Yes, ticket scalping is legal in France but strictly regulated under the Code de commerce and Code de la consommation, enforced by the Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes (DGCCRF).
Scalpers may resell tickets above face value, yet face penalties if they breach transparency or fairness rules. The 2026 Loi anti-scalping introduces stricter digital platform obligations, requiring real-time price caps and seller verification to curb fraud. Non-compliance risks fines up to €15,000 for individuals and €75,000 for businesses.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in France
- Price Transparency Mandate: Sellers must disclose original ticket price, service fees, and total resale cost upfront (Art. L. 221-18, Code de la consommation). Omissions trigger administrative sanctions.
- Platform Accountability: Digital resale platforms (e.g., Viagogo, Ticketmaster Resale) must register with DGCCRF, implement automated price-monitoring tools, and block resales exceeding 30% above face value for events with >5,000 attendees.
- Event-Specific Restrictions: For high-demand events (e.g., UEFA Champions League finals, major festivals), resale is prohibited unless authorized by organizers under Art. L. 221-19. Violations may lead to event bans for repeat offenders.