Martinik
On March 1, 2026, Martinique introduced several new regulations affecting consumers and households. These measures include a tax on small imported packages from outside the European Union, increased fuel prices, higher costs for registration certificates, automatic closure of certain savings plans, an updated maternity record book, increased hospital charges, and changes to family allowance increases.
A new "small package" tax applies to items imported from non-EU countries valued under €150. This tax primarily targets purchases from overseas online platforms such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Amazon. The tax is €2 per imported item, affecting orders delivered to Martinique. Platforms like Shein and Temu are responsible for declaring and paying this tax to the authorities, though they may pass this cost onto consumers. The main objective is to increase delivery costs to discourage impulsive purchases of very cheap products, aiming to restore fair competition with local retailers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with air transport.
As of March 1, 2026, the maximum prices for petroleum products in Martinique have been updated, reflecting a slight increase from February:
These price changes are mainly due to fluctuations in international oil prices.
The price of registration certificates in France has risen due to the Finance Law for 2026, changing how costs are calculated (e.g., based on horsepower). This increase, averaging 2.4%, affects all regions.
Thousands of Housing Savings Plans (PEL) reaching their maximum duration will automatically close beginning March 1. This follows changes made in 2011, where all new PELs have a limit of fifteen years. The remaining funds can be transferred to other savings accounts without action from the account holder.
The maternity record book provided to pregnant women now includes new information, such as risks of post-partum depression and details on vaccinations received during pregnancy. This initiative aims to enhance the prevention and support available to women.
Effective March 1, 2026, various patient charges associated with healthcare have increased:
These fees represent the patient’s share of accommodation and care costs, not reimbursed by Health Insurance but potentially covered by supplemental health insurance.
Until February 28, 2026, a bonus on family allowances was provided starting when the second child turns 14. From March 1, this age is raised to 18 years. Families with children who turned 14 before March 1, 2026, will see no change. For children born after March 1, 2012, the bonus will only start at their 18th birthday, potentially lowering total benefits. This adjustment is mandated by the decree n° 2026-138 of February 27, 2026, published in the Official Journal.
These measures are designed to consolidate the budgetary framework surrounding social security by offloading some costs onto beneficiaries and their health insurers.
