European retailers complain about French law limiting discounts

European Retail Association EuroCommerce sent a formal complaint to the European Commission against a French law that limits the ability of retailers to offer goods at the lowest possible prices. In March the French Parliament accepted a law that limited the amount of discounts for retailers operating in the country to 34%. This applies to a number of consumer goods – from food to detergents, personal hygiene items, etc. In this way, the French authorities wanted to protect local manufacturers and suppliers of goods to retail chains.

However, according to EuroCommerce, this law violates the rights of retailers and restricts the free movement of goods across Europe, depriving stores of the opportunity to receive supplies from non-French manufacturers.

“This French law limits the ability of retailers and wholesale buyers to seek more favorable conditions in the single European market. This, in turn, prevents retailers and wholesalers from providing the widest possible choice and more affordable prices to European consumers. We ask the European Commission to pay attention to this violation of EU rules on freedom of choice and free movement of goods,” said the head of the association, Christel Delberg.

Evgeny Khvostik