Ecotaxe (TPLN)Frequently Asked Questions

EUROPE’S MOST VERSATILE FERRY SERVICE

What is Ecotaxe - (TPLN)

Which vehicles are liable?

How is the Tax Calculated?

The heavy goods vehicle Ecotax is new tax being introduced in France. It applies to all goods transport vehicles over 3.5 tonnes using the 15,000 km of French national road (N Roads) as defined by Decree 2011-910 of 27th July 2011.

All goods transport vehicles registered in France or abroad, with a maximum weight permissible or gross combination weight rating for articulated vehicles in excess of 3.5 tons and using the 15,000 km of taxable network.

The following are exempt:- Vehicles with a max. weight permissible less than or equal to 3.5T- passenger transport vehicles (coaches, buses, etc.) ;- vehicles of priority public interest;- agricultural vehicles and machinery- agricultural vehicles and machinery- military vehicles.

Tax is calculated on a kilometric rate that varies according to the vehicle category and can be modulated according to the vehicle's pollution level (EURO class)The charging categories proposed are as follows:- 8 cts €/km for the first category (2 axles less than 12t)- 10 cts €/km for the second (2 axles of 12t and more, 3 axles)- 14 cts €/km for the third (4 axles or more)

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Harbour Shipping Ltd will register your vehicles for you with the French authorities. Documentation / information required, ideally in PDF format:-

1) Delegation of Powers (if applicable). *2) Mandate for each vehicle.3) V5 Registration document.4) Certificate of Conformity.5)5) Plating Certificate.6) Lease / Rental hire agreement (if applicable). **7) Number of Axles - retractable axles to be advised.8) Engine Euro Class Certificate (if not shown on V5 or Cert of Conformity).9) Company registration certificate.10) VAT certificate

* Delegation of Powers to be completed by the owner / Managing Director to authorise another member * Delegation of Powers to be completed by the owner / Managing Director to authorise another member of staff to complete the Mandate(s) on their behalf.

** Lease / Rental hire agreement must be between the owner of the vehicles (hire company) and the operating company (Lessee) and the operating company’s full name and address must be shown on the document.

How is the Ecotaxe paid?

Tax collection is based on an electronic on-board unit installed inside the vehicles.

All heavy goods vehicles (HGV) liable for tax and travelling through France must be fitted with an electronic unit that will automatically record the information needed to define the heavy goods vehicle eco-tax base.

To fit an on-board unit and comply with the regulations, the user liable for tax should register the relevant vehicle (s) with Harbour Shipping Ltd.

Each electronic on-board unit is exclusively allocated to the declared vehicle on registration.

How do I register my vehicle(s)?

Please contact Harbour Shipping Ltd for details

In the event of an OBU failing whilst in France, you will have a number to contact 24 Hours a day. You will be advised of the nearest service area for your driver where you can obtain a temporary replacement OBU. If you opt for Tranquillity insurance pack the replacement will be free of charge.

If you attempt to travel through France without an OBU, the French Authorities will stop you and give you an on the spot fine of €750.00 for a first offence and €1500.00 for any future offences.

Should you require any further information on any of the above questions or have other questions you would like the answer to, please contact Alan Boxall on Tel: 01304 200 911 or Email: aboxall@harbourshipping.co.uk and he will be pleased to offer his assistance

What do I do if my OBU fails?

What is the procedure for short term hire vehicles & 1 off trips?

Contact Us

What happens if we do not travel with an OBU through France?

Harbour Shipping LtdEast Camber Office BuildingEastern DocksDover Kent CT16 1JA

TTel: +44 (0)1304 211 919Fax: +44 (0)1304 215 066

Email: sales@harbourshipping.co.uk