Sweeping Reforms Take Effect Across France

Back to School and Green Transition

September 2026 sees the implementation of several significant national legislative and regulatory measures. In education, the ban on mobile phone use, already in force in primary and middle schools, now extends to high schools, in accordance with the law of 24th August 2026. Concurrently, financial literacy is being boosted with the generalisation of the EDUCFI passport for all Year 9 students. On the environmental front, the textile industry faces a new regulatory framework. A financial penalty is now applied to ultra-fast fashion items, potentially reaching up to 12 euros per product this year. Finally, the automotive sector benefits from a new boost in the form of financial aid, without means-testing, for the purchase or lease of second-hand electric vehicles meeting specific energy performance criteria.

Changes for Businesses and Energy Renovation

The economic world and the real estate sector are also undergoing major transformations. From 1st September 2026, paperless invoicing becomes mandatory for all businesses for receiving invoices. Large companies and intermediate-sized enterprises (ETIs) must also issue their invoices in this format and transmit their payment data to the tax authorities. This electronic invoicing reform aims to modernise inter-company transactions. Furthermore, the MaPrimeRénov’ energy renovation aid scheme is significantly altered. Aid for large-scale renovations now excludes homes that retain gas heating. Additionally, several specific works are no longer eligible for the single-measure pathway, while access to this pathway for F and G rated homes is extended until 31st December 2027. Finally, obtaining the “Coup de pouce Chauffage” bonus for heat pumps is now conditional on the installation of officially approved models.