French Consumer Law is a comprehensive and comparative overview of French and EU law in this field, covering: advertising, unfair commercial practices, conditions for the validity of contracts, unfair terms, product conformity, latent defects, product safety.

French Consumer Law

Article L. 512-1 of the Consumer Code fixes the scope of the powers of investigation as defined in chapter II, the provisions of which apply to the investigation and finding of offenses and breaches, and the exercise of administrative controls. Article L. 512-2 restates the principle of the probative force of minutes ("procès-verbal") previously laid down in Article L. 141-1(V) . Article L. 512-3 also recalls that professional secrecy cannot be enforced against agents acting within the framework of the powers conferred on them .

Article L. 512-4 prohibits the hindering of the exercise of the functions of authorized officials.

Authorized agents may, in the context of their ordinary powers of investigation, access the premises of the professionals concerned, collect the necessary information, take samples where appropriate, and consign certain products or items or carry out seizures, pursuant to Articles L. 512-5 et seq. (formerly L. 215-3 et seq.) of the Consumer Code.

The text provides that, "The infringements and breaches are recorded in minutes, which are deemed authentic failing proof to the contrary".

This principle was previously set out in Articles L. 141-1, IV and L. 215-3-2.

12. Scope