The requirement for hauliers in France to provide customers with information on greenhouse gas emissions is not new. Since 2013, all companies involved in freight or passenger transport services have been required to inform their customers about the emissions resulting from their services (Article L. 1431-3 of the Transport Code).
Originally, this requirement was limited to carbon dioxide (CO2). However, on 1 June 2017, the obligation was extended to cover all greenhouse gases. As it stands, there are currently no penalties for failing to comply with this requirement. However, starting from 1 January, carriers will face fines of up to €3,000 for failing to provide emissions information to customers.
Obligation to provide information
The French regulation applies to all modes of transport, including rail (e.g., TER, TGV), road (e.g., trucks, buses), air, river, and sea (e.g., ferries, cargo ships). Both French and foreign carriers are subject to this requirement. The rule applies to all transport operations that either originate or terminate on French territory.
There is no specific format mandated for reporting emissions information, but it must be presented clearly and unambiguously. The calculation method, based on the European standard NF EN 16258 (currently under revision), is detailed in Articles D1431-6 to D1431-19 of the French Transport Code. For more information on the calculation, hauliers can consult the website of the French Environment and Energy Management Agency. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) also recommends using the EVE platform to calculate emissions.