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The list below is an extract from the French and European Official Gazettes concerning the environment, energy and health and safety at work for September 2023.
ENVIRONMENT
IOTA: Creation of a heading 3.3.5.0
Code de l'environnement Articles R. 214-1 à R. 214-60 : Procedures for authorization or declaration (Water and aquatic and marine environments) MODIFIE PAR le décret n° 2023-907 du 29 septembre 2023 modifiant la nomenclature des installations, ouvrages, travaux et activités relevant de la police de l'eau annexée à l'article R. 214-1 du code de l'environnement [JORF du 30 septembre 2023].
The decree of December 29, 2023 creates a new IOTA heading 3.3.5.0, which must be used for projects whose sole purpose is to restore the natural functions of the aquatic environments listed in this new heading. In this case, it is necessary to file a declaration with the authorities before carrying out the work. A previous section 3.3.5.0 was annulled by the Conseil d'Etat in 2022.
Updating the principles of public information on technological and natural hazards
Code de la sécurité intérieure Articles R. 741-18 à R. 741-38 : Plans particuliers d'intervention MODIFIE PAR le décret n° 2023-881 du 15 septembre 2023 pris pour l'application de l'article L. 125-2 du code de l'environnement [JORF du 17 septembre 2023]
The posting of safety instructions drawn up as part of a special intervention plan (PPI) is mandatory in certain locations. Such notices must be posted by owners of premises and land located within the zone of application of a PPI listed in article R. 125-14 of the French Environment Code (e.g.: certain ERP, certain industrial sites, etc.). Previously, this posting obligation was the responsibility of mayors.
ENERGY
New European directive on energy efficiency
Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council of September 13, 2023 on energy efficiency [OJEU of September 20, 2023].
This directive defines a European legal framework for energy efficiency. It establishes a common framework of measures for the promotion of energy efficiency in the Union with a view to ensuring the achievement of objectives and enabling further improvements in energy efficiency. As of October 12, 2025, it replaces the former Directive 2012/27/EU of October 25, 2012.
It modifies the companies concerned by the obligation to carry out an energy audit, and requires the implementation of an energy management system for energy-intensive companies.
Reminder: a directive is not directly applicable; it must be transposed into national law by each member state.
SAFETY
Marketing restrictions on synthetic polymer microplastics
Regulation No. 1907/2006 of December 18, 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) AMENDED BY Regulation 2023/2055 of September 25, 2023 amending Annex XVII of Regulation 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards synthetic polymer microparticles [OJEU of September 27, 2023].
The September 25, 2023 regulation adds synthetic polymer microplastics to Annex XVII of the REACH regulation, which lays down restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain hazardous substances and mixtures.
It also provides for a number of communications, including instructions for use and disposal, explaining to downstream industrial or professional users how to avoid the release of synthetic polymer microparticles into the environment.
It requires manufacturers and downstream users of synthetic polymer microplastics to make an annual declaration to ECHA.
Taking into account technological developments in emergency alert systems for public buildings (Etablissements Recevant du Public - ERP)
Arrêté du 25 juin 1980 portant approbation des dispositions générales du règlement de sécurité contre les risques d'incendie et de panique dans les établissements recevant du public MODIFIE PAR l'arrêté du 11 septembre 2023 [JORF du 19 septembre 2023] (French only)
The decree of September 11, 2023 amends certain provisions of the fire and panic safety regulations for ERP buildings in terms of warning systems, to take account of technological developments in firefighter alert communications, such as cell phones, and the end of "historical" telephone networks (end of the copper or switched telephone network).