Welcome to the new website of the European Consumer Centre France
ECC France provides free and confidential information on consumer rights in the EU and assists consumers with cross-border disputes. The Centre is a member of the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net).
The European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) is an EU-wide network designed to promote consumer confidence by advising citizens on their rights as consumers in Europe and providing easy access to redress mechanisms in case of a dispute arrising from a cross-border purchase.
NEWS
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Flooding in the South of France in November 2011 : how to know if I’m properly insured?
Your holiday home in the South of France has suffered from the flooding in November 2011 and you need to claim your damages to your insurance company? You should know that an interminister decree, published on November 18th in the “Journal Officiel” (the official government register) regognize the damages caused to your property as natural disaster...
For further details read "Natural disaster insurance in France"
- Austerity measures in France : what you should know
Given the current French economic situation, Prime Minister Fillon has announced on November 7th 2011 new austerity measures for 2012, if adopted by the French Parliament.
Among them, a VAT increase: products and services currently subjected to a 5.5% VAT should be sold with a 7% value added tax starting January 2012 ; the 7% rate has been specifically created for this new measure.
Various sectors will be concerned e.g. food service industry, accommodation, some cultural services like books and television but also transport services (air, sea, rail and road); also the sector of assistance with domestic duties (“emploi d’un salarié à domicile”) unless they help a disabled person.
Only utility bills (“dépenses vitales”) like gaz, electricity and food products shouldn’t be concerned by this measure and remain at a 5.5% taxation.
November 2011
- France maintains restrictions on buying tobacco abroad
In order to comply with the EU principle of free movements of goods, the French government was asked by Brussels to remove until the end of 2010 the legal restrictions on the purchase of tobacco abroad. However, the French Senate rejected on December 17th this amendment.
So the quantitative limits are maintained : 1 kg or 5 cartons for tobacco circulation when entering the French territory without having to accomplish any formality at customs and 2 kg (or 10 cartridges) for tobacco detention.
For further details see also What is the quantity of alcohol and tobacco you are allowed to bring back to France after a stay in another EU Member State?
July 2010
And our brochure shopping in France
More information are provided on the website of the French customshttp://www.douane.gouv.fr
July 2011
Travelling by car in the EU this summer? European Consumer Centres have compared car traffic rules in 29 European countries, from speed to alcohol limits.
July 2011
June 2011
June 2011
June 2011
June 2011Update: March 2011
