New code for artisans in France
A whole new craftsmanship code comes into force on July 1, 2023. This code has been designed to improve the understanding of the provisions relating to artisans in France.
Why this new code for artisans in France?
The new ordinance n°2023-208 of March 28, 2023 aims to improve the clarity of the law for professionals in the sector of trades and crafts. This establishes a new craftsmanship code making it easier to “identify the texts applicable to their activities and their control”.
The legal texts relating to crafts were dispersed between the 1952 crafts code, partly repealed, often outdated and non-codified texts. This new development therefore makes all the texts relating to craftsmanship consistent and moreover up to date.
The regulatory part of the ordinance will be subject of an implementing decree which is due for publication later in the year.
The new craftsmen code is divided into 5 books
To help facilitate the understanding of the texts, this new code has been divided into five separate books. Each one distinguishing the different activities, people and institutions within the trades and crafts sector:
Firstly book number one is devoted to the activities of the trades and crafts sector and the conditions for their exercise. This book includes the provisions relating to registration in the national business register (RNE) or the conditions for carrying out craft activities.
Book two relates to people in the trades and crafts sector. It lists the various crafts specifying the use of the word “craftsman”, of the designation of “baker” or of the mention “homemade” for example.
The third book concerns the organisation and powers of the regional chambers of trades and crafts and of CMA France
Book number four will accommodate, on a subsequent codification, the provisions relating to the Alsace-Moselle which has a specific law.
Finally, the last and fifth book concerns specific provisions relating to businesses located in the Overseas territories.
Published on May 31, 2023 by the Directorate of legal and administrative information (Prime Minister). Take a look at the original text on the Service Public website, which has en English version.
