In short. French removals offers must disclose subcontracting and the actual provider before contracting, with customer agreement and notice of carrier changes.
Definition: In France, the DGCCRF removals investigation identifies concealed subcontracting as misleading when customers learn the actual provider's identity only after contracting. Subcontracting means entrusting the move to another company; the customer must agree to that arrangement.
Key facts
- The DGCCRF's investigation report, published on 12 June 2025, concerns checks conducted in 2023.
- The report identifies businesses presenting themselves as movers while acting as transport intermediaries, with subcontractors often lacking the required professional qualifications.
- As of 17 October 2026, the DGCCRF's removals guidance states that a mover needs the customer's agreement to subcontract the move.
- Article 1 of the order of 27 April 2010 requires a free quotation accompanied by the contract's general terms before conclusion of the contract.
When must the customer learn about the carrier?
The DGCCRF's removals guidance says that, even where the signed contract permits subcontracting, the customer must receive notice of any change of carrier and has the right to withdraw from the contract. It also states that the mover remains responsible for loss or damage when using an intermediary.
The same guidance distinguishes the quotation from an online price estimate: telephone and internet quotations sometimes provide only an estimate. It describes the removals contract as a set of documents, including the quotation and declaration of value, rather than necessarily a single document labelled as a contract.
Which website network claims are misleading?
The investigation identifies advertised branch networks containing closed businesses and purported nationwide partner networks whose existence platforms could not substantiate. Investigators also find unsupported labels, certifications and claims of membership in an international organisation.
Some supposed comparison services merely transmit customer contact details to partner movers without consent. One purported comparator shares an address with a removals business and links to that business's Facebook account. The report records an enforcement order for failure to inform consumers about subcontracting.
What belongs in the quotation documents?
Article 1 of the order of 27 April 2010 requires the quotation or accompanying general terms to identify the company and precisely define the chosen service, including who packs the goods. These documents also specify the planned date or period, loading and delivery locations, furniture volume, payment arrangements and the company's responsibility and claim procedure.
The following is a review worksheet derived from Article 1 and the DGCCRF's subcontracting guidance, rather than a prescribed quotation form:
Contracting company: [company details]
Subcontracting: [customer's agreement]
Carrier performing the move: [company identity]
Packing: [company or customer]
Service and furniture volume: [details]
Price excluding and including tax: [amounts]
Article 1 also requires a statement that the price is final and that additional charges require an express amendment to the quotation.
Related terms
- When can missing website information be a misleading omission?
- Can a regulator require proof for a website's commercial claims?
- What ranking information must an online comparison service disclose?
FAQ
Can a mover subcontract without asking me?
The DGCCRF's guidance requires your agreement. If your contract permits subcontracting, you must still receive notice of a carrier change and may withdraw from the contract.
Can additional charges simply appear after the move?
Article 1 of the quotation order requires an express amendment for extra charges. Article 4 also requires the bill to explain precisely any difference from the accepted quotation.
Sources
- DGCCRF, "Déménagement : attention à la sous-traitance et aux devis en ligne", 12 June 2025
- DGCCRF, "Déménagement", 4 January 2019
- Légifrance, "Arrêté du 27 avril 2010 relatif à la publicité des prix des prestations de déménagement", 27 April 2010
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