The furniture EPR scheme raises many questions: should you join Ecomaison or Valdelia? What are the concrete differences? And above all, what obligations does this create for producers, importers or online sellers?

This guide clarifies the scope, operation and services of both producer responsibility organisations (PROs) to help you stay compliant without getting lost in acronyms.

Furniture EPR: Ecomaison or Valdelia, who handles what?

Reading time: ~11 min

Understanding the furniture EPR scheme, Valdelia and Ecomaison

The furniture EPR scheme, also known as the DEA scheme (Furniture Waste Elements), requires any party placing furniture on the French market (manufacturer, importer, marketplace seller or D2C brand) to fund and organise the end of life of these products through an authorised producer responsibility organisation (PRO).

Since 2024, several organisations have been authorised, including Ecomaison (formerly Eco-Mobilier) and Valdelia. Both are authorised for the 2024-2029 period to manage household and professional furniture waste. You must therefore register with one of them, or use an authorised representative, and pay them the eco-contributions corresponding to the quantities you place on the market.

Ecomaison and Valdelia: who covers what?

Ecomaison's positioning

Ecomaison has historically focused on household furniture. The organisation relies on a wide territorial network, partnerships with the social and solidarity economy, and a multi-scheme EPR approach. Its recent strategy aims to increase the supply of quality second-hand furniture from retailers.

Valdelia's positioning

Valdelia originated in professional furniture. It relies on around 200 collection and processing providers and more than 250 social economy partners. In 2023, 67,000 tonnes of furniture were processed, including 4,400 tonnes reused. The organisation also funds a chair dedicated to the circular economy and plans to raise its fee scales in 2025.

Services offered by Ecomaison and Valdelia

Free collection for professionals (hotels, offices, local authorities) above a certain volume.

Organisation of sorting, reuse, repair and recycling of used furniture.

Full traceability of flows from collection to final processing.

Choosing one organisation over the other does not change your obligations: unique identification number, declarations of quantities placed on the market, payment of eco-contributions and record keeping remain essential.

Ecomaison vs Valdelia comparison

Waste coverage

Ecomaison: non-inert furniture (DEA scheme). Valdelia: non-inert furniture and certain non-inert construction materials.

Authorisation period

Both organisations are authorised from 2024 to 2029.

Historical target

Ecomaison: general public and household retail. Valdelia: professional furniture (offices, hospitality, local authorities).

Strategic approach

Ecomaison: territorial coverage and multi-scheme EPR approach. Valdelia: dense network of providers and social economy roots.

Reuse and repurposing

Ecomaison: focused on increasing the supply of second-hand furniture. Valdelia: more than 4,400 tonnes reused in 2023.

Key partners

Ecomaison: national social economy networks. Valdelia: 200 collection/processing providers and 250 social economy partners.

Services for professionals

Collection, sorting, reuse, recycling and traceability for both organisations.

Your obligations as a producer

• Identify all EPR schemes affecting your catalogue (packaging, furniture, WEEE, textiles, etc.).

• Register with the producer responsibility organisations, obtain the unique identification numbers and communicate them to marketplaces.

• Calculate and declare eco-contributions according to Ecomaison's, Valdelia's or other fee scales.

• Keep traceability records and meet declaration deadlines, or risk fines of up to €100,000.

The growing number of producer responsibility organisations increases the administrative burden; an audit, or a marketplace request, often reveals shortcomings.

How CompliancR simplifies the furniture EPR scheme

CompliancR, an authorised representative, acts on your behalf with all French producer responsibility organisations, including Ecomaison and Valdelia. Its platform provides:

Automatic analysis of your catalogue, identification of the relevant EPR schemes, calculation of eco-contributions, declarations submitted on time and centralisation of your history in a single dashboard. More information: CompliancR guide.

Mini FAQ

Do I have to choose a single producer responsibility organisation?

Yes, for the same scheme and the same product flow. You can switch organisations when renewing your contract, without double funding or an uncovered period.

Which online sellers are affected?

Any party placing a piece of furniture on the French market for the first time: importers, D2C brands, marketplace sellers, own-brand retailers.

What are the risks of non-compliance?

Fines of up to €100,000, or more in case of repeat offences, and possible delisting from marketplaces that require the unique identification number.

How do I manage the furniture EPR scheme alongside other schemes?

This complexity often calls for automation. The CompliancR platform lets you manage Ecomaison, Valdelia and other schemes from a single interface.

In summary

Ecomaison and Valdelia share the same regulatory mission but differ in their history, network and strategy. Your obligations remain the same: registration, declarations, payment of contributions and traceability. Given rising requirements and the growing number of EPR schemes, outsourcing compliance to an authorised representative such as CompliancR often becomes the most effective solution. To learn more, browse all our resources or our solutions.