Understanding consumer rights in France is particularly important for expats and English-speaking residents who may be unfamiliar with French legal procedures. If you have paid for furniture, appliances, televisions, or other large household or garden items and the delivery date keeps being postponed, French consumer law provides clear protections.
You may think that resolving disputes in France is complicated…. However, the law is generally consumer-friendly, and there are structured steps you can follow to enforce your rights.
This guide explains your legal protections and practical actions you can take.
1. The Store Must Respect the Agreed Delivery Date
Under consumer rights in France, the seller must deliver goods on the date or within the timeframe indicated at the time of purchase.
This obligation comes from Article L216-1 of the French Consumer Code, which states that:
- Delivery must occur on the agreed date, or
- If no date was specified, within 30 days of the contract conclusion
Consequently, if the seller fails to meet this deadline, they are legally in breach of contract.
For expats, an important point is that written documents carry the most weight. Always keep:
- Order confirmations
- Invoices
- Contracts
- Emails confirming delivery dates
A verbal promise alone is difficult to enforce.
2. Send a Formal Notice (Mise en Demeure)
Generally, if the delivery date has passed, the next step under is to send a mise en demeure (formal notice).
This is a legally significant letter requesting delivery within a new deadline (usually 8 to 15 days).
The right to impose this additional deadline is based on Article L216-2 of the French Consumer Code.
You should send the letter by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception).
3. Cancelling the Contract and Getting a Refund
So, if delivery still does not occur within the additional deadline, you may cancel the contract.
This right is established by Article L216-6 of the French Consumer Code.
Once cancelled, the seller must refund all sums paid within 14 days.
Subsequently, if they fail to refund within that period, penalties may apply automatically under French law.
4. Payment and Bank Options
If you have not yet paid the full amount, you may suspend the remaining payment until delivery occurs.
If you paid by debit or credit card, you can contact your bank to request a chargeback due to non-delivery.
For expats using foreign banks, procedures vary, but many international cards still provide dispute protection.
5. When the Delivery Date Was Essential
Is the delivery date is an essential condition of the contract?
Examples include:
- Moving into a new home in France
- Furnishing a rental property before tenants arrive
- Replacing essential appliances
Subsequently, if you clearly informed the seller that delivery by a certain date was critical, and this was documented, you may cancel immediately once that date is missed under Article L216-2.
6. If the Seller Refuses to Cooperate
If the seller ignores your request, several escalation options exist under consumer rights in France:
- File a complaint via SignalConso (government consumer reporting platform)
- Contact a consumer association such as UFC-Que Choisir
- Request consumer mediation (médiation de la consommation)
- Bring a claim before the Tribunal Judiciaire
Surprisingly, legal action in France is often simpler than expats expect, especially for smaller claims.
Free Download: Letter Template
You can copy and paste the template below:
Vos nom et prénom
Votre adresse
Code postal – Ville
Email
Téléphone
Nom du vendeur / Société
Adresse du vendeur
Code postal – Ville
Lieu, Date
Lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception
Objet : Mise en demeure – Commande n° [XXXX]
Madame, Monsieur,
Le [date de commande], j’ai passé auprès de votre société une commande portant sur : [description des biens], pour un montant total de [montant] €, somme réglée [préciser : en totalité / acompte versé].
La livraison était prévue le [date de livraison convenue]. À ce jour, malgré mes relances, celle-ci n’a toujours pas été effectuée.
Conformément aux dispositions des articles L216-1 et L216-2 du Code de la consommation, je vous mets donc formellement en demeure de procéder à la livraison de cette commande dans un délai de [8 à 15 jours] à compter de la réception de la présente.
À défaut de livraison dans ce délai, je me verrai contraint(e) de résoudre le contrat conformément à l’article L216-6 du Code de la consommation et de vous demander le remboursement intégral des sommes versées, dans les conditions prévues par la loi.
Je vous remercie de bien vouloir me confirmer par écrit la date de livraison effective dans les plus brefs délais.
Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.
Signature
English Translation:
Your Name
Your Address
Postcode, City
Email
Phone
Seller Name
Seller Address
Postcode, City
Date
Subject: Formal Notice (Mise en demeure) – Order No. [XXXX]
Dear Sir or Madam,
On [date], I purchased the following goods from your company: [description of items], for a total amount of [€ amount], which has been paid in full.
The delivery date agreed at the time of purchase was [delivery date]. As of today, the goods have still not been delivered.
In accordance with Articles L216-1 and L216-2 of the French Consumer Code, I hereby give you formal notice to deliver the goods within [8–15] days from receipt of this letter.
Failing delivery within this deadline, I will consider the contract cancelled pursuant to Article L216-6 of the French Consumer Code and request a full refund of all sums paid.
Please confirm in writing that delivery will occur within this timeframe.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
Practical Tips for Expats and English Speakers in France
- Always communicate in writing, even if discussions occur in French
- Use translation tools if necessary — legal validity does not require perfect French
- Keep copies of all documents and postal receipts
- Act quickly once deadlines are missed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal delivery deadline in France?
Even if you didn’t agree on a date, sellers must deliver within 30 days under Article L216-1.
Can I cancel an order for late delivery?
Yes. After a formal notice period, you can cancel and obtain a full refund.
Do I need to communicate in French?
No. However, sending a letter or email in French may increase effectiveness.