Mandatory Business Display Requirements: A Legal Obligation for All ProfessionalsCommercial display regulations are a legal obligation that every professional must comply with. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties: up to €3,000 in fines for sole proprietors and €15,000 for companies.
First and foremost, mandatory business displays must be visible and legible to all customers. We’ve observed that many professionals overlook certain rules regarding mandatory business displays, particularly information about general terms and conditions of sale. However, beyond the regulatory aspect, store signage also presents a real communication opportunity and can generate foot traffic. At Etal Shops, we offer solutions tailored to the needs of food service professionals to help you comply with legal requirements while enhancing your establishment's image.
Mandatory Business Display: What the Law Says
French law imposes numerous display rules on businesses to protect both consumers and employees. These requirements vary depending on the size of the company and apply to various aspects of commercial activity.
Customer-Facing Display: Pricing, Hours, Allergens
Price information is mandatory in all businesses, regardless of the sales method (in-store, online, or door-to-door). Prices must be displayed in euros, including tax, in a visible and understandable way. For window displays, prices must be visible from outside. Additionally, retailers must indicate both the total price and the unit price (per liter or kilogram) for prepackaged food products.
In the case of a promotion, the labeling must show both the discounted price and the reference price used before the discount. Furthermore, if there are any additional fees (e.g., delivery, processing), they must be disclosed before the sale.
For food retailers, allergen display is essential. The 14 major allergens must be clearly identified—either on the packaging for prepackaged goods or near the product for unpackaged items. This rule applies to all food professionals, including restaurants.
See our full range of standard or text-based price labels:
https://www.etal-shops.com/les-etiquettes-prix/ and https://www.etal-shops.com/etiquettes-prix-a-texte-fr-5/
Employee-Facing Display: Safety, Inspections, Harassment
From the moment a business hires its first employee, several mandatory workplace displays must be implemented. Fire safety instructions and emergency contact numbers must be visible to all. The address and phone number of the labor inspectorate, occupational health service, and the Defender of Rights must also be displayed.
The Labor Code also mandates the display of information on moral and sexual harassment. This includes applicable penalties, available legal recourse, and the contact details of relevant authorities. For companies with more than 250 employees, the contact details of the designated harassment officer must be included.
Additional required displays cover work hours, vacation periods, and the prohibition of smoking and vaping. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines of up to €3,000 for individuals and €15,000 for legal entities.
Updates to Display Requirements Since 2025
Since January 2025, new mandatory display rules have been introduced, particularly regarding the fight against discrimination and harassment. The gender equality index must now be displayed in all companies, with the location where it can be viewed.
The 2025 regulatory display framework details the 25 mandatory pieces of information that must be posted in any company from the first employee onward. These updates aim to strengthen employee protection and promote a fairer, safer workplace environment.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
Failing to comply with mandatory display requirements can lead to serious financial and legal consequences for business owners. Penalties vary depending on the type of violation and are strictly enforced during inspections.
Fines for Missing Customer-Facing Information
For pricing information, any failure to comply may result in an administrative fine of €3,000 for individuals and €15,000 for companies. If misleading information is provided—such as a fake discount—the business is liable for much harsher penalties for deceptive business practices:
2 years in prison and a €300,000 fine for sole proprietors or a €1,500,000 fine for companies.
Starting July 1, 2024, the absence of information regarding “shrinkflation” (reduction in quantity without a price drop) can also result in fines of up to €15,000.
Labor Code Violations
Penalties for missing employee-facing display requirements are equally severe. Fines range from €450 to €1,500, depending on the severity of the violation. Repeat offenses can result in fines of up to €10,000 or even €30,000.
Furthermore, case law shows that employers who repeatedly fail to comply with labor inspector requests can be sentenced to one year in prison and a €37,500 fine for obstruction of justice.
The situation becomes even more serious if the missing display involves safety instructions and an accident occurs. In such cases, the employer may be found guilty of gross negligence, facing one year in prison and a €15,000 fine.
