I bought a product in France while on holiday. Can I exercise my rights back in Germany?

What the Law Says

EU consumer law ensures that your rights are protected regardless of where in the EU you make a purchase. The key rules apply uniformly across all Member States, including France and Germany.

When you buy a product from a professional seller in another EU country (like France), you are protected by the EU Consumer Rights Directive and the Sale of Goods Directive. These laws guarantee minimum standards — such as a 2-year legal guarantee for conformity, a 14-day right to withdraw from distance or off-premises contracts, and remedies like repair, replacement, price reduction, or termination if goods are defective.

The Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 on consumer protection cooperation enables national authorities — including Germany’s Federal Office of Justice and consumer centres — to assist you in enforcing rights against sellers based in other EU countries.

Under Regulation (EU) 2017/2394, the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) provides free, multilingual support to resolve cross-border disputes without going to court.

Statutory Text

The legal guarantee shall cover lack of conformity which becomes apparent within a period of two years from delivery of the goods.

— Directive (EU) 2019/771, Art. 10(1) — Sale of Goods Directive

Statutory Text

Consumers shall have a right of withdrawal of at least 14 days in respect of distance contracts and off-premises contracts.

— Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 9(1) — Consumer Rights Directive

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that adequate mechanisms are in place to enable consumers to submit complaints concerning intra-EU infringements.

— Regulation (EU) 2017/2394, Art. 15(1)

Sources