Consumer information obligations began in July 2024.

We previously reported that the new obligation to inform consumers about quantity reduction, or shrinkflation', will take effect on July 1st, 2024. These terms refer to commercial practices that mask the reduction in quantity (weight or volume) of products while maintaining or increasing their prices. Although legal, this practice faces strong criticism for being hard to detect at the time of purchase. Starting from this date, informing consumers about reductions or increases in prices for products with decreased quantities will be mandatory. A ministerial decree regulates this practice.

From July 1, 2024, there will be a specific obligation to inform consumers about changes in quantity and price. Distributors in large and medium-sized stores must display a notice near the affected products.

The notice must state: “For this product, the quantity sold has decreased from X to Y, and its price in (unit of measurement) has increased by...”

In French: « Pour ce produit, la quantité vendue est passée de X à Y et son prix au (unité de mesure concernée) a augmenté de...

This information must be displayed for two months following the marketing date of the affected products, which can include items like soda, rice, laundry detergent, or canned goods, whether national or store brands.

These provisions do not apply to pre-packaged foodstuffs that may vary during preparation or foodstuffs sold in bulk.

Consumers can report doubts about displayed unit prices via the SignalConso app or website. Stores with a sales area greater than 400 m2 will be subject to this regulation. Penalties for breaches include fines of up to 3,000 euros for individuals and 5,000 euros for legal entities.