Bicycle marking and registration: everything you need to know about the obligation and the FNUCI.

Who is affected by the marking and registration obligation?

Bicycle marking is a legal requirement for all new bicycles sold in France, as well as for used bicycles offered for sale by professionals. This marking, engraved or labeled, gives each bike a unique identifier. This code, made up of 6 to 10 alphanumeric characters, identifies the bike in a reliable and durable way.

For cycle professionals

• Since January 2021, all new bicycles sold must be marked and registered.
• Since July 2021, this also applies to used bikes sold by professionals.
• Exception: Children's bikes under 16 inches and certain specific bikes (e.g. BMX racing bikes) are not concerned.

For bike owners

• If you already own an unmarked bike, we strongly advise you to have it voluntarily marked for your own safety. Get your bike marked.
• If you buy a new or used bike from a professional, it must be marked and registered.

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Registration in the FNUCI: the essential action to link the owner to his bike.

Marking a bike is only the first step. For BicyCode marking to be fully effective, the bike must be registered in the Fichier National Unique des Cycles Identifiés (FNUCI). This is done by the seller at the time of sale. This file, which is accessible to law enforcement agencies, makes it possible to link a stolen bike to its rightful owner.

How does UNFCI work?

The FNUCI is a secure national database, accessible only to law enforcement agencies (reading) and authorized operators such as BicyCode (writing). It plays a central role in the fight against bike theft, by linking a marked bike to its rightful owner. However, if you want to be contacted by the police, it's essential to keep your information up to date. If you change your address or telephone number, remember to update your details in FNUCI.

The information contained in the FNUCI is protected and accessible only to the competent authorities, thus preserving your privacy while ensuring that you can be contacted.

Why is registration essential?

• Linking the bike to its owner: BicyCode marking assigns a unique identifier to each bike, but without registration in the FNUCI, this identifier remains a simple string of characters. Registration creates an official link between the bike and its owner.
• Proof of ownership in the event of a dispute: registration in the FNUCI serves as proof of ownership. If your bike is recovered after theft, or in the event of a dispute over ownership, this official registration can make all the difference. It is also useful for insurance purposes in the event of a claim.
• Unregistered bike, unidentifiable bike: a bike that is marked but not registered in the FNUCI is virtually impossible to identify in the event of theft. Law enforcement agencies have no way of contacting the owner, which considerably reduces the chances of recovering the bike.

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The key steps to maximum protection for your bike.

Has your bike dealer marked your bike? Find out how to access your BicyCode account.

1. Have your bike marked in-store. Your bike dealer engraves or affixes a BicyCode label to your bike. This durable, forgery-proof label contains a unique identification code, recognized throughout France.
2. Your bike dealer registers your bike with FNUCI. When your bike dealer registers your bike in the FNUCI, an automatic e-mail is sent containing a link to the Bicycode bike garage. You will then need to register or log in to your account if one already exists.
3. Go to your BicyCode space. Log in to your personal space on the BicyCode website.
   You can :
   • Update your personal information (address, telephone number, e-mail) to ensure that law enforcement agencies can contact you if necessary.
   • Modify the status of your bike in the event of sale or theft.
     
     This step is essential to ensure that your information is up to date in the Fichier National Unique des Cycles Identifiés (FNUCI), the secure database accessible to law enforcement agencies.e marked your bike? Find out how to access your BicyCode account.

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A marked but unregistered bike is an unidentifiable bike.

It is crucial to understand that marking and registration are two complementary steps. The effectiveness of marking a bike that is not registered in the FNUCI loses all its effectiveness. Without registration, marking cannot be traced back to the owner.

As a cycle professional, you have a key role to play. Inform your customers of the importance of updating their contact details and changing the status of their bike in the event of theft. Offer them assistance in carrying out this simple but essential step.

As a cycle owner, if you have had your bike branded, take a few minutes to check that the information entered by the seller is correct in the FNUCI. This is the only way to ensure that your bike can be returned in the event of theft.

Marking bicycles and registering them in the FNUCI are two inseparable steps in effectively protecting them against theft. As an accredited BicyCode operator, we are committed to supporting bicycle professionals and bike owners in this essential step. Remember: a marked but unregistered bike is an unidentifiable bike. Protect your bike by registering it with FNUCI today!

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