Translating T&Cs
Translated T&Cs are not a commercial courtesy: in the European Union, a clause a consumer could not understand cannot be enforced against them. Translation is a condition of validity, not a comfort.
How much it costs
For a document of this type, around 3,000 words (8 pages), into one language:
Understand the document, internal use.
Ready to share, by the legal specialist.
Cross-reviewed. For what commits you.
By comparison, a translation agency charges between 360 € and 600 € for the same document, within five to ten working days. VAT not applicable — article 293 B of the French General Tax Code (CGI). Original layout included. Exact quote displayed before payment, after file upload.
Why it's a requirement and not a courtesy
The European directive on unfair terms and the consumer law of most member states require that contractual terms be drafted in a clear and comprehensible manner for the consumer to whom they are addressed. In practice, a clause that a consumer could not understand risks being deemed non-transparent and set aside.
For business-to-business sales, the requirement is less strict, but the commercial risk remains: a foreign buyer who does not understand your payment terms or your retention of title clause will dispute them at a time when it will cost you dearly.
Clauses that translate poorly
Four categories require particular attention, and this is what distinguishes a specialist translation from a literal translation:
- Retention of title. The mechanism exists everywhere, under very different regimes. The German word Eigentumsvorbehalt does not exactly cover the French notion.
- Late payment penalties. Between professionals, French statutory amounts (three times the legal interest rate, fixed compensation of €40) are specific to French law and must be presented as such, not converted into local usage.
- Statutory guarantee of conformity. Its duration differs from one Member State to another; translating it without qualifying it creates a promise you have not made.
- Jurisdiction clause. Often unenforceable against a foreign consumer — translating it does not make it valid, but concealing it would be worse.
What it actually costs
Typical French terms and conditions run between 2,500 and 4,000 words. For 3,000 words, expect €54 per language at Professional level, even less as soon as you order several. A legal translation agency will charge between €360 and €600 for the same document, with a turnaround of five to ten working days.
The difference is not just the price: it is the ability to translate your terms and conditions with each amendment, rather than waiting for the annual overhaul because translation costs too much to be redone.
Frequently asked questions
Are machine-translated terms and conditions valid?
The law does not impose any translation method: it requires that the customer understands. What matters is the quality of the result, not the tool. However, have the translated version reviewed by your counsel if your terms and conditions contain unusual clauses — this is true whatever method is used.
Should you translate into the language of the country or into English?
Into the language of the consumer to whom you are selling. English is not sufficient for a German or Spanish consumer: it is their language that governs the assessment of whether they could understand. For business-to-business sales, English is generally accepted.
How long does it take to translate terms and conditions?
A few minutes. 3,000-word terms and conditions into three languages come out in a few minutes, layout preserved.
The specialist handling it
This type of document is assigned to the legal specialist. See how it works.
Further reading
Going further
Translating a commercial contract: the eight pitfalls that cost dear
Defined terms, legal false friends, governing-language clause, article cross-references, amounts and dates: what turns a contract translation into a dispute, and how to avoid it.
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