Perfumery stores, pharmacies, supermarkets… why you will no longer have free samples when you shop ?

You must now explicitly request a sample if you are a consumer. Illustration MAXPPP – Patrick Lefevre

Obtaining, in addition to your purchases, a small sample of cream, perfume or other, is now finished. Under the law aimed at combating waste, a decree specified at the end of April the terms of this new regulation.

It took almost two years between the time the measure was to come into force and the time its terms were specified. According to article L541-15-10 of the Environmental Code, "no later than July 1, 2022, it is prohibited to provide a consumer, without request from them, with a product sample as part of a commercial approach".

In fact, it is only since the end of April that the terms of this rule have been detailed, as noted by the association for the defense of consumers UFC Que Choisir.

As recalled on the public service website, which details the modalities, "the aim of this measure is to avoid waste from unrequested samples by consumers.

In this decree which provides more details to the article of law, it is therefore specified that the term sample corresponds to a "small quantity of merchandise  transferred free of charge to consumers. Its packaging must be different from the marketed product.

A limited ban

If the decree does not mention a type of trade, these samples are traditionally distributed at the cash register in pharmacies or perfumeries, but can also be distributed in shopping centers or in pet stores&hellip ; Only two exceptions escape the new rule: "samples included in press publications" and "foodstuffs without packaging intended for immediate and on-site consumption".

However, the law does not put a stop to the production of samples, since consumers can continue to obtain them, provided that you request them. The decree specifies that "the professional can inform, by any means, the consumer that the sample can only be given to him at his request.

Thus, if the information is communicated remotely, the consumer's first authorization is valid until explicit waiver by the latter.