CNAPS accreditation: the essentials (and the relevant articles of the CSI)

CNAPS Détective Agréé AzurX Investigations

AzurX, your local and licensed private investigator

At AzurX, we operate within a strict legal framework and with CNAPS accreditation —a guarantee of ethics, compliance, and peace of mind for you. Our profession is defined by the Internal Security Code (CSI) : the "activity of a private investigation agency" consists of gathering information to defend the interests of third parties (a regulated liberal profession). Legifrance

What the CSI says (translation "clear & concise")

• Who are we legally? The French Internal Security Code (art. L621-1 ) defines the activities and purpose of private investigation agencies. (Legifrance)

• CNAPS approval for the manager: mandatory. No one may operate individually or manage/direct an agency without approval issued by the director of CNAPS (art. L622-6 ). This is the "personal authorization" of the business owner. Legifrance

• Business operating license: separate. The agency must hold a separate operating license for its main establishment and each secondary establishment (art. L622-9 ). This is the "structural license." Legifrance

• Professional card for salaried investigators. No employee may participate in the activity without a professional card (art. L622-19 ). This is the "individual authorization" for employees. Legifrance

• Controls & Ethics: The activity is controlled by the administrative authority (art. L623-1 ) and is carried out in accordance with a code of ethics (regulatory part of the CSI). Legifrance+1

Why does this actually protect you?

• Legal validity of the evidence gathered : compliant procedures → better-supported files.

• Traceability & responsibility : approved manager, authorized company, card-carrying investigators.

• Ethics & confidentiality : ethical obligations + regular checks.

The 3 CNAPS building blocks not to be confused

1. Approval (person) — manager/operator : nominative authorization (art. L622-6). Legifrance

2. Authorization to operate (company/establishment) : entity license (art. L622-9). Legifrance

3. Professional card (employee) : individual authorization (art. L622-19). Legifrance

   
   

Framework and limitations set by the CSI (key examples)

• Exclusive activity : a private investigation agency may not engage in the security activities referred to in Article L611-1 (Article L622-2 ). Legifrance

• Unambiguous designation : the status of a private entity must be clearly indicated, and any confusion with a public service (police, etc.) is prohibited (art. L622-3 ). Legifrance

• Control powers : access to business premises within a legal timeframe and verification of credentials (art. L623-1 ). Legifrance

• Ethics : loyal cooperation with audits and respect for privacy (Code of Ethics – regulatory section). Legifrance

  
  

Sanctions (why require CNAPS proof)

• Practicing without authorization : 3 years imprisonment and a €45,000 fine (art. L624-5 ). Legifrance

• Employing someone without a professional card : up to 2 years and €30,000 (art. L624-8 ). Legifrance

  
  

Client checklist: what to ask your private investigator ?

• CNAPS approval number of the manager (L622-6)

• Establishment authorization number (L622-9)

• Professional card (L622-19) of the speaker(s)

• Professional liability insurance (L622-5) and compliance with the Legifrance code of ethics +1

  
  

AzurX: Safe, discreet and human support

With strong local roots, we combine methodology , education , and transparency . Each mission is structured (investigation plan, deliverables, timeline) and conducted by a duly licensed private investigator .

Need reliable advice? Contact us through our contact page . We respond with care and confidentiality, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation.