4. Mistakes to avoid

4.1 Don't obstruct inspection

Just because your plant is inspected by an approved body at your expense doesn't mean you're exempt from all environmental inspections.

The inspector is not obliged to obtain the operator's agreement to a visit. Obstructing inspectors in the performance of their duties is an offence punishable by one year's imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros. In addition, inspectors are protected by the provisions of Code pénal relating to contempt of persons carrying out a public service mission.