France
General
Information & Brief Economic Summary
Standards
Government
Contacts in France
US
Contacts in France
French Government
Contacts
Trade Associations and
Other Key Contacts
Trade Event
Schedule
General Information & Brief
Economic Summary
France and the U.S. are long-standing, close allies. Despite occasional differences of views, the U.S. and France work closely together on a broad range of trade, security and geopolitical issues.
With a GDP of approximately $2 trillion, France is the world’s sixth-largest economy. It has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base, and a highly skilled work force. A dynamic services sector accounts for an increasingly large share of economic activity and is responsible for nearly all job creation in recent years. Real GDP increased 2.2% in 2006. GDP growth in 2007 decreased to 1.9% and - according to initial projections - will drop to 1.5% in 2008.
France is a member of the G-8, the European Union, the World Trade Organization and the OECD, confirming its status as a leading economic player in the world.
France is the second-largest trading nation in Western Europe (after Germany). France ran a record-setting $48 billion global trade deficit for the 12 months ending in November 2007. Total trade for 2006 amounted to slightly over $1 trillion, over 45% of GDP, 75.0% of which was with EU-24 countries.
Trade and investment between the U.S. and France are strong. On average, over 1 billion dollars in commercial transactions take place between France and the U.S. every day, with the U.S. being France's sixth-ranked supplier and its sixth-largest customer. France ranks as the United States' eighth trading partner for total goods (imports and exports).
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Standards
EU standards setting is a process based on consensus initiated by industry or mandated by the European Commission and carried out by independent standards bodies, acting at the national, European or international level. There is strong encouragement for non-governmental organizations, such as environmental and consumer groups, to actively participate in European standardization.
Many standards in the EU are adopted from international standards bodies such as the International Standards Organization (ISO). The drafting of specific EU standards is handled by three European standards organizations:
- CENELEC, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
http://www.cenelec.org/Cenelec/Homepage.htm
- ETSI, European Telecommunications Standards Institute http://www.etsi.org/
- CEN, European Committee for Standardization, handling all other standards
http://www.cen.eu/cenorm/homepage.htm
Standards are created or modified by experts in Technical Committees or Working Groups. The members of CEN and CENELEC are the national standards bodies of the Member States, which have "mirror committees" that monitor and participate in ongoing European standardization. CEN and CENELEC standards are sold by the individual Member States standards bodies. ETSI is different in that it allows direct participation in its technical committees from non-EU companies that have interests in Europe and gives away its individual standards at no charge on its website.
In addition to the three standards developing organizations, the European Commission plays an important role in standardization through its funding of the participation in the standardization process of small- and medium-sized companies and non-governmental organizations, such as environmental and consumer groups. The Commission also provides money to the standards bodies when it mandates standards development to the European Standards Organization for harmonized standards that will be linked to EU technical Regulations. In the last year, the Commission began listing their mandates on line and they can be seen at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/standards_policy/mandates/. All the EU harmonized standards, which provide the basis for CE marking, can be found on http://www.newapproach.org/
French Standards & Certification Bodies:
AFAQ ASCERT International Inc.
376 Mill Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
USA
Phone: (240) 313 94 45
Fax: (240) 313 94 64
Email: USA.EAST@afaq.afnor.org
AFNOR
Website: http://www.afnor.fr
Standards on Line: http://www.boutique.afnor.fr/boutique.asp
AFNOR Email Contacts: certification@afnor.fr
Questions regarding standards and certification of machinery, heavy equipment, and plant facilities should be directed to U.S. the office of APAVE, the primary French technical inspection organization:
APAVE
American European Services, Inc.
