CGV Site Internet Template for France

CGV Site Internet (Conditions Générales de Vente) are legally required terms of sale that govern all commercial transactions on French e-commerce websites. These comprehensive legal documents establish the contractual framework between you as the seller and your customers, whether they are consumers or business clients. Under French law, particularly the Code de la consommation and the Loi pour la Confiance dans l'Économie Numérique (LCEN), you must make these terms easily accessible and obtain customer acceptance before completing any sale.

When do you need this document?

You need CGV Site Internet whenever you operate an e-commerce website selling products or services to French customers. This requirement applies whether you're launching a new online store, updating an existing website, or expanding your business to include online sales. The document becomes essential when processing payments online, offering subscription services, or selling digital products. You also need updated CGV when implementing new payment methods, changing delivery policies, or modifying your return procedures. Additionally, any significant changes to data collection practices or customer service policies require CGV updates to maintain legal compliance.

Key legal considerations

Your CGV must include specific mandatory clauses to comply with French consumer protection laws. Essential elements include clear seller identification with company details and contact information, detailed product descriptions with prices including all taxes, and transparent delivery terms with timeframes and costs. You must specify payment methods and security measures, outline the customer's right of withdrawal (droit de rétractation) with a 14-day period for most purchases, and include dispute resolution procedures. Data protection clauses must align with RGPD requirements, detailing how customer information is collected, processed, and stored. The document must also address warranty obligations, liability limitations, and force majeure provisions. Particular attention should be paid to digital content sales, subscription services, and cross-border transactions within the EU.

Legal requirements in France

French law mandates that CGV must be presented in French and be easily accessible from your website's homepage. Under the Code de la consommation, you must provide specific pre-contractual information including total price, delivery costs, and contract duration for services. The LCEN requires clear identification of your business, including registration numbers and VAT information. Your CGV must comply with the Directive 2011/83/UE on consumer rights, particularly regarding withdrawal rights and information obligations. The document must specify applicable French law and jurisdiction for dispute resolution. You're also required to provide model withdrawal forms and clear instructions for exercising consumer rights. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in French and EU legislation, particularly regarding digital services and data protection under RGPD.