The government has decided to postpone the measure stemming from the anti-waste and circular economy law voted in 2020, which provides for ending the printing of the receipt at the end of a commercial transaction, unless explicitly requested by the customer. Planned in France from 1er January 2023, the end of the systematic printing of receipts will finally come into force on 1er April, according to an implementing decree published Thursday, December 15 at Official newspaper.
“The context explains this decision”declared the office of Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and trade, referring to “feedback from distributors and consumer associations indicating that the receipt remains for many French people an important element in checking the prices of products purchased, in the face of inflation”.
Another important element for merchants: they “did not know the precise provisions of the terms and conditions for issuing the ticket” for lack of publication of the decree of application of the measure, intervened only this Thursday, underlined the cabinet of Mme Gregory. Waiting for April ensures “a long enough time for them to adapt”we clarified.
Reduce waste production
This measure aims to reduce the production of waste. Each year, nearly 30 billion slips are printed. Most end up in the trash while their small size makes them “difficult to collect and recycle”, according to the office of the minister delegate. But since the vote on the anti-waste law, high inflation, particularly on prices in supermarkets, has made it more frequent for consumers to consult the till receipt. It allows them to “track their daily expenses”as many consumer associations pointed out in April.
Adeic, AFOC, ALLDC, Cnafal, CNAFC, CSF, Families of France, Fnaut, Rural Families, Indecosa-CGT, UFC-Que Choisir and UNAF, i.e. twelve of the fifteen member associations of the joint advisory body that is the National Consumer Council, had then published a rare joint press release to demand that the printing of the receipt be “systematically offered” to the consumer.
“We’re not coming back” on the end of the systematic printing of the receipt, “the measure remains important to accelerate the ecological transition”, we answer the office of Olivia Grégoire. Postponing the entry into force of the measure will allow “Communicate on the fact that the consumer will be able to obtain his receipt if he wishes” and if he so requests from the merchant. This will be important especially in case of doubt on the final bill, or in case of exchange of a gift for example.