Chapter II: Joint representation action

Where several identified consumers have suffered individual losses which have been caused by the act of the same professional, and which have a common origin, any approved association recognised as representative at national level pursuant to article L. 811-1 may, if it has been mandated by at least two of the consumers concerned, bring an action for damages before any court on behalf of those consumers.

The mandate referred to in article L. 622-1 may not be solicited by means of a televised or radio public appeal, nor by means of posters, leaflets or personalised letters. It must be given in writing by each consumer.

Any consumer who has given his agreement, under the conditions provided for in article L. 622-2, to the bringing of an action before a criminal court is deemed in that case to be exercising the rights granted to the civil party pursuant to the code of criminal procedure. However, service of documents and notifications concerning the consumer shall be addressed to the association.

An association that brings an action under the provisions of articles L. 622-1 to L. 622-3 may bring a civil action before the examining magistrate or the trial court at the head office of the accused company or, failing that, at the place where the first offence was committed.