Key deadlines after a purchase in France
After a purchase, several deadlines may overlap: delivery, withdrawal, return, refund, or warranty. This page brings together the main guidelines from official French sources to help identify the correct deadline before taking action.
Important: these deadlines do not apply to all situations. Exceptions, the type of contract, the product, and the seller's terms may change the applicable rule. This page provides information and helps organize a case; it does not replace legal advice.
Reference table
| Situation | Main guideline | Starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal for many distance purchases | Minimum 14 days | Generally from receipt of the goods; for certain services, from the conclusion of the contract |
| Return of goods after notification of withdrawal | 14 days | From the date the decision to withdraw is sent |
| Refund after withdrawal | 14 days | From the time the trader is informed of the withdrawal, subject to rules allowing the refund of goods to be deferred until they are recovered or proof of shipment is provided |
| Delivery without an agreed date or timeframe | Maximum 30 days | From the conclusion of the contract, unless otherwise agreed |
| Refund after termination due to failure to deliver | 14 days | From the notice of termination/rescission of the contract according to the applicable procedure |
| Legal guarantee of conformity for new or used goods | 2 years | From the delivery of the goods |
| Bringing into conformity under the legal guarantee | Maximum 30 days | From the request for bringing into conformity |
Withdrawal: the 14-day guideline
For many contracts concluded remotely, the consumer has at least 14 days to change their mind, with exceptions provided by law. For the sale of goods, this period generally starts upon receipt. When several goods from the same order are delivered separately, the starting point may be the receipt of the last good or batch.
The trader may offer a longer commercial timeframe. The legal minimum should therefore not be confused with a more favorable return policy.
After withdrawal: return and refund
After notifying their decision to withdraw, the consumer generally has 14 days to return the goods. The trader must generally refund within 14 days of being informed of the decision to withdraw. For the sale of goods, they may in certain situations defer the refund until the goods are recovered or proof of shipment is received.
Delivery: promised date or 30 days
The seller must communicate a delivery date or timeframe before the conclusion of the contract. When nothing specific has been agreed, the reference rule is delivery without unjustified delay and no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the contract. If the seller does not meet their commitment, the termination of the contract requires following the applicable procedure, except in special situations.
When the contract is validly terminated due to failure to deliver, the refund of the sums paid must occur no later than the 14 days provided for by law.
Legal guarantee of conformity: two years
The legal guarantee of conformity can be invoked for two years from delivery for both new and used goods purchased from a professional seller, subject to its terms of application. For used goods, the presumption that the defect existed beforehand is shorter than for new goods.
The repair or replacement requested under the legal guarantee must occur within a maximum of 30 days following the request. The rules may also extend or renew the guarantee in certain repair or replacement situations.
The five dates AfterSentry recommends keeping
- order date;
- receipt or delivery date;
- return or withdrawal request date;
- return shipment date and proof of receipt;
- actual refund receipt date or final resolution of the case.
Why the final result matters
A confirmation of refund, return, or acceptance does not always mean the case is closed. AfterSentry applies the AfterSentry Verified principle: an outcome is only counted as achieved once it is actually confirmed.
Official sources
- Ministry of Economy — Distance selling and right of withdrawal
- Ministry of Economy — Delivery: what are your rights?
- Ministry of Economy — Legal guarantee of conformity
Last AfterSentry review: 06/10/2026.
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