Required certification · France
RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement)
Label qualité exigé pour que vos clients obtiennent les aides à la rénovation énergétique
Market position
RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement) is a label for energy-renovation professionals, awarded by approved bodies such as Qualibat, Qualit'EnR, Qualifelec, Certibat and Cerqual. It is not a licence to work, but the French ecology ministry says clients can only get MaPrimeRénov', the éco-PTZ, CEE energy-saving bonuses, the SME energy-renovation tax credit or solar buyback rates if the work is done by an RGE professional. The label is valid for 4 years, with annual monitoring and worksite audits.
France-specific note
If you do energy-renovation work for homeowners, such as insulation or heat pumps, clients who want MaPrimeRénov', CEE or an éco-PTZ need an RGE installer. Trade press reported in June 2026 that a new arrêté changes access to the label, so check the current requirements with your qualification body before applying.
Pros
- + Lets clients claim MaPrimeRénov', CEE, the éco-PTZ and Anah aid
- + Listed in the France Rénov' directory of RGE professionals
- + Several approved bodies award it
- + Worksite audits give clients an independent quality check
Cons
- − Fees for instruction, the annual certificate and each site audit
- − Training (Feebat) and a technical referent required at Qualibat
- − At least one worksite audited within 24 months at Qualibat
- − Valid 4 years, with annual monitoring to keep it
Typical France pricing
Set by each qualification body. Example, Qualibat 2026 (excl. VAT): 257.50 euros initial instruction per activity, 44.17 euros for the RGE mention, 330 euros per RGE site audit and an annual certificate from 97.50 euros for firms of up to 5 people.
Why this matters for France trades
Since 1 September 2026 every French business must be able to receive B2B e-invoices through a plateforme agréée registered by the State (CGI art. 289 bis), and PME, TPE and micro-entreprises must issue them by 1 September 2027; DGFiP says no sanctions apply in 2026 while businesses adapt. Assurance décennale (Loi Spinetta) must be in place before work starts, and building without it is punishable by 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a 75,000 euro fine, per service-public.fr. TVA on building work on homes is 20% standard, 10% for improvement, transformation, fitting-out and maintenance, and 5.5% for energy renovation, with the reduced rates only for dwellings completed more than two years ago. Clients can only claim MaPrimeRénov’, the éco-PTZ or CEE bonuses if the work is done by an RGE professional. Businesses register through the Guichet des formalités des entreprises, with the CMA advising artisans, and regulated building trades must be carried out or controlled by a qualified person (CAP, BEP or BP, an equivalent RNCP title, or three years’ experience).
French artisan (bâtiment) vendor selection is shaped by facturation électronique (every business must be able to receive e-invoices through a plateforme agréée since 1 September 2026, and PME, TPE and micro-entreprises must issue them by 1 September 2027), compulsory assurance décennale taken out before work starts, multi-rate TVA (20%, 10% and 5.5%), the RGE label that homeowner clients need to claim energy-renovation aid, and the micro-entrepreneur regime with its turnover ceilings and VAT franchise.
Frequently asked
Is RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement) a good fit for France trades?
RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement) is a label for energy-renovation professionals, awarded by approved bodies such as Qualibat, Qualit'EnR, Qualifelec, Certibat and Cerqual. It is not a licence to work, but the French ecology ministry says clients can only get MaPrimeRénov', the éco-PTZ, CEE energy-saving bonuses, the SME energy-renovation tax credit or solar buyback rates if the work is done by an RGE professional. The label is valid for 4 years, with annual monitoring and worksite audits. If you do energy-renovation work for homeowners, such as insulation or heat pumps, clients who want MaPrimeRénov', CEE or an éco-PTZ need an RGE installer. Trade press reported in June 2026 that a new arrêté changes access to the label, so check the current requirements with your qualification body before applying.
What does RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement) cost in France?
Set by each qualification body. Example, Qualibat 2026 (excl. VAT): 257.50 euros initial instruction per activity, 44.17 euros for the RGE mention, 330 euros per RGE site audit and an annual certificate from 97.50 euros for firms of up to 5 people. Pricing and availability can change by region; confirm current France pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Other France vendors
Facturation électronique (e-invoicing)
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Assurance décennale (Loi Spinetta)
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TVA bâtiment (20 / 10 / 5,5 %)
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URSSAF & régime micro-entrepreneur
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Immatriculation CMA (guichet unique / RNE)
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Qualification professionnelle (Code de l’artisanat)
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