Suite 120 1054 31st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 337. 3214
Fax: (202) 337.3709
Website: http://www.aes.com
AFAQ - Association française pour l'Assurance de la Qualité
Website: http://www.afaq.org
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Government Contacts in
France
US Government
Contacts
American National Standards Institute
25 West 43rd Street, 4th FI.
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (212) 642-4900; Fax: (212) 398-0023
Email: info@ansi.org
Website: http://www.ansi.org
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
National Center for Standards and Certification Information
U.S. Department of Commerce
100 Bureau Drive Stop 2150
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Tel: (301) 975-4040; Fax: (301) 926-1559
Email: ncsci@nist.gov
Website: http://www.nist.gov
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. can assist U.S. exporters in understanding and complying with French and EU standards. UL is authorized by the French government to test and certify electrical equipment:
Underwriters Laboratories
International Compliance Services Department
1285 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747
Tel: (516) 271-6200
Fax: (516) 271-8259
Website: http://www.ul.com
AFAQ, Ascert Inc.
1054 31st Street, NY Suite 301
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338 – 4365
Fax: (202) 337 – 3709
Email: frederic.sevin@afaq.org
AES - American European Services
1054 31st Street, NW Ste. 320
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 337-3214
Fax: (202) 337-3709
Email: sales@aes-apave.com
Website: http://www.aes-apave.com
U.S. Embassy Trade Related Contacts
AMBASSADOR
Craig R. Stapleton
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris
France
Unit 21551, APO AE 09777
Phone: (+33-1) 43.12.27.00
Fax: (+33-1) 42.66.97.83
Website: http://www.amb-usa.fr
DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION
Mark A. Pekala
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris
France
Unit 21551, APO AE 09777
Phone: (+33-1) 43.12.28.00
Fax: (+33-1) 42.66.97.83
Website: http://www.amb-usa.fr
MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Seth Winnick
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris
France
Unit 21551, APO AE 09777
Phone: (+33-1) 43.12.26.54
Fax: (+33-1) 42.66.97.83
Website: http://www.amb-usa.fr
MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS
Robert S. Connan
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris
France
Unit 21551, APO AE 09777
Phone: (+33-1) 43.12.23.70
Fax: (+33-1) 43.12.21.72
Email: Paris.office.box@mail.doc.gov
Website: http://www.buyusa.gov/france/en/
MINISTER-COUNSELOR FOR AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS
Elizabeth B. Berry
American Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris
Unit 21551, APO AE 09777
Phone: (+33-1) 43.12.23.29
Fax: (+33-1) 43.12.26.62
Email: AgParis@usda.gov
REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR
ANIMAL, PLANT AND HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES
U.S. Mission to the European Union
40, boulevard du Regent, B3
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: 32 2 508 2762
Fax: 32 2 511 0918
Contact: Peter Fernandez
Email: peter.fernandez@aphis.usda.gov
AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - BORDEAUX
J. Brinton Rowdybush
Consul
Bruno Gravelier
Trade Specialist
10 Place de la Bourse
BP 77
33025 Bordeaux Cedex
Phone: (+33-5) 56.48.63.80
Fax: (+33-5) 56.51.61.97
Email: Bruno.gravellier@mail.doc.gov
AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - LYON
Harry R. Sullivan
Consul
Lyon Commerce International
69289 Lyon Cedex 02, France
Phone: (+33-4) 78 38 39 42 & 05 92
Fax: (+33-4) 78.38.31.74
Email: sullivanHR@state.gov
U.S. CONSULATE - MARSEILLE
Philip J. Breeden
Consul General
Place Varian Fry
13286 Marseille
France
Phone: (+33-4) 91 54 96 23
Fax: (+33-4) 91 55 09 47
Email: BreedenPX@state.gov
AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - RENNES
Virginia E. Murray
Consul
Eric Beaty
Trade Specialist
30, quai Duguay-Trouin
35000 Rennes
Phone: (+33-2) 23 44 09 65
Fax: (+33-2) 99 35 00 92
Email: eric.beaty@mail.doc.gov
Email: MurrayVE@state.gov
U.S. CONSULATE - STRASBOURG
Frankie A. Reed
Consul General
15, avenue d'Alsace
67082 Strasbourg Cedex
France
Phone: (+33-3).88.35.31.04
Fax: (+33-3).88.24.06.95
Email: reedFA@state.gov
AMERICAN PRESENCE POST - TOUL?USE
Jennifer Bachus-Carleton
Consul
25, Allees Jean Jaures
