Whistleblower law in France #
France transposed EU Directive 2019/1937 through the Loi Waserman (Loi n° 2022-401 du 21 mars 2022), amending the earlier Loi Sapin II. France is one of the few EU countries where obstruction and retaliation carry criminal penalties including prison time.
Law #
Loi n° 2022-401 du 21 mars 2022 (Loi Waserman), amending Loi Sapin II (2016-1691).
Who must comply #
Companies with 50+ employees. In effect since September 2022. Source: RSM France
Penalties #
- Obstructing a report: up to €60,000 fine and 1 year imprisonment. Source: Whispli
- Retaliation or discrimination against a whistleblower: up to €60,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment. Source: JP Karsenty
Key difference: Whistleblowers are no longer required to use internal channels before going to external authorities.