Clifford Chance
THE CONSUMER RIGHTS BILL
12 May 2014
The government bill on consumer rights – introduced by Mr. Benoit HAMON, Junior Minister at the Ministry for the Economy and Finance– was adopted by both the Senate and National Assembly in mid-February 2014.
As the Constitutional Council has been asked to rule on whether the bill conforms with the Constitution, the bill will not be enacted before the end of March / beginning of April.
The proposed legislation will have major consequences for individuals and companies. The purpose of the bill is to adjust the balance of power between economic players by introducing a class-action procedure under French law; ensuring more balanced relations between retailers and suppliers; reinforcing consumer protection and extending the powers of the French Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (DGCCRF).
