From the article:

The agency noted that tests measuring radiation absorption rates at a distance of 5cms (1.98 inches) showed that the iPhone 12 was in compliance with the limit of 2.0 watts per kilogram.

But it also says that:

The ANFR said accredited labs had measured absorption of electromagnetic energy by the body at 5.74 watts per kilogram during tests simulating when the phone was being held in the hand or kept in a pocket, writes France 24. That’s higher than the European standard absorption rate of 4.0 watts per kilogram.

That sounds like a different test that it is currently failing?

It makes it sound like the iPhone 12 was in compliance earlier, but is not in compliance now.