by croatiaweek
September 18, 2026
in
Businesses across Croatia are preparing for new price-display requirements that are due to take effect on 1 October 2026.
The changes will affect retail businesses and service providers and introduce an additional reference price alongside the current price.
The measure, commonly referred to as “price anchoring”, requires businesses to display the current price together with a price relating to a specified historical date.
The Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP) has raised concerns about the administrative and technical burden the measure could create, particularly for micro and small businesses.
HUP has called for an assessment of the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises before implementation, as well as clear instructions and sufficient time for businesses to make the necessary technical changes.
The issue is relevant beyond traditional shops.
The new requirements can affect businesses selling products and services, meaning the practical changes could extend to areas such as restaurants, hairdressers and other service providers.
For consumers, the purpose of showing an additional historical price is to provide more context about how the current price compares with a previous price.
The measure is separate from the existing rule concerning the lowest price applied during the previous 30 days.
Businesses therefore face several price-display obligations that need to be distinguished from one another.
HUP says the additional requirements could involve changes to pricing systems, labels, websites and other commercial materials.
The organisation has called for an SME test to assess whether the costs and administrative requirements are proportionate for smaller companies.
The measure comes as Croatia continues to use various mechanisms aimed at improving price transparency and monitoring price movements.
For consumers, the most visible effect from October will be additional price information at the point where products or services are offered.
For businesses, the deadline means pricing systems and displays need to be prepared before the new rules enter into force.
The precise implementation requirements and technical instructions remain important for businesses as the October deadline approaches.
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