Article D46-6 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure

In the case provided for in Article 559-1, the bailiff who ascertains that he has been unable to complete his steps on expiry of the period of forty-five days or within that provided for in the request of the public prosecutor or the civil party must inform the latter as soon as possible, and at the latest within five working days of expiry of that period.

In the absence of an extension of the time limit in accordance with the provisions of Article D. 46-5, the bailiff shall return the writ to the addressee, together with reports of the steps taken by the bailiff to effect service on the addressee and of the circumstances in which it was impossible to effect service.

The bailiff shall then return the writ to the addressee, together with reports of the steps taken by the bailiff to effect service on the addressee and of the circumstances in which it was impossible to effect service on the addressee.

Original in French 🇫🇷

Article D46-6

Dans le cas prévu par l’article 559-1, l’huissier qui constate qu’il n’a pu accomplir ses diligences à l’expiration du délai de quarante-cinq jours ou dans celui prévu dans la requête du ministère public ou de la partie civile doit en informer ce dernier ou cette dernière dès que possible, et au plus tard dans les cinq jours ouvrables suivant l’expiration de ce délai.

En l’absence de prorogation du délai conformément aux dispositions de l’article D. 46-5, l’huissier lui retourne l’exploit accompagné des procès-verbaux relatant les diligences qu’il a accomplies pour effectuer la signification à la personne de son destinataire et les circonstances caractérisant l’impossibilité d’une telle signification.