Displaying information in a commercial setting is a legal requirement that all professionals must comply with. In cases of non-compliance, the penalties can be severe: up to 3,000 euros in fines for individual entrepreneurs and 15,000 euros for companies.
First and foremost, mandatory displays in a retail space must be visible and legible to all customers. We find that many professionals neglect certain rules concerning mandatory display in shops, particularly regarding the disclosure of general terms and conditions of sale. However, beyond the regulatory aspect, in-store signage also represents a genuine communication opportunity and can help drive traffic to the point of sale. At Etal Shops, we offer tailored solutions to meet the needs of food service professionals, helping them comply with these obligations while enhancing the value of their business.
Mandatory Displays in Retail: What the Law Says
French law imposes a number of display requirements on businesses, aimed at protecting both consumers and employees. These obligations vary according to the size of the business and cover different aspects of commercial activity.
Displays for Customers: Prices, Hours, Allergens
Displaying prices is mandatory in all commercial settings, regardless of the method of sale (in-store, online, at home). Prices must be shown in euros including VAT, in a way that is visible and understandable. For products displayed in windows, prices must be visible from outside. In addition, retailers must show both the total price and the unit price (per liter or kilogram) for prepackaged food products.
For promotional items, labeling must indicate both the promotional price and the reference price used before the discount. Furthermore, any additional fees (such as delivery or administrative charges) must be disclosed prior to the sale.
For food businesses, allergen display is essential. The 14 major allergens must be clearly identified, either on the packaging for prepacked items or near the products for unpackaged goods. This obligation applies to all food professionals, including restaurants. See our full range of standard and text-based price tags: https://www.etal-shops.com/les-etiquettes-prix/ and https://www.etal-shops.com/etiquettes-prix-a-texte-fr-5/
Displays for Employees: Safety, Inspections, Harassment
From the moment the first employee is hired, the employer must set up several mandatory displays. Fire safety instructions and emergency contact numbers must be visible to all. The contact details for the labor inspectorate, occupational health services, and the Defender of Rights must also be posted.
The French Labor Code also requires information on moral and sexual harassment to be displayed. These notices must mention applicable penalties, possible courses of action, and contact information for the appropriate authorities. For companies with more than 250 employees, the contact details of the designated sexual harassment officer must also be displayed.
Other required displays include working hours, leave schedules, and the prohibition of smoking and vaping. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines of up to 3,000 euros for individuals and 15,000 euros for legal entities.
Updated Requirements Since 2025
As of January 2025, new display obligations have been introduced, particularly concerning anti-discrimination and harassment policies. The gender equality index must now be displayed in all businesses, along with the location where it can be consulted.
The 2025 display regulations outline 25 mandatory notices for all businesses starting with their first employee. These updates aim to enhance employee protection and promote a fair and safe working environment.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
Failure to comply with display requirements can lead to serious financial and legal consequences for business owners. These penalties vary depending on the nature of the offense and are strictly enforced during inspections.
Fines for Missing Customer Displays
For price information violations, non-compliance can result in an administrative fine of 3,000 euros for individuals and 15,000 euros for companies. If the information provided misleads the customer, such as a fictitious discount, the professional risks much heavier penalties for deceptive commercial practices: up to 2 years in prison and a 300,000-euro fine for individuals or a 1,500,000-euro fine for companies.
As of July 1, 2024, failing to disclose "shrinkflation" (quantity reduction without a price drop) may also incur fines of up to 15,000 euros.
Labor Code Sanctions
For employee-related display violations, penalties are equally severe. Fines range from 450 to 1,500 euros depending on the severity. In cases of repeat offenses, these can increase to 10,000 euros or even 30,000 euros.
Case law has shown that employers who persist in ignoring labor inspectorate requests may face one year in prison and a 37,500-euro fine for obstruction offenses.
The situation worsens if missing safety instructions contribute to an accident. In such cases, the employer may be found guilty of gross negligence, which can result in one year in prison and a 15,000-euro fine.
