{"id":8522,"date":"2025-07-25T07:01:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T05:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avocat-desrumaux.fr\/unfair-terms-and-conditions-of-sale-what-the-law-forbids-you-to-write\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T09:51:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T07:51:46","slug":"unfair-terms-and-conditions-of-sale-what-the-law-forbids-you-to-write","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avocat-desrumaux.fr\/en\/unfair-terms-and-conditions-of-sale-what-the-law-forbids-you-to-write\/","title":{"rendered":"Unfair terms and conditions of sale: what the law forbids you to write"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"8522\" class=\"elementor elementor-8522 elementor-8479\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-19503ba8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"19503ba8\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3c72275e\" data-id=\"3c72275e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13a5be3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"13a5be3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"211\" data-end=\"653\">General terms and conditions of sale (GTCS) are a cornerstone of commercial contracts, providing a framework for the relationship between a professional and his or her customers. But beware: certain clauses, even when carefully drafted, can be considered <strong data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"454\">abusive<\/strong> or even <strong data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"475\">illegal<\/strong>. In 2025, vigilance is the order of the day: the courts and the DGCCRF are keeping a close eye on CGVs, and the penalties can be severe. Here&#8217;s what you can no longer write.   <\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"655\" data-end=\"691\">What is an unfair term?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"693\" data-end=\"957\">An unfair term is a contractual provision that creates <strong data-start=\"780\" data-end=\"856\">a significant imbalance between the rights and obligations of the parties<\/strong>, to the detriment of the customer. It is deemed unwritten, i.e. it is <strong data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"927\">unenforceable<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"956\">may be penalized<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"1242\">The French Consumer Code (article L212-1) regulates unfair terms in contracts concluded between a professional and a consumer. But certain protections also extend to professionals when they are considered &#8220;uninformed&#8221; in the commercial relationship. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1380\">\ud83d\udd0e The French Commercial Code (articles L442-1 et seq.) protects economic partners against imbalances in B2B contracts.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1382\" data-end=\"1428\">Examples of prohibited clauses in General Terms and Conditions<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1430\" data-end=\"1549\">Numerous clauses have already been deemed unfair by the courts. Here are a few that should be strictly avoided: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"2088\">\n<li data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1673\">\n<p data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1673\"><strong data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1608\">Exclusion or excessive limitation of liability<\/strong>, in particular for gross negligence or personal injury;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1674\" data-end=\"1761\">\n<p data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1761\"><strong data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1723\">Clauses imposing unilateral penalties<\/strong> with no equivalent for the other party;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1841\">\n<p data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1841\"><strong data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1839\">Advance waiver of right of recourse or legal action<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"1930\">\n<p data-start=\"1844\" data-end=\"1930\"><strong data-start=\"1844\" data-end=\"1928\">Unilateral modification of the contract without prior notice or legitimate reason<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"2005\">\n<p data-start=\"1933\" data-end=\"2005\"><strong data-start=\"1933\" data-end=\"2003\">Obligation to pay without immediate or identifiable consideration<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2088\">\n<p data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2088\"><strong data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2087\">Excessive commitment period or tacit renewal without clear information<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2090\" data-end=\"2308\">These clauses, if included in the GTS, can not only be annulled, but can also lead to administrative fines, or even group actions by consumer associations or competitors.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2310\" data-end=\"2353\">Real risks for the company<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2435\">The use of unfair terms exposes the company to several types of sanctions:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2838\">\n<li data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2506\">\n<p data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2506\"><strong data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2473\">Action for nullity of the clause<\/strong> by the customer or a competitor ;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2609\">\n<p data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2609\"><strong data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2540\">Complaint to the DGCCRF<\/strong>, which may lead to an inspection and a removal order;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2610\" data-end=\"2786\">\n<p data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2786\"><strong data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2683\">Financial penalties of up to \u20ac15,000 for natural persons<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2726\">\u20ac75,000 for legal entities<\/strong>, in the event of misleading or unfair commercial practices;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2787\" data-end=\"2838\">\n<p data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2838\"><strong data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2821\">Damage to corporate image<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2840\" data-end=\"2959\">In some cases, the whole contract may be weakened if several essential clauses are annulled.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2961\" data-end=\"3011\">How do you draft legally sound terms and conditions?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3013\" data-end=\"3173\">To avoid abusive clauses, it&#8217;s essential to adopt clear, balanced wording that complies with regulations. Here are a few best practices: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3175\" data-end=\"3559\">\n<li data-start=\"3175\" data-end=\"3264\">\n<p data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3264\"><strong data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3211\">Tailor your terms and conditions to your target audience<\/strong>: consumers, informed or uninformed professionals;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3404\">\n<p data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3404\"><strong data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3324\">Regularly review terms and conditions of sale<\/strong>, especially in the event of changes in business model or legislation;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3405\" data-end=\"3468\">\n<p data-start=\"3407\" data-end=\"3468\"><strong data-start=\"3407\" data-end=\"3466\">Avoid unbalanced, vague or misleading clauses<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3469\" data-end=\"3559\">\n<p data-start=\"3471\" data-end=\"3559\"><strong data-start=\"3471\" data-end=\"3558\">Ensure transparency on prices, deadlines, guarantees and cancellation terms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3561\" data-end=\"3739\">An audit of your terms and conditions is often more profitable than litigation. It helps to prevent disputes, strengthen your customers&#8217; confidence and secure your commercial relations. <\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3741\" data-end=\"3793\">Anticipate to avoid disputes<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"4009\">General terms and conditions of sale are more than just contractual formalities: they are <strong data-start=\"3862\" data-end=\"3906\">documents with direct legal implications<\/strong>, which engage the company&#8217;s responsibility. Poorly drafted, they can be held against you. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4338\">At <strong data-start=\"4016\" data-end=\"4036\">Avocat Desrumaux<\/strong>, we support companies in drafting, reviewing and auditing their terms and conditions of sale, to ensure their compliance and legal robustness. Whether you&#8217;re an e-tailer, a service provider or an industrial player, we can help you draft clear, legal and protective terms and conditions. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4338\">Would you like to secure your terms and conditions or check the compliance of your contracts? Contact us for a customized analysis and concrete recommendations. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>General terms and conditions of sale (GTCS) are a cornerstone of commercial contracts, providing a framework for the relationship between a professional and his or her customers. But beware: certain clauses, even when carefully drafted, can be considered abusive or even illegal. In 2025, vigilance is the order of the day: the courts and the &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avocat-desrumaux.fr\/en\/unfair-terms-and-conditions-of-sale-what-the-law-forbids-you-to-write\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Unfair terms and conditions of sale: what the law forbids you to write&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8482,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Unfair terms and conditions of sale: what the law forbids you to write<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.avocat-desrumaux.fr\/en\/unfair-terms-and-conditions-of-sale-what-the-law-forbids-you-to-write\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unfair terms and conditions of sale: what the law forbids you to write\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"General terms and conditions of sale (GTCS) are a cornerstone of commercial contracts, providing a framework for the relationship between a professional and his or her customers. 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