As key partners in local economic life, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) are institutions that many French entrepreneurs work with. Whether they are setting up a business, looking for information, training or developing their network, the CCIs offer a multitude of services. But how is this network organised? What are its specific missions and how does it work? Understanding the structure and roles of the CCI is essential for any business wishing to make the most of this key player. This article gives you an overview of the CCI network in France, covering its hierarchical organisation, its fundamental missions and its main operating principles.
A network structure serving the economy
The CCI network is not a single entity, but a coordinated group of establishments operating at different levels of the country. Legally, they arepublic institutions placed under the supervision of the State, which gives them missions of general interest while subjecting them to public control. This network structure makes it possible to combine a national strategic vision with local action adapted to local realities.
At the top, CCI France acts as the head of the network. It is the national body that defines the strategy for all the chambers, represents the interests of French businesses at national, European and international level, and runs the network. It ensures the coherence of actions and develops national services.
At regional level, the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIR) adapt national guidelines to the specific characteristics of their region. They play a strategic steering role at regional level, working closely with the Regional Councils, and provide pooling and support functions for local chambers. They also manage regional projects, particularly in the areas of training and infrastructure.
Finally, as close as possible to companies, the Territorial Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIT) take action on the ground. They provide the bulk of direct services to businesses in their area. In Île-de-France, this mission is carried out by the Departmental Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCID). In certain configurations, a CCIT may also be attached to its CCIR in the form of a Local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIL)with no legal personality of their own. The aim of this multi-level organisation is to guarantee both unity of national action and a response tailored to the specific needs of each economic area. And let's not forget the international dimension, with the CCI France International which supports companies abroad.
This organisation is the legacy of a long history, which began in Marseille at the end of the 16th century and has since been constantly adapted to respond to the country's economic and institutional changes.
The essential missions of the CCI
The CCI network carries out a wide range of tasks in the service of businesses and economic development. These can be grouped into broad categories:
- Representation of economic interests : This is a historic and fundamental mission. The CCIs represent the voice of businesses in commerce, industry and services to public authorities at all levels (local, regional, national, European). They take part in consultations on draft laws and regulations that have an impact on businesses.
- Support for companies The CCIs are present at all the key stages in the life of a business. They provide information and advice to start-ups and takeovers (choice of status, business plan, financing, etc.). They facilitate administrative formalities via their historic role in the Centres de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), a role that is changing with the introduction of the national electronic one-stop shop, but where their assistance mission continues. They also support companies in their development (innovation, digital, ecological transition, search for financing...) and their transmission.
- Territorial development The CCIs contribute to the attractiveness and economic dynamism of local areas. They are involved in drawing up urban planning documents (SCOT, PLU), can manage infrastructures (ports, airports, business parks, convention centres, etc.) or act as local or regional economic development agencies.
- Professional training : This is a major area of intervention. The CCI network is a major player in the initial trainingIt offers a wide range of vocational training courses, in particular through its numerous apprentice training centres (Centres de Formation d'Apprentis - CFA) and its business and engineering schools (sometimes known as Établissements d'Enseignement Supérieur Consulaires - EESC). It also offers a wide range of continuing education for employees and company managers to develop their skills.
- Support for internationalisation : Thanks to their own expertise and the CCI France International network, the CCIs help companies, particularly SMEs, to approach foreign markets, identify opportunities and take the necessary steps to export.
These missions are carried out within the framework of national and regional guidelines, and financed in part by public funds, which implies precise operating rules.
Operating principles and governance
How are the CCIs run and financed? A few key principles govern how they operate:
- Governance by elected representatives The CCIs are administered by elected company directors by their peers for a five-year term. It is they who define the chamber's policy within the various bodies: the General Meeting (main deliberative body), the Board (executive body) and the Chairman (legal representative and authorising officer). This governance by the economic players themselves ensures that the actions taken are in line with the needs on the ground.
- Mixed financing : The resources of the CCI come essentially from the Room tax (TFC)This is a tax paid by companies and made up of additional taxes to the CFE and CVAE. This tax finances public service missions. The CCIs also collect part of the apprenticeship tax for their training activities. They may also have their own resources from the sale of services or the management of facilities, but in this case they must comply with competition rules and keep cost accounts to distinguish these activities.
- State supervision and contractualisation : As public institutions, the CCIs are placed under the authority of the State. State supervisionThe network's activities are also governed by multi-year contractual documents. The network's activities are also governed by multi-year contractual documents: a Contract of Objectives and Performance (COP) between the State and CCI France, set out in Agreements of Objectives and Means (COM) between the State, the CCIR and CCI France at regional level. These documents set priorities and performance indicators, which serve as the basis for allocating tax resources.
This framework guarantees that the CCIs, while run by entrepreneurs, act in the general interest, under the control of the State and with clear objectives in the service of economic development.
For a personalised analysis of your case, our team is at your disposal, in particular for a legal support specialising in commercial law.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in France?
A CCI is a public body representing the interests of businesses (trade, industry and services) in dealings with the public authorities and offering them support services. They form a national, regional and local network at the service of economic development.
What is the difference between CCI France, a CCIR and a CCIT?
CCI France is the national body that defines strategy and represents the industry in dealings with the French government and the EU. The CCIR steers action at regional level and supports the CCITs. The CCIT (or CCID/CCIL as the case may be) acts locally, as close as possible to businesses, to provide them with direct services.
What is the main role of the CCIs for businesses?
Their main role is to represent companies, supporting them at every stage of their lives (start-up, development, training, internationalisation) and actively contributing to the economic development of their region.
How are the CCIs financed?
They are mainly financed by a tax paid by companies, the Taxe pour Frais de Chambres (TFC). This funding is supplemented by the apprenticeship tax and by income from some of their activities or services.
Who runs a CCI?
CCIs are administered by business leaders elected by their peers for a five-year term. A Chairman, also elected from among their number, legally represents the institution and manages its executive.
Are the CCIs public or private organisations?
The CCIs are public establishments of the State, which means that they come under public law and are placed under the supervision of the administration. This does not prevent them from recruiting some of their staff under private law contracts.
What role do the CCIs play in the formalities involved in setting up a business?
Historically, they managed the Centres de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) to simplify procedures. Today, with the roll-out of the national electronic one-stop shop, their role is evolving towards assisting and supporting entrepreneurs in using this single platform.
Do the CCIs offer training courses?
Yes, the CCIs are major players in vocational training in France. They run a large number of apprentice training centres (CFA), recognised colleges and offer a wide range of continuing training courses for employees and managers.
How do the CCIs help companies to expand internationally?
They offer strategic advice, information on foreign markets, support with export procedures and can put companies in touch with the network of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry for International Trade (CCIFI) present in many countries.
Why is the CCI network important for the French economy?
This unique network covers the whole of France to support the creation and growth of businesses, encourage the development of skills and employment, and contribute to the attractiveness and economic competitiveness of France.
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