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January 1 brings a lot of reforms everywhere. In Germany, one of them has sparked many controversies in recent weeks. Merchants will now be required to print a receipt for any service even if the customer does not want it.
With our correspondent in Berlin, Pascal Thibaut
A bun at 30 cents, a coffee to take away for two euros or the daily newspaper of the day: from this January 1, German traders are obliged to print a receipt for any item sold.
The law adopted three years ago aims to combat tax fraud estimated at ten billion euros. In the final stretch before the entry into force of the text, the critics have redoubled.
Even the conservative Minister for the Economy Altmaier denounced the reform: " When I buy a bun, I do like everyone else, I don't even look at the ticket if I am given one and I throw it away immediately . "
Some argued for a minimum amount below which the obligation would not be worth. But the Minister of Finance like the Chancellor defended the reform.
Business circles denounce unnecessary bureaucracy and spending, evoking mountains of paper produced that customers don't want.
Environmental organizations denounce the printing of these invoices on non-recyclable thermal paper that is harmful to health.
Traders have until September to install an electronic cash register equipped with an anti-fraud system. Three-quarters of them have not yet taken the plunge.