Impact on Business Image
Beyond financial penalties, failing to meet mandatory display requirements can seriously damage your store’s reputation. A business that neglects its legal duties risks losing customer trust and harming its brand image.
At Etal Shops, we offer tailored display solutions that help you meet your legal obligations while enhancing your establishment. A compliant and well-designed store display reflects your professionalism and boosts your business’s credibility.
Informational Displays: A Powerful Marketing Tool
Beyond regulatory obligations, informational signage is a vital marketing tool for any business. When used strategically, it enhances the customer experience and significantly drives sales.
Promotions and Special Offers
Discounts and promotions naturally draw customer attention. Dynamic window displays help animate and clarify your promotions with eye-catching content, effectively attracting passersby.
To comply with regulations, any discount announcement must clearly state the reference price (used for at least 30 days before the promotion) and the amount of the discount.
Important: As of March 1, 2024, promotional benefits on food products cannot exceed 34% of the original price.
Highlighting Certifications and Awards
In today’s competitive landscape, certifications and labels are valuable assets. They reassure customers and enhance your credibility. A label is a sign of reliability and quality for consumers, especially in a time when environmental and social concerns are top of mind.
Displaying your certifications professionally sets you apart from other businesses.
Communicating Services and Payment Methods
Displaying accepted payment methods (credit card, checks, cash, digital solutions) is crucial to avoid frustration at checkout. Additionally, promoting specific services (delivery, installation, trade-in offers) highlights your complete service offering. These practical details help streamline the customer journey.
What Display Supports Should You Choose for Your Business?
Choosing the right display support is essential to maximize your in-store communication impact. The right materials not only help you meet legal requirements but also enhance your brand image. Here's an overview of available solutions to optimize your business display.
Wall Frames and Poster Holders
Wall-mounted frames are a classic solution for mandatory business displays. These elegant supports protect your documents while making updates easy. Anodized aluminum frames provide a professional finish and integrate seamlessly into any setting. For frequently updated documents, opt for front-opening frames, which allow you to change content without removing the entire unit.
Freestanding poster holders are also an ideal alternative when wall space is limited. Mobile and adjustable, they let you position signage wherever needed. Telescopic models can be adjusted to various heights, offering maximum flexibility.
Outdoor Display Cases
To effectively communicate with passersby, outdoor display cases are essential. Weather- and UV-resistant, these secure cases protect your documents from the elements. Backlit models are especially eye-catching, even at night, increasing the visibility of your mandatory business display.
Additionally, sidewalk signs and double-sided A-frames offer a versatile and cost-effective solution for promoting temporary offers or messages. Easily movable, they let you adjust your communication throughout the day.
Tips for Choosing the Right Format by Location
The ideal format depends on viewing distance. For customer-facing mandatory displays, opt for at least A4 size. For information viewed up close (like prices or allergens), A5 size is generally sufficient.
For outdoor use, larger formats (A2, A1) are best to catch the eye of passersby. Finally, make sure your display location has proper lighting to ensure full readability at all times.
At Etal Shops, we offer a complete range of display supports specifically designed to meet the needs of food service professionals.
Business Display: A Legal Requirement and a Strategic Opportunity
In conclusion, business display is far more than a mere administrative formality. Yes, legal requirements are extensive and penalties for non-compliance can be very costly. However, well-thought-out signage is also a powerful marketing opportunity for your business.
On one hand, strict compliance with current regulations protects you from fines that can reach €15,000 for companies. On the other hand, clean and professional signage significantly increases customer trust and strengthens your brand image.
Starting in 2025, new obligations concerning discrimination and harassment prevention have been added to existing requirements. Therefore, staying informed of regulatory changes is essential for any professional aiming to remain compliant.
At Etal Shops, we understand the challenges faced by food service professionals. That's why we offer a full range of display solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for stylish wall frames, weatherproof display cases, or repositionable signage supports, our selection meets all your legal and promotional display requirements.
Ultimately, investing in quality display materials allows you not only to stay compliant with the law but also to enhance your in-store communication. So why wait?
Explore our full range of display solutions today and turn this legal obligation into a genuine business asset for your establishment.
