization ? This involves announcing a French origin for a product that is not. This illegal practice is popular on the French food market, particularly on fresh products such as meat, vegetables, fruit or fish. Consumers' enthusiasm for Made in France pushes certain dishonest operators to present foreign products as French.

The Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) does not joke with this practice and fighting against it has become a priority in recent years for this French administration.

683 establishments in anomaly

In a press release from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the executive explains that it wants to carry out nearly 10,000 checks on the French origin of products food in 2024. Nearly 2,000 checks have already been carried out since the start of the year in this regard and 683 establishments are reported to have anomalies.

Thus, 413 warnings will be sent to establishments whose non-compliance results from a lack of knowledge of the regulations. For the most serious offenses, 130 requests for compliance will be made by way of injunction, 2 administrative fines will be issued and  nearly 150 criminal reports will be sent to the courts.

Practicing francization can result in up to 2 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros for individuals and up to 10% of the figure of ;business for legal entities.