Price labelling and display: the mandatory rules in France in 2026
Mandatory labelling and price displays protect consumers from deceptive practices. These obligations apply to all retailers, both in person and online, under penalty of severe DGCCRF sanctions (up to €300,000 in fines). As a commercial law lawyer in Paris, I support companies and retailers to secure the conformity of their labels and avoid litigation.
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What is labelling in consumer law?
THElabelling refers to all mandatory information on the packaging or near a product: name, composition, origin, net quantity, deadline. It guarantees loyal consumer information while promoting the product.
Concrete example: A bottle of olive oil must specify “extra virgin”, origin France, 1 liter net, lot no. 5421, DLC 12/2027.
General obligations to display prices including VAT
Every professional should clearly display the price including VAT before the sale, in euros, legibly and in the immediate vicinity of the product:
- In store: visible label or sign on the product
- In the window: prices for items displayed externally.
- Online sales: price visible before adding to the basket.
- Used products: no derogation possible.
Practical case: A lot of 12 bottles of wine in the window must show the overall price AND the unit price per bottle.
Mandatory information on labels: the complete table
Example of a compliant olive oil label:
“Extra virgin olive oil — Origin France — 1 L net — 1 L net — Lot 5421 — To be consumed before 12/2027 — Oliv'or AOP brand”.
INCO regulation: mandatory food labelling
The European INCO regulation no. 1169/2011 Imposes on food products:
- Extensive INCI list in descending order of weight.
- Allergens in bold or distinct characters.
- Nutrition chart (energy, fats, sugars, salt).
- Origin mandatory for unprocessed meat, milk, honey (CJEU).
Supplier contract type clause:
“The Supplier guarantees INCO compliant labelling with complete traceability of the lot.”
Unit price display and promotions: pitfalls to avoid
Price per unit of measure
Mandatory for prepackaged products (kg, liter, m²): allows objective comparison.
Example: Olive oil 1L at €12 → €12/L mandatory.
Promotions and sales
- Price reference : price charged last 30 days.
- Reduction : absolute AND in%.
- Forbidden off sales: “balance”, resale at a loss.
Penalty: 2 years in prison + €300,000 fine (deceptive practice).
DGCCRF controls and sanctions in 2025
La DGCCRF check labelling and price display without notice. Graded sanctions:
Case law example: Casino France sentenced to €23,000 for failing to display the unit price.
Best practices to avoid DGCCRF sanctions
- Pre-sale checklist: name, composition, origin, DLC, allergens.
- Readable characters (minimum size, contrast).
- Internal traceability procedure reference price.
- Team training on INCO and price display.
- DGCCRF audit : keep evidence for a minimum of 2 years.
Risk sectors: olive oil (verifiable “extra virgin”), honey (EU/non-EU origin), textile (exact composition).
FAQ — Price labelling and display
What information is mandatory on the product label?
Name, composition, net quantity, origin, origin, DLC, allergens (depending on sector).
Does the price have to be shown in TTC?
Yes, systematically, before the conclusion of the sale, legibly.
Price error displayed: what should I do?
Consumer is entitled to the price indicated. Merchant criminally liable.
When should the origin of the product be mentioned?
Mandatory if misleading not to indicate it (meat, milk, honey, olive oil).
DGCCRF labelling sanctions?
Fines €3,000 to €300,000 + prison depending on severity.
Why call on a specialized lawyer?
The labelling and display of prices fall under the consumer law strictly supervised. A lawyer helps you:
- Write secure supplier clauses.
- Prepare internal DGCCRF audit.
- Defend in case of control or litigation.
- Adapt labels to regulatory changes (INCO, product origin).
Article written by Guillaume Leclerc, lawyer in commercial contracts and litigation in Paris.
