The Government of the Republic of Croatia has issued a new Decision on the Display of Additional Prices and a Decision on the Publication of Price Lists for Products and Services (published in the Official Gazette, No. 101/26). These measures represent direct price control measures under the 11th government measure package designed to protect living standards and economic competitiveness, coming into force on October 1, 2026.

Purpose of the Measure

The main purpose of expanding the obligation to display anchor prices and introducing daily digital price lists is to protect consumer purchasing power, prevent unjustified price increases, and enhance market transparency.

The goal is to provide citizens with a clearer and simpler view of who changed prices, when, and to what extent (upwards or downwards). This gives consumers insight into price history so they can make informed purchasing decisions, directly influencing market behavior and competition among retailers and service providers.

Covered Entities and Market Scope (B2B vs. B2C)

  • Market Segment (B2C vs. B2B): The measure applies exclusively to the B2C (Business-to-Consumer) segment, i.e., in relationships between retailers/service providers and end consumers (natural persons). It does not apply to B2B relationships (wholesale and commercial transactions between companies).
  • Covered Entities: All retailers performing registered retail trade activities and all service providers operating in the Republic of Croatia.
  • Scope (Products and Services Covered): The obligation covers all retail products and all services intended for end consumers.

Which Prices Are Used as “Anchor” (Reference) Prices?

Depending on the category of the item or service, two reference dates apply:

  • Newly Included Products and All Services: The anchor price is the price that was valid on September 10, 2026.
  • Categories Covered by Previous Decisions: For food, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning agents, toiletries, and household products, the anchor price remains the price valid on May 2, 2025.

 

Where and How Must Anchor Prices Be Displayed?

The additional (anchor) price must be clearly, visibly, and legibly displayed alongside the currently valid retail price across all sales, service, and promotional channels:

  • At Sales Outlets and Service Premises: On shelves, product price tags, price lists, and service boards.
  • In Promotional Materials: In printed and digital flyers, catalogs, posters, digital ads, and official websites (e-commerce shops / online price lists).

Obligation to Publish and Update Digital Price Lists

In addition to physical price display on premises, all covered entities are required to publish valid price lists on their websites:

  • Retailers: Must publish updated price lists every working day no later than 8:00 AM in a digital format suitable for automated data processing.
  • Service Providers: Must update their price lists after any price change – no later than 8:00 AM on the day the change is published.

Key Dates and Oversight

  • Entry into Force: October 1, 2026.
  • Supervision & Enforcement: Compliance on the ground and in the digital space will be monitored by market inspectors and other competent authorities.

  Contact your web administrator, developer, or the person maintaining your website in a timely manner regarding the technical implementation.

Author, Admin