The DGCCRF is a department of the Ministry of Economy working in the field of consumer protection. This authority is responsible for ensuring that companies comply with consumer law.
The General Directorate acts in favour of the respect of competition rules, of the economic protection of consumers and the safety and conformity of products and services. It intervenes in all areas of consumption (food and non-food products, services), at all stages of economic activity (production, processing, import, distribution) and whatever the form of trade (shops, websites, etc.).
How can it help you?
Handling complaints and alerts
As a consumer, you can report to the DGCCRF a problem of non-compliance with consumer law that you saw in a shop, on a website or in a company. You can file this complaint using the service https://signal.conso.gouv.fr/ or by phone (+33 8 09 54 05 50).
However, you should know that the DGCCRF is only competent to sanction breaches of consumer rules and is not competent to settle disputes relating to the non-execution or poor execution of a contract (such as unpaid rent or debts, poorly executed work or services, poor delivery etc.). If you encounter this kind of dispute, you should first try to resolve it amicably with the professional concerned or with a mediator, and if this does not work you can complain to civil courts.
Conduct investigations in companies
The DGCCRF investigates and establishes breaches of consumer protection rules from companies and professionals (for example misleading advertising, fake discounts, unfair contract terms etc.). The DGCCRF also verifies that the rules on price advertising are properly applied. These investigations can take place after an alert has been issued by a consumer.
You can request an investigation from the DGCCRF by contacting the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of the Population (DDPP) of the department where the targeted business is located. You can make this request either by e-mail or by post. You can find which DDPP to contact here: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf/coordonnees-des-DDPP-et-DDETSPP.
Putting an end to breaches
If a breach of consumer protection rules has been identified, the DGCCRF can force professionals and companies to respect their obligations, cease any unlawful act or remove any prohibited clause. The DGCCRF can also impose financial sanctions on professionals who do not respect the law, however it cannot oblige the company to compensate you. If you wish to claim compensation, you should file a complaint or go to a civil court.
Activities
- Information on consumer rights
- Handling consumer complaints on violations of consumer rights
- Investigating and detecting breaches of consumer protection rules
- Emergency measures to protect consumer health and safety (seizure, withdrawal of dangerous products, marketing suspension orders, prohibition decrees)
More information and Contacts
Website: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf
Online complaint form: https://signal.conso.gouv.fr/
Phone number: +33 8 09 54 05 50
- On Monday and Tuesday: 8h30-12h30 and 13h15 to 17h15
- On Wednesday: 13h15 to 17h15
- On Thursday: 8h30 to 12h30
- On Friday: 8h30 to 16h
DGCCRF
Réponse Conso
B.P.60
34935 Montpellier Cedex 9
France