Assurance vie, wheelchair aid, knife ban: six changes in France this December

The final month of the year can often see only limited changes, with authorities focusing on bringing in new measures at the start of the next year. 

This is especially the case this year, as debates over the 2026 budget and the changes it may bring continue into December.

However there are still a number of new changes being introduced in France this December and calendars will remain full.

Remember too that if your tax credit calculations have changed you should inform the tax authorities through your personal space before December 11 to ensure your payments next year are better aligned with your current situation.

Below, we cover important changes in December.

More information for assurance vie contract holders 

New assurance vie and life capitalisation contracts taken out from December 31, 2025 will see additional obligations for banks.

Contract providers will be required to update advisory services (devoir de conseil) throughout the duration of the contract, and not just when it is signed. 

Gas price drop

Benchmark prices for gas in France will drop slightly in December, as the Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE) publishes its monthly tariffs. 

The average price per kw/h for hot water and cooking will be €0.13401, down from €0.13464 in November. 

For heating prices will fall to €0.10282 per kw/h from €0.10345 in November;

New aid for wheelchairs

From December 1, the cost of obtaining a wheelchair will be fully reimbursed by French social security. In addition, an advance payment will not be required.

Assurance Maladie will cover the full cost for any wheelchair deemed essential for the user (manual, electric, sports, custom-made, or refurbished), and will centralise the process – previously users had to apply to several different organisations for equipment. 

To benefit, users must have a note from a healthcare professional detailing the need for a wheelchair. 

For more complex wheelchairs (electric, sports, or those with custom elements) this will need to come from a multidisciplinary team: doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, etc. 

It will cover the cost of both new wheelchairs for permanent use, as well as shorter rentals for those who only temporarily need them.

Applicants will need to send the prescription to Assurance Maladie, who will respond within two months (probably sooner for simpler manual wheelchairs or rentals) regarding the status of an application. Applicants will be kept updated on when/how to collect the chair.

The rules apply to requests made after December 1, but any made before that can request that the new rules are applied. 

Childcare changes for split parents

The complément de libre choix du mode de garde (CMG), or childcare for parents of children aged under 6, is being expanded. 

From December 1, separated parents with joint custody will each receive a separate payment to cover costs. 

A parent already in receipt of the benefit will not need to do anything, however the other will need to apply for the benefit through the CAF. 

It is one of several changes to the CMG this year, alongside new calculations and the possibility to extend payments for older children (up to 12) in some cases.

Further education portal opens 

The government ‘Parcoursup’ portal used by students to choose their university courses opens on December 17. 

From this date, the list of available courses will be available, each providing a ‘fact sheet’ showing information including entry requirements, tuition fees, and open day details. 

New this year, it will also include a profile of students admitted in previous years.

Students will not be able to start making their application and officially choosing their desired universities until January 19, however. 

‘Zombie’ knife ban

A new ban on ‘zombie’ knives is coming into effect.

These knives, described as “a fixed blade with one sharp edge, one pointed end, and one serrated edge, and in addition, either more than one hole in the blade or several sharp points,” will be illegal to not only buy or sell but also to own.

Those who own such a blade have until December 7 to hand them over to police or risk a prison sentence of up to five years and a €75,000 fine. 

These blades are not commonly used in homes but are thought mainly used by gang members in France or as collectibles inspired by horror films.

They are impractical for culinary use and are not sold in supermarkets or kitchen supply stores with other cutlery. They have been banned in the UK since 2018.

Four-hole brass knuckle dusters manufactured after 1900 are also now prohibited items.