Code de l'Environnement (Environmental Code)

Introduction

The Code de l’Environnement codifies French environmental law. The Code consolidates legislation on water protection, air quality, waste management, biodiversity, environmental impact assessment, and classified facilities (ICPE).

Key Principles

The Code is based on fundamental principles including the precautionary principle, the polluter-pays principle, the principle of preventive action, and the principle of public participation. The Charter for the Environment of 2004, which has constitutional status, reinforces these principles.

Classified Facilities

The regime of installations classees pour la protection de l’environnement (ICPE) regulates industrial facilities that present environmental risks. Facilities require authorization or declaration depending on their risk level. Inspections ensure compliance with operating conditions.

Environmental Assessment

Projects likely to have significant environmental impacts must undergo environmental assessment, including public consultation. The Autorite Environnementale provides independent oversight of assessment quality.