Croatia Ministry of Economy maintains base price regulations amid business protests

The Croatian Ministry of Economy has confirmed it will proceed with new regulations regarding the display of base prices and price lists, despite significant pushback from business associations. State Secretary Ivan Rakocija stated that the measures are intended to empower consumers, increase market transparency, and encourage fair competition.

The proposed rules include specific exemptions for dynamic pricing, such as airline tickets, and personalized services like those provided by lawyers, architects, or custom florists. The ministry is currently in a public consultation phase, inviting comments from all stakeholders, including micro and small entrepreneurs, until mid-November.

In response to the regulations, the Voice of Entrepreneurs Association (UGP) and the Save Small Family Renters Association (SMOi) have submitted ten formal demands to the Croatian Government. These demands, which follow a large-scale protest in Zagreb, call for the abolition of base price requirements and the removal of mandatory digital price list publications, citing excessive administrative and financial burdens on small businesses and craftsmen.