Consumer rights
Purchases, warranties, withdrawal, disputes with a seller or customer service.
Ask a free question →French consumer law protects individuals in their dealings with professionals: pre-contract information, the right of withdrawal, legal warranties, unfair commercial practices and consumer mediation.
When you buy something, you enjoy strong protections: the legal warranty of conformity, a 14-day right of withdrawal for distance purchases, and a ban on unfair terms.
For a faulty product, a late delivery or an incorrect bill, the law provides clear remedies: repair, refund or referral to the consumer mediator. Our articles explain how to enforce each right and how to write the letters that get results.
All articles: consumer rights
35 articlesBuy, use, discard, and buy again: this linear consumption model is living its final days in France. In the fac…
Read →In the digital age, online reviews have become the compass for consumers. Whether choosing a restaurant, booki…
Read →A salesperson knocks on your door, presents a revolutionary product or a particularly attractive energy contra…
Read →Revolving credit, formerly known as "crédit revolving" or a "réserve d'argent" (money reserve), is a particula…
Read →Discovering a suspicious or completely unknown direct debit on your bank statement is a stressful experience t…
Read →Every year, millions of people in France disappointingly discover a forgotten gift card at the bottom of a dra…
Read →When shopping online or in physical stores, who hasn't heard the famous phrase: "We do not issue refunds, we o…
Read →You have been waiting for weeks for the delivery of your new sofa, your work computer, or even your car, but t…
Read →As consumers, we all have in mind that famous "right to make a mistake" which allows us to change our minds af…
Read →You have just bought a washing machine, a smartphone, or a used car, and it breaks down. Faced with this incon…
Read →Discovering an unknown debit on your bank statement or receiving a payment notification for a purchase you nev…
Read →You have just bought a smartphone, a washing machine, or a computer, and it suddenly breaks down. Confident, y…
Read →Sudden price hikes, meter reading errors, exorbitant annual adjustments, or equipment malfunctions: disputes r…
Read →Every year, millions of French residents and expats pay insurance premiums that are far too high, simply out o…
Read →Changing banks or simply closing an account that is no longer useful is a common step, but it often raises man…
Read →Every day, French consumers and foreign residents in France are exposed to thousands of advertising messages o…
Read →Have you bought a sofa that sagged after just two weeks of use, but the seller refuses to refund you? Is your …
Read →Signing a rental agreement, taking out a mobile phone subscription, or accepting the general terms and conditi…
Read →Whether you are a consumer looking for a good deal or a business owner wishing to develop your activity in com…
Read →Breaking down or having to leave your vehicle with a mechanic is often a source of stress, but receiving the f…
Read →Every month, millions of people in France log onto Leboncoin, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace to find a bargai…
Read →You have just landed, you are waiting in front of the airport baggage carousel, but your suitcase never appear…
Read →Whether you are heading off on holiday, traveling for business, or visiting family, a major flight delay or ca…
Read →Whether you are heading off for a family holiday, a business trip, or a stay abroad, a cancelled trip is alway…
Read →An internet connection that constantly cuts out, bills with inexplicable amounts, or a provider refusing to le…
Read →Every month, thousands of bank customers in France are surprised to find charges with sometimes obscure titles…
Read →Facing an accumulation of debt, constant reminders from creditors, and the fear of eviction or asset seizure l…
Read →Taking out a consumer credit agreement allows you to bring many projects to life, whether it is purchasing a v…
Read →Who hasn't been interrupted in the middle of a meal or a meeting by a blocked number or an unknown caller, off…
Read →Gym memberships, streaming platforms, insurance policies, or mobile phone plans: today, we accumulate dozens o…
Read →Every day, thousands of people in France and abroad fall victim to internet scams: fake e-commerce websites, r…
Read →When a newly purchased product breaks down, presents a manufacturing defect, or does not match what was promis…
Read →Have you just bought a smartphone that refuses to turn on after a few months of use, or a washing machine that…
Read →Waiting for a parcel that never arrives is a particularly frustrating experience, whether you are a regular on…
Read →Who has never regretted an impulse purchase just a few hours after validating their online shopping cart? In F…
Read →Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to withdraw from an online purchase?
You have 14 days from receiving the product to withdraw, without giving a reason, except for certain items (personalised goods, perishables, downloaded digital content).
What is the difference between the legal and commercial warranty?
The legal warranty of conformity is free and mandatory (2 years). The commercial warranty is optional, offered by the seller or manufacturer, and adds to the legal warranty.
The seller refuses to refund me — what can I do?
Send a written complaint, then a formal notice (*mise en demeure*). If that fails, refer the matter free of charge to the consumer mediator whose details appear in the terms and conditions.
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