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

Article in Entrance: “Rentals”

“The landlord increased the prices of the property every year, but he hasn't done this for 2 years, maybe he forgets. Can he still claim an overdue amount later?”

No valid appeal to non-compete clause in franchising

On 28 February 2017, ECLI:NL:RBGEL:2017:1469, the provisional relief judge of the District Court of Gelderland ruled on whether a franchisee could be bound by a non-compete clause.

Structurally unsound revenue forecasts from the franchisor

On 15 March 2017, the District Court of Limburg ruled in eight similar judgments (including ECLI:NL:RBLIM:2017:2344) on the franchise agreements of various franchisees of the P3 franchise formula.

Franchisee obliged to cooperate with formula change?

On 24 March 2017, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2017:1860, the preliminary relief judge of the Amsterdam District Court once again considered the issue in which Intertoys wishes to convert Bart Smit's stores

Delivery stop by franchisor not allowed

On 9 February 2017, the preliminary relief judge of the District Court of Gelderland, ECLI:NL:RBGEL:2017:1372, ruled that a franchisor had not fulfilled its obligation to supply the franchisee

Go to Top