Consumer Rights in France: Complete 2026 Guide
The French Consumer Code offers solid protection to consumers. Withdrawal right, legal guarantees, protection against scams: this guide details your rights and available recourse in case of disputes with professionals.
Your Fundamental Rights
Withdrawal right
14 days to change your mind on distance or doorstep purchases
Legal conformity guarantee
2 years protection against defects and non-conformity
Protection against unfair practices
Ban on scams, misleading advertising, abusive solicitation
Access to mediation
Free dispute resolution without going to court
Table of Contents
1. Withdrawal Right
For distance purchases (internet, phone, mail order) and door-to-door sales, you have14 days to withdraw without justification.
How to exercise your withdrawal right?
- Inform the seller within 14 days (standard form or clear statement)
- Return the product within 14 days following notification
- Refund is made within 14 days after receiving the return
Note: Return shipping costs are generally your responsibility, unless the seller states otherwise.
Exclusions from Withdrawal Right
- Personalized or custom-made products
- Perishable products (food)
- Newspapers, magazines, periodicals
- Consumed digital content (downloads)
- Services executed with agreement before deadline
- Unsealed products (hygiene, health)
- Unsealed audio/video/software recordings
- Event tickets, sports events
2. Legal Guarantees
Two legal guarantees protect you automatically, at no extra cost, regardless of any commercial warranty offered by the seller.
Legal conformity guarantee
2 years (6 months second-hand)Coverage: Manufacturing defect, non-conformity to description
Recourse: Repair, replacement, or refund
Hidden defects guarantee
2 years after discoveryCoverage: Hidden defect making product unfit for use
Recourse: Sale cancellation or price reduction
Commercial warranty
Variable (by seller)Coverage: Conditions defined by seller
Recourse: According to warranty terms
Tip: Always keep your receipt or invoice. It's your proof of purchase to claim guarantees.
3. Protection Against Unfair Practices
The Consumer Code prohibits unfair, misleading, or aggressive commercial practices.
| Prohibited Practice | Example | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Misleading advertising | Fake promotions, invented features | Up to 2 years imprisonment and €300,000 fine |
| Abusive solicitation | Repeated calls, commercial pressure | Up to €75,000 fine |
| Unfair clauses | Imbalanced contract clauses | Clause nullity |
| Forced sale | Unsolicited shipment with payment request | Up to €15,000 fine |
Bloctel — Stop Telemarketing
Register for free on bloctel.gouv.fr to reduce unsolicited commercial calls. Professionals are prohibited from calling registered numbers.
4. Recourse Options
Contact the professional
Written complaint (email, registered letter) explaining the problem and your request.
Refer to mediator
If unsuccessful, contact the sector consumer mediator (free, 90-day deadline).
Report on SignalConso
DGCCRF platform for unfair practices. DGCCRF may intervene.
Contact an association
UFC-Que Choisir, 60 Million Consumers can support you.
Legal action
As last resort: local court (<€10,000) or judicial court (>€10,000).
SignalConso — Report a Problem
signal.conso.gouv.fr is the official DGCCRF platform for reporting consumer problems. The company is informed and can propose a solution. DGCCRF may also investigate.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the withdrawal right?
How long is the legal guarantee?
How do I report a scam?
Can I withdraw from an in-store purchase?
What is consumer mediation?
Official Sources
Written by Comparatif24.fr Team
Last updated: February 10, 2026