The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) and other control authorities in Bulgaria will apply strict sanctions against traders who do not comply with the requirements for dual display of prices in BGN and EUR. Fines can reach up to BGN 50,000 and in some cases even temporary closure of the outlet is possible.

Keywords: penalties dual display prices, fines CPC BGN EUR, penalties dual currency, control prices Bulgaria 2025

Regulatory framework and legal grounds for sanctions

Penalties for non-compliance with dual display of prices are based on several legal acts:

Consumer Protection Act:

  • Obligation to display prices clearly and legibly
  • Prohibition of misleading pricing practices
  • Requirements for equal treatment of the two currencies
  • Sanctions for infringements of consumer rights

Ordinance on dual display of prices:

  • Specific technical requirements
  • Font size and colour standards
  • Control and sanctioning procedures
  • Transitional periods and exceptions

Trade Act:

  • General requirements for commercial activities
  • Consumer information standards
  • Administrative penalty procedures
  • Rights of control authorities

Keywords: consumer protection law penalties, regulation double display prices, regulation BGN EUR, legal grounds fines

Types of infringements and corresponding penalties

The CPC applies different sanctions depending on the type of infringement:

Minor violations (fines 500-2000 BGN):

  • Font size inaccuracies for one of the currencies
  • Slight variations in text colours
  • Gaps in the display of prices in individual sections
  • Delays in updating promotional material

Medium severity offences (fines 2000-10000 BGN):

  • Systematic non-compliance with dual display requirements
  • Creating the impression of a preference for one currency
  • Incorrect conversion of prices with wrong exchange rate
  • Absence of double prices in more than 30% of products

Serious violations (fines 10000-50000 BGN):

  • Complete absence of prices in one of the currencies
  • Deliberately misleading consumers
  • Systematic infringements in repeated inspections
  • Refusal to remedy established infringements

Keywords: types of violations double display, minor violations BGN EUR, serious violations prices, amount of fines CPC

Control procedure by the CPC

CPC controls follow an established procedure:

Plan checks:

  • Schedule of inspections announced at the beginning of the year
  • Focus on large retail chains and mules
  • Checks of online shops through remote monitoring
  • Comparative checks between competitors

Emergency checks:

  • In case of signals from users
  • In response to media publications
  • Where systemic problems are identified in a sector
  • Follow-up checks to remedy infringements

Documentation of violations:

  • Photographic documentation of violations
  • Protocols detailing the problems
  • Collecting evidence from websites
  • Interviews with responsible persons

Keywords: Control procedure CPC, scheduled double display checks, extraordinary checks BGN EUR, documenting violations

How to avoid penalties

Preventive measures are the best way to avoid sanctions:

Technical training:

  • Investing in quality software solutions
  • Regular system updates
  • Automated compliance testing
  • Backup systems for technical problems
  • Real-time monitoring

Staff Training:

  • Regular training on the requirements of the law
  • Procedures for rapid response to problems
  • Responsibilities of different roles in the organisation
  • Communication with control authorities
  • Documentation of measures taken

Internal control:

  • Daily compliance checks
  • Monthly audits of all systems
  • Testing new products and promotions
  • Customer feedback analysis
  • Corrective action for identified problems

Keywords: avoiding double display sanctions, preventive measures BGN EUR, training of CPC staff, internal control prices

Appeal procedure for sanctions

Traders have a right of appeal when sanctions are imposed:

Administrative appeal:

  • Filing a complaint within 14 days
  • Proof of compliance
  • Possibility of fine reduction
  • Suspension of execution during the proceedings

Judicial appeal:

  • Appeal to the Administrative Court
  • Ability to suspend execution
  • Presentation of expert conclusions
  • Legal assistance from specialist lawyers

Keywords: appeal of penalties CPC, administrative appeal BGN EUR, judicial appeal fines, legal aid double display

Good compliance practices

Successful marketers apply the following practices:

  • Proactive attitude to legal requirements
  • Investment in advanced technology solutions
  • Regular communication with legal advisors
  • Participation in industry organizations and forums
  • Exchange of experience with other traders

Keywords: best practices double display, proactive approach BGN EUR, legal consultants CPC, industry organizations trade

Conclusion

The penalties for non-compliance with the double display of prices in Bulgaria are serious and can significantly harm businesses. Preventive training, quality staff training and regular internal controls are key to avoiding problems with the CPC.