31000 Toulouse
Phone: (+33-5) 34.41.36.50
Fax: (+33-5) 34.41.16.19
Email: Christopher.mente@mail.doc.gov
Email: BachusJL@State.gov
Web: http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/toulouse.htm
Washington-based USG Country Contacts
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of Western European Affairs EUR/WE Christopher PALMER, France Desk Officer Washington, DC 20520
Phone: (202) 647-4372
Fax: (202) 647-3459
Email: PalmerCG@state.gov
Website: http://www.state.gov
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Office of European Union and Regional Affairs
Robert McLaughlin, France Desk Officer
14th Street and Constitution Avenue
Room 3042
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: (202) 482-3748
Fax: (202) 482-2897
Email: Robert_McLaughlin@ita.doc.gov
Websites: http://www.export.gov
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of Trade Programs (OTP)
Director for Market Developments and Grants Management Division
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
Tel: (202) 690 159
Fax: (202) 690 0193
Website: http://www.fas.usda.gov
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of Capacity Building and Development (OCBD)
Pat Sheikh, Deputy Administrator
14th and Independence Ave. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
Tel: (202) 720 6887
Fax: (202) 720 690 2079
ENERGY DEPARTMENT
Office of International Energy Relations Ken Workman, Western Europe 1000 Independent Avenue, SW, Room 7C-034, Washington, DC 20585
Phone: (202) 586-8660
Fax: (202) 586-0861
Website: http://www.doe.gov
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
International Environmental Policy
Dale Medearis, Western Europe
USEPA Headquarters
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Mail Code: 2650R
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (202) 564-6607
(202) 564-6400 (general number)
Website: http://www.epa.gov
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Department of Health and Human Services
Parklawn Bldg.
Mail Code: HF-1
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: (301) 827-24 10
Fax: (301) 443-31 00
Website: http://www.fda.gov
LABOR DEPARTMENT
Bureau of International Labor Affairs
William Brumfield, European Desk
200 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Room S-5006
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: (202) 219-6234
Fax: (202) 219-5613
Email: Brumfield-william@dol.gov
Website: http://www.dol.gov
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
International Affairs
Leslie Hull, France Desk
Room 5441
1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20220
Phone: (202) 622-1233
Fax: (202) 622-2308
Website: http://www.treas.gov
OFFICE OF THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Shann Donelly, Office of Europe and the Mediterranean
600, 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20506
Phone: (202) 395-9624
Fax: (202) 395-3511
Website: http://www.ustr.gov
U.S.-Based Multipliers Relevant for Country
FRENCH EMBASSY ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS
Phone: (202) 944-6316
Fax: (202) 944-6336
Email: sao-etatsunis@missioneco.org
Website: http://www.missioneco.org/etatsunis/organigramme.asp
FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE U.S.
Phone: (212) 715-4444
Fax: (212) 715-4441
Email: SBellanger@cicny.com
Web: http://www.faccnyc.org/
INVEST IN FRANCE AGENCY (I.F.A.)
Phone: 212 757 9340
Fax: 212 245 1568
Email: us@investinfrance.org
Website: http://www.investinfrance.org/NorthAmerica/
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French Government
Contacts
PRESIDENT OF FRANCE
http://elysee.fr
FRENCH GOVERNMENT
http://www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/en/acteurs/gouvernement/
PRIME MINISTER
http://www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/
MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/
MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRESURY, INDUSTRY AND FOREIGN TRADE
http://www.minefi.gouv.fr
Agency For Corporate Development Of Ile De France
AGENCE REGIONALE DE DEVELOPPEMENT PARIS-ILE DE FRANCE
http://www.paris-region.com
French Statistical Institute Insee Infos Services INSEE
http://www.insee.fr
French Customs
SERVICE DES DOUANES
http://www.douane.gouv.fr/
http://www.crd-ile-de-france@douane.finances.gouv.fr
French Foreign Investment Control Agency
MINEFI
http://www.minefi.gouv.fr
French National Testing Laboratory
LABORATOIRE NATIONAL D’ESSAI - L.N.E.
