Online sales to France: Simply translating German terms and conditions is not accepted by the French market
- Marie-Avril Roux Steinkühler
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Disclosure requirements here are not a mere formality, but a central component of the contractual framework, with a strict burden of proof and rigorous enforcement by the authorities.
👉 Those who implement these requirements properly not only ensure legal certainty but also build trust among French consumers.
Five key areas are particularly relevant in practice:
📋1. Strict pre-contractual information requirements
France requires comprehensive information on product features, price, delivery terms, guarantees and the identity of the trader. These apply to every consumer contract, regardless of the value or nature of the service.
Furthermore, the trader must be able to prove that this information has actually been provided.
📦 2. Clear guidelines on delivery and performance
Non-binding terms such as ‘expected’ or ‘usually’ are not sufficient.
In the absence of a specific deadline, the statutory 30-day rule applies automatically.
🛡️ 3. Transparency regarding guarantees
Statutory warranties, hidden defects and commercial guarantees must be clearly distinguished, explained in an understandable manner and set out in full.
⚖️ 4. Mandatory consumer mediation
Unlike in Germany, businesses in France must appoint a mediator and actively facilitate access to them.
🏢 5. Extended information requirements regarding the company
In addition to the usual details, information such as register data, supervisory authorities (where applicable) – and even the website’s hosting provider – must be disclosed.
🔎 Differences are also evident in contract law:
Whilst under German law the customer’s order is usually regarded as an offer, under French law the business is generally understood to be the offeror – and the consumer accepts this offer. Consequently, familiar mechanisms do not function on a one-to-one basis.
📩 We would be happy to assist you in entering the French market in a legally compliant manner.
Image: ChatGPT
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