European tax on small parcels, bank card transport ticket in Île-de-France, additional birth leave, increase in the benchmark price for gas sales… Here is everything that changes as of Wednesday July 1, 2026.
Additional birth leave
Established by the Social Security financing law for 2026 and coming into force on July 1, the new additional birth leave allows each parent to benefit from 1 to 2 months of leave compensated at 70% of salary in the first month, then 60% in the second month (amount calculated on salary capped at approximately €4,000 per month).
This new system is in addition to those already existing (maternity, paternity and reception of the child, adoption), and must be taken within a maximum period of 9 months after the birth or arrival of the child in the home.
End of the exemption for individual employers between 70 and 80 years old
Until now, an individual employer aged at least 70 automatically benefited from an exemption from employer contributions for the employment of home help. As of July 1, this exemption will be limited to employers aged 80 and over.
This measure, voted on as part of the social security budget for 2026, was to come into force on January 1, but Urssaf announced that it would only implement it from July 1.
European tax on small parcels
Starting at the start of the month, a new EU tax applies to all goods imported from countries outside the European Union.
From now on, each product shipped in a “small package” with a value of less than €150 will be subject to a flat tax of €3, pending the establishment of a complete community platform by 2028.
France, for its part, already applies a €2 tax on all small parcels sent from a country outside the EU.
Deadline for registration on the electoral lists
From July 1, the rules for registration on the electoral lists are unified. Until now, it was possible to register no later than the 6th Friday preceding the election by going to the town hall, or no later than the 6th Wednesday preceding the election for an online process. From now on, the deadline will now be the same for both procedures: the 6th Friday before the vote.
Increase in the gas sales benchmark price
The benchmark price for selling gas to consumers increases on average by 7.4%, or €2.70. According to the government website, this increase in prices on the gas markets is “linked to the crisis in the Middle East”.
Transport ticket by bank card in Île-de-France
Terminals for purchasing tickets by bank card are deployed in transport in Île-de-France, in addition to other purchasing methods offered to travelers. Already available on certain bus lines, this device should make travel easier for occasional users, particularly tourists.