Website: www.lne.fr
Emails:
info@lne.fr
certification@lne.fr
materials@lne.fr
medical.device@lne.fr
packaging@lne.fr
metrology@lne.fr
consumer.products@lne.fr
National French Standards Association
ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE DE NORMALISATION - AFNOR
http://www.afnor.fr
National Institute Of Industrial Property
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA PROPRIETE INDUSTRIELLE - INPI
http://www.inpi.fr
French Export Promotion Agency
UBIFRANCE
http://www.ubifrance.fr/
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Trade Associations and Other Key
Contacts
American Chamber of Commerce In France
CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE AMERICAINE EN FRANCE
http://www.amchamfrance.org
European-American Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE EUROPEENNE-AMERICAINE
http://www.eaccfrance.eu/
Association of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry
ASSEMBLEE DES CHAMBRES FRANCAISES DE COMMERCE ET D’INDUSTRIES
http://www.acfci.cci.fr
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris
CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE ET D’INDUSTRIE DE PARIS
http://www.ccip.fr
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Val D'oise – Yvelines
CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE ET D’INDUSTRIE DU VAL D’OISE
http://www.versailles.cci.fr
Importers' Association For Mechanics And Electronics
FEDERATION DES ENTREPRISES INDUSTRIELLES ET COMMERCIALES INTERNATIONALES DE LA MECANIQUE ET DE L’ELECTRONIQUE
http://www.ficime.fr
French Employers Association MEDEF
http://www.medef.fr
Automotive Equipment Industry Association
FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES ET EQUIPEMENTS POUR VEHICULES
http://www.fiev.fr
Chemical Industry Association
UNION INDUSTRIELLE DE LA CHIMIE
http://www.uic.fr
Farm Machinery Industry Association
SYNDICAT GENERAL DES CONSTRUCTEURS DE TRACTEURS ET MACHINES AGRICOLES
http://www.sygma.org
Federation of Electric and Electronic Industries
FEDERATION DES INDUSTRIES ELECTRIQUE ELECTRONIQUE ET DE COMMUNICATION
http://www.fieec.fr
French International Trade Association
CONFEDERATION DU COMMERCE DE GROS ET INTERNATIONAL
http://www.cgi-cf.com
French Aeronautic And Space Industry Association
GROUPEMENT DES INDUSTRIES FRANCAISES AERONAUTIQUES ET SPACIALES
http://www.gifas.asso.fr
French Automobile Manufacturers Committee
COMITE DES CONDUCTEURS FRANCAIS D’AUTOMOBILES
http://www.ccfa.fr
Gas And Petroleum Industry Association
FABRILABO
http://www.fabrilabo.com
Measuring And Control Equipment Industry Association
SYNDICAT DE LA MESURE
http://www.syndicat-mesure.fr
Mechanical Engineering Industries Association
SYNDICAT NATIONAL DE L’INDUSTRIE DES TECHNOLOGIES MEDICALES
http://www.snitem.fr
Minerals And Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association
FEDERATION DES CHAMBRES SYNDICALES DES MINERAIS, MINERAUX INDUSTRIELS ET METAUX NON FERREUX
http://www.mineraux-et-metaux.org
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Trade Event Schedule
Manutention 2010
March 16-19, 2010
Paris-France
www.manutention.com
Please click on the link below for information on upcoming U.S. Commercial Service trade events. [http://www.export.gov/tradeevents/index.asp].
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Source: US Department of Commerce.
*This guide is not a complete list of trade associations or publications. We welcome any additions to this document. The Material Handling Industry does not assume a legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information contained herein. The listing of information here does not reflect an endorsement of any of the particular information by the Material Handling Industry.