Section 4: Importation of packaged natural mineral waters

A packaged natural mineral water is freely imported if it is included on the list, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, of natural mineral waters recognised as such by the Member States of the European Union. A packaged natural mineral water from a Member State of the European Union or from another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and imported under the same…

The import authorisation is granted for a period of five years, renewable if it is certified by the authority authorised for this purpose by the country of origin, before the expiry of its validity, that the water meets the requirements of this code.

An order by the ministers responsible for customs and health determines the administrative and technical procedures for issuing the import authorisation, covering in particular the elements mentioned in 1° to 3° and 6° to 8° of article R. 1322-5.

The holder of an import authorisation must immediately notify the Prefect of any changes to the operating conditions. The Prefect who issued the authorisation to import a natural mineral water may, in the event of a variation in the quality of the water observed by the control authorities or reported by the authorisation holder and if this water presents a danger to public health or no longer meets the regulatory…

The import of packaged water is not subject to prior authorisation when it is intended solely for the personal use of a private individual and for victualling. The same applies when it is intended for distribution in the form of samples or for consumption at special events where it is not sold. In this case, the operator must present a document to the customs authorities certifying that there is no…

The costs incurred by the procedures for authorising the import of natural mineral water are borne by the applicant.