The End of Automatic Paper Receipts

Starting from August 1st, 2023, the era of automatically printed paper receipts is coming to an end. Customers will now have to explicitly request a receipt or opt for a digital version. This change is in accordance with the "anti-waste" Climate Law passed in 2020. But what does this really mean for consumers? Let's break it down.

Requesting Paper Receipts

Can you still get a paper receipt? Yes, but you will have to ask for it explicitly. According to the Minister of Commerce, Olivia Grégoire, the only thing that will change is that you will need to remember to request a receipt if you want one. The government cites environmental reasons for this change, as approximately 30 billion receipts are printed in France each year, with 12.5 billion being paper receipts. Unfortunately, these receipts are difficult to recycle due to the type of paper and ink used.

Exceptions and Alternatives

Are there any exceptions? Yes, certain products that come with a warranty will still be accompanied by an automatically printed paper receipt. This includes electronic products and appliances. Additionally, other exceptions include weighed products, services costing 25 euros or more (such as car repairs or haircuts), restaurant bills, hotel invoices, and parking receipts. In cases of payment failure, such as a declined card transaction, a paper receipt will also be provided.

Can merchants offer alternatives? Yes, merchants can offer digital receipts, but customers are not obligated to accept them. Many retailers, especially clothing franchises, already provide electronic receipts for customers who are part of their loyalty programs. However, it is important to note that providing your contact information may be required to access these digital receipts, which could potentially result in your personal data being stored or shared. Ultimately, the choice between paper and digital receipts is up to the customer.

Words of the day

receipt : reçu

warranty : garantie