On February 10, 2020, the Ministry of Ecological Transition presented the “anti-waste and circular economy” law. The objective of this law was to fight against food waste and thus reduce the production of waste. Among the measures, article 49 presented the abolition of the paper receipt. Indeed, we can read there that “at the latest on January 1, 2023”, certain types of receipts would no longer be printed and distributed.
However, last December, the government reconsidered its decision and postponed their abolition until April 1. The office of Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate for Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade, specified that “the context explains this decision”. Indeed, “feedback from distributors and consumer associations [indicates] that the receipt remains for many French people an important element in checking the prices of products purchased, in the face of inflation”. It would also be a decision that would inform merchants of the new steps to provide a receipt.
But what will they be replaced by? Discover in our slideshow below the tickets concerned.
It will actually always be possible to obtain a ticket, but under your request. The goal is to be able to reduce waste but leaving you the right to get one. Indeed, according to the ministry, 30 billion receipts are printed each year. Several consumer associations such as UFC-Que Choisir have asked that receipts be offered all the same. This would be for them “a major risk of deprivation of rights for consumers”.
However, you will be able to receive a dematerialized version sent by SMS, by email, to your loyalty account or by a QR code to take a picture of on your smartphone.
Nevertheless, the National Commission for Computing and Liberties (Cnil), warns of the dangers of dematerializing receipts. Indeed, on March 10, the Cnil explained that “the retrieval of the ticket by dematerialized way sometimes presents more risks for the respect of your private life because it implies, in certain cases, the communication of your coordinates”. The Cnil therefore encourages consumers to go for the QR code solution by which we cannot recover your data. Otherwise, merchants must ask for your consent before any use of your data.
Consult our slideshow below for the receipts concerned from April 1st.
