France Implements New Taxes and Regulations in March 2026
Starting March 1, 2026, France will enact a series of financial and regulatory changes impacting consumers and businesses. These measures include a tax on small imported packages, increased healthcare costs, adjustments to vehicle registration fees, changes to home savings plans (PELs), rising gas and tobacco prices, stricter controls on two-wheeled vehicles, and a postponement of increases to family allowances.
Tax on Small Imported Packages
A new tax of two euros will be applied to each category of items in small parcels imported from countries outside the European Union, provided the value of the goods is less than 150 euros. For example, an order containing both pants and a toy will incur a two-euro tax for each item. This tax aims to discourage the influx of very cheap products and promote local alternatives. A further tax of three euros, decided by the European Union, will be added in July.
Increased Healthcare Costs
Several patient fees related to hospitalizations and emergency room visits will increase to generate approximately 400 million euros in savings for Social Security. The daily hospital rate will rise from 20 to 23 euros, and the emergency patient package (FPU) will increase from 19.61 euros to 23 euros. Hospitalization in psychiatric departments will see a package increase from 15 to 17 euros. While these amounts are typically covered by complementary health insurance, approximately 4% of the French population (2.5 million people) without such insurance will bear these costs directly.
Vehicle Registration Fee Increases
The regional tax included in vehicle registration costs will increase in several regions, resulting in an average national increase of 2.4%. Corsica, New Aquitaine, Reunion, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur will see increases, with Ile-de-France experiencing the largest rise due to a region-specific 14-euro increase.
Home Savings Plan (PEL) Closures
Home savings plans (PELs) opened since March 1, 2011, have a maximum duration of 15 years. From March 1, 2026, these plans will be automatically closed, with funds transferred to a traditional savings account at a bank-determined interest rate. Approximately 3.2 million contracts (36% of PELs) will expire between 2026 and 2030, representing 93 billion euros in outstanding funds.
Rising Gas Prices
Gas bills will increase in March following a downward trend since the summer of 2025. The benchmark gas sales price (PRVG) is set at 0.14010 euros/KWh, a 3.93% increase compared to February 2026, according to Engie. European gas stocks are at their lowest, contributing to a 5.32% average increase in the price per kWh for heating.
Tobacco Price Increases
Taxes on tobacco prices will increase again in March, following increases in January and February. Over 500 cigarette and rolling tobacco references will be affected, with price increases ranging from 20 to 80 cents per pack.
Stricter Two-Wheeler Controls
Technical centers will begin using a new device, a celerometer, to verify the maximum speed of two-wheeled vehicles. Vehicles under 50 cm³ must not exceed 45 km/h. Unbridled mopeds, modified for higher speeds, will be detected, and a second inspection will be required for infractions.
Postponement of Family Allowance Increases
The increase in family allowances, paid based on income, will now occur when a child turns 18 instead of 14. The government states the 14-year increase amounted to a maximum of 75.90 euros per month, or over 900 euros annually. This measure aims to finance new birth leave in response to a declining birth rate.
Updated Maternity Record
The maternity record, provided to pregnant women after their first prenatal examination, has been updated to include information on the risk of postpartum depression, vaccination details during pregnancy, screening for Down syndrome, and screening for gestational diabetes (if risk factors are present). These updates align with the latest recommendations from the High Council for Public Health to enhance prevention and medical monitoring.