In short
This is an unofficial explanatory note; only the Arabic text published in the Bulletin officiel is authoritative. Law No. 31-08 protects consumers in their dealings with businesses: information on prices and products, unfair terms, a right of withdrawal for distance and doorstep sales, rules on consumer credit and guarantees.
Who this law applies to
The law protects anyone who buys or uses a product or service for non-professional purposes. It imposes obligations on suppliers: shops, online sales platforms, service providers, and banks and finance companies offering consumer credit.
Key rules
- Businesses must inform consumers of the essential features of the product or service, its price and the terms of sale.
- Unfair terms, which create a significant imbalance to the consumer's detriment, are deemed unwritten.
- Misleading advertising, aggressive commercial practices and exploitation of vulnerability are prohibited and punishable.
- Consumer credit and home loans require pre-contractual information and a detailed written offer.
- Consumer protection associations may, under certain conditions, take legal action to defend consumers' collective interests.
Key deadlines and figures
- Distance selling, including online: seven-day withdrawal period, extended to thirty days if the business has not met its information obligations.
- Doorstep selling: the consumer also has a seven-day withdrawal period.
- Consumer credit: the borrower has a withdrawal period after accepting the offer.
- Any contractual guarantee and after-sales service must be set out in writing, without prejudice to the statutory warranty against defects in the goods sold.
What this means in practice
A consumer who has bought online can cancel the purchase within the statutory period without giving reasons. Faced with a term that removes all remedies or allows the business to change the contract unilaterally, the consumer can challenge its application.
For businesses, the law requires a review of general terms of sale, advertising and credit agreements. Non-compliance exposes them to sanctions and to disputes with customers.
Reforms and recent developments
In force since 2011 and supplemented by implementing regulations, Law No. 31-08 is becoming increasingly important with the growth of e-commerce and online payments. The information and withdrawal rules apply fully to sales concluded online.
When to consult a lawyer
A consumer may seek advice when a business refuses a refund, a repair or the exercise of the right of withdrawal, or in a dispute over a loan. A business may consult a lawyer to bring its contracts, general terms and commercial practices into line with the law.
Explanatory note prepared by the firm and unofficial translation. Only the text published in the Official Bulletin is authoritative. The information on this website is general and does not replace legal advice. Every situation requires an analysis of its own facts and documents.