Given its epidemic potential, its potential severity in adults, and the availability of an effective vaccine, hepatitis A warranted a national surveillance system. In November 2005, hepatitis A became a notifiable disease, with the objectives of detecting clusters of cases and estimating incidence. The results of the analysis of cases reported in 2006 are presented. Methods. A case is defined by the presence of anti-HAV IgM in serum and must be reported by the laboratory technician or physician to the Departmental Directorate of Health and Social Affairs (DDASS). The mandatory reporting form collects sociodemographic and clinical information, as well as details on risk exposures (other cases in the immediate environment, travel outside mainland France, consumption of seafood). Clustered cases are investigated by the DDASS. Results. In 2006, 1,313 cases were reported, representing an incidence rate of 2.15 per 100,000 inhabitants. The proportion of hospitalizations increased with age (33% among those < 16 years old to 50% among those > 45 years old, p < 0.03). The main risk factors were the presence of cases in the immediate environment (48%) and travel outside mainland France (41%). Twenty-nine percent of cases were part of clusters. The main clusters investigated involved travelers living in poor sanitary conditions or children in group settings. Discussion. In 2006, the incidence of reported cases in France corresponds to that of a country with low endemicity. These results reinforce the need for vaccination when traveling to endemic areas. They also provide a basis for discussing future directions for recommendations (vaccination around a case within a family or during clusters). (R.A.)