FNTR press release: Repercussion of the heavy goods vehicle tax: the misuse of the law

The Grenelle I law established the principle of a kilometre-based tax on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes travelling on the national network outside the concessionary system, as well as the passing on of this tax to the beneficiary of the goods traffic. By introducing this tax, the aim of the Grenelle I Act is to send a price signal to the market. The principle of passing on the tax was fully in line with this objective. The heavy goods vehicle tax will be implemented from 1 July 2013. The methods of passing on the tax, provided for in the 2009 Finance Act, were to be specified by regulation.

Today, on reading the final draft of the decree taken without consultation with the profession, the impact has been undermined:

• The flat-rate pass-through provided for by the law has been consigned to oblivion.
• The complexity of the organisation of repercussions is referred to the level of the company.
• Payment delays, empty miles and the costs involved (administrative management, financial costs, etc.) are not taken into account.

If this situation were confirmed, it would be unacceptable, as it would be contrary to the principle laid down by the legislator. It would betray the objectives set by the President of the Republic and the Minister of Transport.

The FNTR wants the law to be respected and the public authorities to set up a satisfactory system for passing on the HGV tax to the beneficiary of the goods traffic. The FNTR has obtained from the Minister of Transport a freeze on the draft text. The FNTR recalls that more than two years ago it had already proposed the principle of a tax on turnover, which would be less costly for public finances and easily passed on by the road transport company.

About the FNTR :

The FNTR is the leading organisation for road freight transport. It brings together more than 12,500 companies, 2/3 of the transport companies that are members of a professional organisation. It includes companies of all sizes (groups, SMEs, VSEs) and of all specialities, with diversified activities.