Impact on Business Reputation
Beyond financial penalties, failing to comply with mandatory display laws can seriously harm your store's reputation. A business that overlooks its legal obligations risks losing customer trust and damaging its image.
At Etal Shops, we provide display solutions tailored to help you meet legal obligations while enhancing your brand’s credibility. Compliant and professional in-store signage reflects your reliability and reinforces your company's reputation.
Informational Display: A Powerful Marketing Tool
Beyond regulatory obligations, informational signage is an essential marketing tool for any retail business. When used strategically, it improves the customer experience and significantly boosts sales.
Promotions and Special Offers
Discounts and special deals naturally attract customer attention. Dynamic window displays make your promotions clear and engaging with eye-catching content that draws in passersby. To remain compliant, every discount must indicate the reference price (used for at least 30 days before the reduction) and the exact discount amount. Note that since March 1, 2024, food product discounts cannot exceed 34% of the original price.
Highlighting Certifications and Awards
In a competitive environment, certifications and labels offer a real advantage. They reassure customers and enhance your credibility. A label signals product quality and trustworthiness, especially in an era of heightened social and environmental awareness. Professionally displaying your certifications helps you stand out from the competition.
Communicating Services and Payment Methods
Clearly displaying accepted payment methods (credit cards, checks, cash, digital solutions) is essential to avoid frustration at checkout. In addition, promoting your specific services (delivery, installation, product recycling) adds value to your overall offering. These practical details help streamline the customer journey.
Which Display Supports to Choose for Your Store?
Choosing the right display support is crucial for maximizing the impact of your in-store communication. Proper supports help ensure compliance while enhancing your brand image. Here’s an overview of the best solutions for optimizing your store displays.
Wall Frames and Poster Holders
Wall-mounted frames are the classic solution for mandatory store displays. These elegant supports protect documents and make updates easy. Anodized aluminum frames offer a professional finish that suits all types of interiors. For frequently updated documents, opt for front-opening frames that allow quick content changes without disassembly.
Freestanding poster holders are a great alternative when wall space is limited. Mobile and adjustable, they allow you to strategically position your signage according to your needs. Telescopic models adapt to different heights, providing maximum flexibility.
Outdoor Display Cases
To communicate effectively with passersby, outdoor display cases are essential. These weather- and UV-resistant cases protect your documents from damage. Backlit models are especially attention-grabbing in the evening, increasing visibility of your mandatory displays.
Additionally, A-frame sidewalk signs and double-sided boards offer an affordable and versatile way to promote temporary offers or information. Easily repositioned, they let you adapt your message throughout the day.
Format Tips by Location
The format you choose depends primarily on reading distance. For customer-facing mandatory displays, use at least A4 size. For close-range information (such as prices or allergens), A5 format is generally sufficient.
For outdoor displays, choose larger formats (A2, A1) to capture attention. Finally, make sure your chosen location is well-lit to ensure readability at all times.
At Etal Shops, we offer a complete range of display supports tailored to the specific needs of food service professionals.
Store Display: A Legal Requirement and a Marketing Opportunity
As we've seen, store display is much more than a simple administrative requirement. While legal obligations are numerous and penalties for non-compliance can be costly, a well-designed display is also a powerful marketing opportunity for your business.
On one hand, strictly adhering to current regulations protects you from fines that can reach 15,000 euros for companies. On the other hand, clean and professional signage greatly increases customer trust and enhances your brand image.
As of 2025, new requirements related to discrimination and harassment prevention add to the existing obligations. Therefore, staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial for every professional concerned with compliance.
At Etal Shops, we understand the challenges food service professionals face. That's why we offer a full range of display solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for elegant wall frames, durable display cases, or repositionable supports, our selection meets all your mandatory and promotional display needs.
Ultimately, investing in quality display supports allows you to comply with the law while optimizing your in-store communication. So why wait? Browse our catalog of display solutions today and turn this legal requirement into a powerful commercial asset for your business.
