The Era of Paper Receipts in France

The era of automatically printed paper receipts is coming to an end in France. Starting from August 1st, 2023, customers will no longer receive paper receipts by default. Instead, they will have to explicitly request one or opt for a digital version. This change is in line with the "anti-waste" law passed in 2020, aimed at reducing paper waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

The New Regulation and Customer Responsibility

The new regulation means that customers will still be able to obtain paper receipts, but they will need to ask for them. According to Olivia Grégoire, the Minister Delegate for Commerce, the only change is that customers will have to remember to request a receipt if they want one. The government justifies this measure by highlighting the environmental impact of paper receipts. In France alone, an estimated 30 billion receipts are printed each year, with 12.5 billion of them being paper receipts. Unfortunately, these receipts are difficult to recycle due to the type of paper and ink used.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are, however, some exceptions to the new rule. For products that come with a warranty, such as electronics or appliances, paper receipts will still be automatically provided. This is because the paper receipt serves as proof of purchase and is often required to claim warranty services. Other exceptions include weighed products, services costing 25 euros or more (such as car repairs or haircuts), restaurant bills, hotel invoices, and parking tickets. Additionally, in cases of payment failure, such as a declined card transaction, a paper receipt may still be printed.

Embracing Digital Alternatives

While the new regulation eliminates the automatic issuance of paper receipts, it does allow merchants to offer alternative options. Many retailers already provide digital receipts, especially for customers enrolled in loyalty programs. These digital receipts can be sent via SMS, email, or in the form of a QR code. However, customers are not obligated to accept these digital alternatives. They can still choose to receive a paper receipt if they prefer. It is worth noting that opting for a digital receipt may require providing personal information, such as a phone number or email address, which could be stored or potentially shared with other parties.

Considering the Environmental Impact

The implementation of this new regulation gives consumers more choice regarding receipts. It remains to be seen how retailers will adapt to these changes and whether they will offer multiple options to their customers. Smaller businesses, in particular, may continue to rely on paper receipts. It is advisable for consumers to consider the necessity of a receipt based on their purchases. While paper receipts are useful for verifying prices and keeping track of expenses, they may not be essential for smaller purchases like groceries. Ultimately, the decision to request a paper or digital receipt lies with the customer.

Words of the day

receipt : reçu

environmental : environnemental