Labour Inspection in France (DREETS) — How Inspections Work and How to Prepare

DREETS inspectors (Direction régionale de l'économie, de l'emploi, du travail et des solidarités) can enter a worksite without notice. This article explains what they check, what documents they require, and how to be ready.

Who are DREETS inspectors?

DREETS is the regional agency responsible for enforcing labour law in France — roughly equivalent to Poland's State Labour Inspectorate (PIP). Inspectors have the right to enter workplaces and construction sites without prior notice.

France actively enforces the rules on posted workers, particularly in construction, where undeclared work has historically been significant.

What does an inspector check?

Documents required from the employer / representative

• SIPSI declaration (reference number and confirmation)
• French representative's contact details
• Copies of workers' passports or identity cards
• Employment contracts (French or English translation)
• A1 certificates
• BTP cards (for BTP sector workers)
• Payslips confirming wages at least equal to SMIC
• Working time records

On-site checks

• Whether workers are registered in the SIPSI system
• Whether BTP cards are present on site
• Whether wages match SMIC or collective agreement rates
• Whether working hours comply with legal limits
• Whether health and safety rules are followed

How does an inspection unfold?

1. The inspector arrives and shows official credentials
2. They ask to speak with the representative or responsible person
3. They request documents (the representative typically has 48 hours to produce them)
4. They may interview workers
5. They prepare an inspection report
6. If violations are found, they can issue a notice or order

How to prepare for an inspection

Before workers depart:

• File a SIPSI declaration for every worker
• Appoint a French representative and enter their details in the SIPSI
• Obtain BTP cards for construction workers
• Obtain A1 certificates
• Prepare translations of employment contracts

During the posting:

• Workers should carry their BTP card and a copy of their A1
• The representative must be reachable on the number given in the SIPSI
• Keep working time records

What if an inspection finds violations?

The inspector can issue:

• Mise en demeure — a notice to remedy violations within a set deadline (no fine at this stage)
• Procès-verbal — a report passed to the prosecutor for serious violations
• Arrêt de chantier — a work-stoppage order for the most serious safety breaches or document failures

The representative's role during an inspection

The representative is the inspector's key point of contact. They must know the documentation, produce it within the required time, and communicate in French. Our PostingRegistry representative service covers all inspector contact on your behalf.