No Dutch Franchise Code, but legislation on franchising

The Secretary of State has stated that  the Dutch Franchise Code (“NFC”) is not enshrined in law. However, there will be legislation on franchising. 

On 8 February 2018, the standing committee for Economic Affairs and Climate held consultations with Ms Keijzer, State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate, about  including the announced regulations on franchising. The coalition agreement also contains a phrase about this, namely that regulations must be introduced and that the “pre-competitive phase” must be included in legislation. 

The Secretary of State indicates that he is working on the regulations on franchising, but it has emerged that there is no agreement between franchisors and franchisees about the NFC. The State Secretary indicates that he has accepted this as an established fact. This seems to put an end to the question of whether the NFC will be legally enshrined, as was previously submitted to the public for consultation. 

The State Secretary announces that she will submit an elaboration of the regulations to the House of Representatives in an order in council (“AmvB”). This order in council will contain rules for the “pre-competitive phase” in franchising. She hopes to do so before the end of the year. 

mr. AW Dolphin  – franchise lawyer 

Ludwig & Van Dam Franchise attorneys, franchise legal advice. Do you want to respond? Go to dolphijn@ludwigvandam.nl .

Other messages

Amsterdam Court of Appeal restricts franchisor’s appeal to non-competition – dated July 6, 2020 – mr. T. Meijer

On 30 June 20202, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled that a franchisor is not entitled to an (unlimited) appeal to a contractual non-competition clause.

Article Franchise+ – “Immediate information obligations of franchisors upon operation of the Franchise Act” – mr. AW Dolphijn – dated June 25, 2020

As soon as the Franchise Act enters into force, this will have an immediate effect on franchise agreements that already exist. The question is whether the information flows are set up optimally from a legal point of view.

By Alex Dolphijn|25-06-2020|Categories: Statements & current affairs|
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