Since January 1, 2026, the value of products sent to content creators has been included in the legal threshold that requires a written contract. This change affects how influencer marketing is handled, especially in companies that use both formal campaigns with budgets and contracts, and informal arrangements where products are sent to creators in exchange for a post or mention. A law passed on June 9, 2023, and recently clarified by a new decree, now treats any product given to a creator as a form of compensation. This means that if a brand sends a product to a creator in exchange for a promotional post, both the brand and the creator are subject to advertising laws. The law does not set a minimum audience size for a creator to be considered a celebrity; even someone with 2,000 followers is treated as such. The threshold for requiring a written contract is set at 1,000 euros per year, excluding taxes. This amount may seem high for a single product, but it is calculated annually and includes all forms of compensation, such as cash payments and non-cash benefits, from the same brand to the same creator for the same promotional goal. For example, three shipments worth 350 euros in a year would meet this threshold. If a written contract is not in place, the agreement is considered invalid. The law also requires that any collaboration be clearly labeled as an "advertisement" or "commercial collaboration" in the content. Failure to do so can be considered a deceptive commercial practice, which is a criminal offense punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros. Both the brand and the creator are jointly responsible for any damages caused to third parties by the content. While this law is often seen as targeting the excesses of some influencers, it is primarily focused on regulating advertising practices and ensuring transparency in sponsored content. The law aims to establish clear expectations and responsibilities for both brands and creators. A written contract forces the parties to define what is expected in return for the promotion, what compensation is provided, and who owns the content. These issues often lead to disputes when not addressed from the beginning. The law gives creators a clearer relationship with brands and allows brands to understand exactly what they are paying for. The final challenge is changing a common habit: treating the delivery of products as seriously as one would treat an invoice.