How can I find accredited gas expert to run checks in France?

Reader question: We have noticed gas smells in the kitchen and want to hire a technician to run some checks. Is there a list of accredited gas technicians, similar to the UK’s ‘CORGI’? 

In France, the closest equivalent to the UK’s CORGI (now Gas Safe Register) is the Professionnel du Gaz (PG) label. 

This certification is given to firms that meet recognised standards for working with gas installations and maintenance.

There are different PG qualifications depending on the type of work carried out – installation (PGI), maintenance (PGM), or both – so it is worth checking if the firm holds the appropriate certification for your needs.

You can find PG-certified professionals via various online directories, including one run by France’s main gas distributor, GRDF or by quality accreditation body Qualigaz.

PG certification is not strictly required to work on gas installations in France. However, it is the main recognised qualification in the sector and allows professionals to certify their own work without needing external validation. 

Firms must also undergo regular audits to maintain the label. For this reason, choosing a PG-certified professional is generally recommended, particularly if you are concerned about a potential leak.

More widely, gas installations must comply with safety regulations, and certain work (such as installing, modifying or replacing appliances) requires a certificat de conformité to confirm the system meets legal standards. 

This can be issued directly by PG-certified professionals, or via a third-party if the installer is not certified.

Many heating technicians (chauffagistes) work with gas systems, but not all hold PG certification, so check their qualifications beforehand.

If you are planning energy-efficiency work, note that you may also need a professional certified as RGE (reconnu garant de l’environnement) to qualify for certain state financial aid schemes such as MaPrimeRénov’.