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Is it allowed to distribute fragrance samples (Duftmuster) without indicating a price?
Yes, you may distribute a free fragrance sample without stating a price if the following conditions are met:
Condition – Mandatory?
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The sample is completely free of charge → Yes
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It is not tied to any purchase obligation → Yes
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The sample is not in fact a disguised sales product (e.g. a small size that is normally sold) → Yes
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The sample is not presented in a commercial context as a “Produkt mit Preisvorteil” (product with a price advantage) → Yes
Legal basis:
§ 1 (6) Preisangabenverordnung (PAngV)
“Diese Verordnung gilt nicht für unentgeltlich abgegebene Warenmuster oder Proben.”
(“This regulation does not apply to product samples or specimens supplied free of charge.”)
When does the sample become subject to price indication?
Situation – Must a price be shown?
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If the “sample” is sold on your website as a mini version (e.g. 5 ml for €2) → Yes
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If you charge the customer shipping costs → Yes – you must clearly indicate that it is “Versandkostenpflichtig” (subject to shipping costs)
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If the sample is included as part of a paid marketing offer → Yes
Do you have to print information such as ingredients on the sample?
Yes, for cosmetic products (including perfumes), certain information is always required:
Item – Required?
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List of ingredients (INCI) → Yes
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Details of the responsible entity (name + address) → Yes
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Batch number (Chargennummer) → Yes
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Wording such as “Nur zur Probe” or “Unverkäufliches Muster” → Strongly recommended
Is there a maximum size for samples?
There is no explicit legal maximum in the PAngV, but in practice the following is commonly accepted:
Product – Typical size accepted as a sample
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Perfume → 1–2 ml (small ampoules)
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Cream → 1–5 ml
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Shampoo → up to 10 ml
If the volume is larger and can reasonably be treated as a regular sales size (e.g. 15 ml), authorities may consider it a disguised commercial product, which would trigger price indication and additional labelling requirements.
Example text to print on a free sample:
Unverkäufliches Muster
Nur zur Probe – Nicht zum Verkauf bestimmt
Inhaltsstoffe (INCI): Alcohol Denat., Parfum, Aqua, Limonene, Linalool
Verantwortlich: Parfüm XYZ, Musterstraße 1, 12345 Berlin
Charge: 2405A
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on in-depth research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may not be fully confirmed. Therefore, the information contained in the articles should be regarded as an initial reference, and you should always consult the competent authorities for final and legally binding information.
