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France Orders Booking.com to Revise Unfair Hotel Contract Terms

DGCCRF has given Booking.com until the end of the year to eliminate unfair contract terms under the threat of daily fines reaching €69.35 million.

Overview

  • The DGCCRF determined that Booking.com’s general terms contained manifestly imbalanced clauses restricting French hoteliers’ commercial freedom.
  • The decision relies on the EU Platform-to-Business regulation and France’s commercial code to enforce transparency and prohibit significant contractual imbalances.
  • Booking.com faces a compliance deadline of December 31, 2025 and potential daily penalties up to €69.35 million if it fails to amend nonconforming clauses.
  • Under P2B rules, platforms must provide clear, accessible terms, notify businesses of changes on a durable medium, explain their ranking criteria, and justify any suspensions or account closures.
  • Booking.com contests the DGCCRF’s conclusions but has engaged closely with regulators to address the flagged practices.