The price of bottled water in supermarkets is about to suffer
a dramatic increase. Indeed, on the night of November 27 to 28, the Senate made a rather controversial decision. This measure aims to encourage consumers to favor tap water.
But its objective is also to sanction the questionable practices of mineral water manufacturers. Return to a decision major economic and ecological repercussionsaccording to information relayed by France Info.
An increase in VAT on bottled water
It is in a tense context, marked by revelations about the practices of industrialists, that the Senate decided to strike hard. To do this, he decided on an increase in VAT on plastic water bottles. The latter will go from 5.5% to 20%. An increase which is part of the draft budget for 2025. The measure was voted by a show of hands by the upper house. It is carried by Senator Nadège Havet. The elected Macronist intends to respond to the concerns raised by the recent Nestlé Waters scandal. In this case, prohibited disinfection processes had been used to guarantee the “food safety“mineral waters.
According to socialist Hervé Gillé, this decision was necessary. “In a context where the question of natural resource management, corporate responsibility and ecological issues are really at the heart of the debates, it has become necessary to rethink this tax policy.“, he declared in the Senate. This increase in VAT is justified by ecological and ethical concerns. But for some, it is seen as a direct response to the abuses of large companies in the sector.
An industrial affair that impacts the prices of bottled water
The move to 20% VAT will inevitably lead to a significant increase in the prices of bottled water in supermarkets. And, this measure could bring in between 150 and 300 million euros per year for the State according to the senators. And, the elected officials thus hope encourage the French to adopt tap water. Certainly, it is a more economical and more ecological alternative. However, the impact on households is likely to be heavy. Especially for those who regularly consume bottled water. The Minister of Public Accounts, Laurent Saint-Martin, expressed his opposition to this reform. “VAT was not an incentive tax tool” he says. Despite this protest, the measure was adopted. Only bottled water sold overseas will retain the reduced rate of 5.5%.
The senatorial initiative finds its origin in the recent scandal involving the subsidiary of the Swiss giant Nestlé. Last January, Nestlé Waters admitted using banned disinfection systems. These revelations then cause a shock wave. Because they reveal the sometimes questionable practices of manufacturers mineral water. In response, a senatorial commission of inquiry was launched in the fall. Its goal is to take a closer look at these non-compliant filtration processes. Defenders of the amendment see it as an ecological step forward. But this decision has attracted criticism. Opponents denounce a measure which risks increasing household budgets. While largely sparing the manufacturers themselves.
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Shutterstock Will bottled water become a luxury for some French households?
Bottled water VS tap water
For their part, consumer associations are calling for better communication on the benefits of tap water. In fact, the drinking water distributed in French homes is often of good quality. And, above all, she is much less expensive than bottled water. However, this transition could come up against cultural and practical obstacles. Particularly in areas where tap water is perceived as less palatable or less reliable.
Thus, the increase in the price of bottled water could well mark a turning point in consumption habits. Faced with this increase, many people could be led to review their choices. In particular, by opting for alternative solutions such as tap water or home filtration systems. However, this measure should not obscure the need for greater control of industrial practices. Because the Nestlé Waters scandal is proof that there are worrying abuses. And the latter call for stricter regulation of the sector.
