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Consumer rights
As a buyer in France, you are protected by strict rules: guarantees, returns, distance purchases, protection against unfair practices. Here's how to assert your rights and where to report a dispute.
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Legal guarantee of conformity
The legal guarantee of compliance protects for 2 years from the issuance of a digital property or service purchased by a consumer from a professional seller. The seller, not the manufacturer, must offer a free solution.
Immediate request after finding; repair or replacement at the latest in the 30 days following the requestPossible online
Open EssentialCompliance, commercial warranty and hidden defects
Several schemes may apply to a purchase from a professional. The legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for two years for new, used and reconditioned goods; for the occasion, only the presumption of priority is reduced to 12 months. The commercial guarantee is an optional contract of the seller or manufacturer which cannot remove the legal guarantees. Hidden defects are covered by a separate diet.
Repair or replacement under 30 days after application; litigation may last longerPossible online
Open RecommendedOnline purchases: delivery, withdrawal, default and litigation
For an online purchase, the procedure depends on the problem: delay or absence of delivery, change of opinion during the withdrawal period, non-compliant product, or genuine fraud. These remedies must not be confused.
Withdrawal: usually 14 days; non-delivery and warranty: varying times depending on the notice and proposed solutionPossible online
Open RecommendedConsumer Mediator: instructions for use
The mediation of consumption makes it possible to settle a dispute without passing immediately to the court. The mediator is an independent third party who offers an amicable solution. It is necessary in general to have first of all reclamated by writing to the company.
Preparation 1-2 h; often treatment 1-3 monthsPossible online
Open RecommendedOnline sales scam: shopping scams on the Internet
The online sales scam is a scam when buying online: undelivered product, non-compliant product, seller that disappears after payment. In France, protections: (1) Legal guarantee of compliance (2 ans); (2) Right of withdrawal 14 days; (3) Chargeback via the bank for the CB; (4) Platforms (Amazon, Cdiscount) mediation; (5) SignalConso. Better to pay by CB — easier to challenge. Check the seller's SIRET on company.com. Below: how to act and recover your funds.
Chargeback: 30–60 days; mediator: 90 days; complaint: weeksPossible online
Open This section helps you if you...
- Any purchaser of goods and services in France
- Those facing a default or refusal to repay
- Buyers online wishing to know their deadlines and rights
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Recommended 2026-07-27
Right of withdrawal: cancel a purchase within 14 days
The right of withdrawal is the consumer's right to cancel a purchase within 14 days without explanation for purchases at a distance (on-line, by telephone, by mail) or at home (sealing). In force in France through the transposition of the EU Directive on consumer rights. Time limit: 14 days from receipt of the property or conclusion of the contract. Repayment — by the seller within 14 days of receipt of the return. Return of goods — to the consumer (unless otherwise indicated). Exceptions: personalized, hygiene, media, downloaded digital content. Below is how to exercise this right.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Consumer Mediator: instructions for use
The mediation of consumption makes it possible to settle a dispute without passing immediately to the court. The mediator is an independent third party who offers an amicable solution. It is necessary in general to have first of all reclamated by writing to the company.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Improper start-up: forced sales at home and by telephone
Unfair marketing is intrusive commercial offers at home (door-to-door), by telephone, or by mail, without your request. In France, the law protects consumers: telephone lock-up allowed only 10h–13h and 14h–20h (Bloctel also available). For door-to-door — withdrawal right 14 days. Since 2021 (law for confidence in the judicial institution) — prohibition on the release of certain products (insulation, windows, water heaters). Report violations to SignalConso, Blockel, or 3911 (Info scam). Below: what to do and how to protect oneself.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Legal guarantee of conformity
The legal guarantee of compliance protects for 2 years from the issuance of a digital property or service purchased by a consumer from a professional seller. The seller, not the manufacturer, must offer a free solution.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Online purchases: delivery, withdrawal, default and litigation
For an online purchase, the procedure depends on the problem: delay or absence of delivery, change of opinion during the withdrawal period, non-compliant product, or genuine fraud. These remedies must not be confused.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Online sales scam: shopping scams on the Internet
The online sales scam is a scam when buying online: undelivered product, non-compliant product, seller that disappears after payment. In France, protections: (1) Legal guarantee of compliance (2 ans); (2) Right of withdrawal 14 days; (3) Chargeback via the bank for the CB; (4) Platforms (Amazon, Cdiscount) mediation; (5) SignalConso. Better to pay by CB — easier to challenge. Check the seller's SIRET on company.com. Below: how to act and recover your funds.
Open GuideRecommended 2026-07-27
Withdrawal of energy contract: cancel an electricity/gas contract
An energy contract (electricity, gas) in France is a contract with a supplier (EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, etc.). Upon signature at home (sealing) or at a distance (telephone, Internet) — you have a right of withdrawal within 14 days without explanation. For agency contracts (in physical presence) — no automatic right (unless specified in the contract). Since 2022 — fully open market, change of supplier free of charge. The National Energy Ombudsman (NEO) settles disputes. Below: how to retract, change supplier and key points.
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Important remark
Consumer rights are detailed in the Consumer Code. This information is general in nature. For specific litigation, consult a consumer association or a lawyer.
