The application of the private copying levy (RCP) to refurbished smartphones has not finished making a stir. A federation of companies, the Sirrmiet, could file a suspensive appeal with the Council of State. "
We want to be protected from a fee that this sector cannot collect, except by laying off half of its employees,
" insists Jean Lionel Laccourreye, president of Sirrmiet. This appeal will be added to that filed by UFC-Que Choisir. For repackaged players, there is no question of talking about a “compromise”, as Copie France does. "
This scale was imposed on us without discussion
», Insists Jean Lionel Laccourreye.
As a reminder, these are refurbished smartphones, that is to say second-hand products, tested and guaranteed.
On the other hand, the outright opportunity is not affected.
Read also: Private copying levy: the UFC-Que Choisir association seizes the Council of State
The objective would be to suspend the application of the private copying levy on refurbished smartphones, that is to say refurbished before being resold.
However, companies in the social and solidarity economy sector could be exempted.
However, the text must be approved by both assemblies, a second reading is still scheduled in the Senate.
There is nothing to say that the law will be promulgated quickly.
In the meantime, the private copying levy should apply from July 1 to repackaged products.
Read also: The National Assembly validates the private copying levy on refurbished smartphones
“
The private copying levy endangers the financial balance of our group. To be competitive in the market, we must align ourselves with prices that are imposed by foreign players. Our margin is already very low, with the private copying levy, it would be negative,
”explains Sofi Groupe. In addition, the players in this sector ask to be heard and differentiate themselves from Backmarket "
a marketplace that will not be affected by the implementation of this tax
", recalls Benoît Varin, president of the RCube federation and founder of ReCommerce . He is worried about distortions of competition with foreign players who might not pay this royalty. "
In addition, this means that a product can be taxed several times: when it is sold new, then reconditioned,
”worries Benoît Varin.
Everyone is worried about the consequences of this royalty not only on the economic level, but also on the social level.
"The amount of the RCP is twice as high in France than in Italy or in Germany and ten times more than in Spain"
, explains an operator at Le Figaro.
The problem posed by the application of the DRC to reconditioned is the application of a tax on a sector that the government is trying, at the same time, to bring about.
The manufacture of terminals alone is responsible for 80% of digital CO2 emissions.
Extending the lifespan of devices makes it possible to mechanically reduce this impact.
Read also: Les Ateliers du Bocage, a solidarity company, threatened by the private copying levy on smartphones
The reuse sector on the smartphone is around 300 million euros.
Half is done online, with strong competition from foreign players.
The price is an important element of choice.
The concern of the French is that foreign sellers do not apply the DRC.
“
The act of purchasing is very price oriented.
8 euros of purchase that makes the difference
”, add Jean Lionel Laccourreye, who fears to see 150 million euros of income going up in smoke for the sector with the risk of seeing 2,500 jobs disappear.
