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North Macedonia inspectors monitor school supply price reductions
The State Market Inspectorate in North Macedonia has launched field inspections to ensure retailers are complying with a government mandate to reduce school supply prices. The regulation requires a minimum price reduction of 10% for wholesale and 15% for retail, effective from August 25 through September 30, 2026. Retailers must clearly label products with the sign ‘less costs, more for you’, showing both the previous price and the new discounted price.
Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi noted that while market prices are currently stable, rising fuel costs pose a risk of increasing transport expenses, which could eventually impact consumer prices. To prevent profiteering, inspectors will monitor gross profit margins throughout the supply chain. Durmishi warned that the government will intervene if price hikes are found to be unjustified rather than a direct result of increased costs.
In response to the economic climate, retailers are seeking legislative changes to the Law on Unfair Trade Practices to allow the return of unsold goods to suppliers. The Minister indicated that such changes would require discussions with the European Union to ensure alignment with EU recommendations. Meanwhile, the government continues to monitor inflation, which showed signs of stabilization in July, though the cost of living remains a concern for households.
Entities
Besar Durmishi · Government of North Macedonia · Ministry of Economy and Labor · North Macedonia · State Market Inspectorate · VMRO-DPMNE
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The price reduction mandate is effective from August 25, 2026, until September 30, 2026. utrinskivesnik.mk · lider.mk · plusinfo.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Retail prices for school supplies must be reduced by at least 15 percent. utrinskivesnik.mk · lider.mk · plusinfo.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Retailers must label products with the phrase ‘помалку трошоци, повеќе за тебе’ (less costs, more for you). utrinskivesnik.mk · lider.mk · plusinfo.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Wholesale prices for school supplies must be reduced by at least 10 percent. utrinskivesnik.mk · lider.mk · plusinfo.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Retailers must display both the previous and the new reduced sale prices. utrinskivesnik.mk · lider.mk · plusinfo.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The State Market Inspectorate is conducting field inspections to ensure compliance with government price reduction mandates. utrinskivesnik.mk · lider.mk · plusinfo.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Citizens can report irregularities via the number 191 or the official website. lider.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fines for non-compliance range from 500 to 10,000 euros. utrinskivesnik.mk