FBiH Government caps prices for 100 products, see which items are affected

(Patria) - The FBiH Government today, at a telephone session, upon the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Trade, adopted a Decision prescribing a measure of direct price control by setting the maximum retail price level for certain products in retail stores in the territory of the FBiH.

This decision sets the maximum retail price level for 100 products, divided into two groups.

Business entities (retailers) registered for retail trade are obliged to set prices for products from this decision at a level no higher than the prescribed maximum retail price for at least one type of item within the same product category, if they offer it in their assortment.

In case a specific type of item of the same product is not available for sale, retailers shall determine another item of the same product that they offer in their assortment, which will be subject to the price cap.

Legal entities registered for retail trade in all their sales outlets are obliged to set the maximum retail price level for products, namely for all products from Group 1 and at least 25 products (at their own choice) from Group 2.

Natural persons registered for retail trade in their sales outlet are obliged to set the maximum retail price level for at least 20 products from Group 1.

In order to ensure timely information for consumers about retail prices of products, retailers are obliged to clearly, visibly and legibly display a visual identification mark next to the retail price, at the entrance to the sales outlet or at another location within the sales outlet, and on the website, if established, to clearly, visibly and legibly display a poster containing at least the visual identification and a list of items with the stated previous (regular) price and the "Locked Price" of the same product.

The federal, cantonal, city and municipal market inspectorates are responsible for the implementation and supervision of this decision.

This decision shall apply for 90 days from the date of entry into force, and shall enter into force on the eighth day from the date of publication in the Official Gazette of the FBiH.

As stated by the proposer in the explanation of the Decision, compared to the previous period of application of price control measures, the scope of products has been expanded from the previously established number of products to a total of 100 products, which are also divided into two groups.

Expanding the product list enables greater availability of items with capped prices, a wider choice for consumers, as well as a more balanced representation of products from different categories and manufacturers.

At the same time, retailers are left with a certain level of flexibility through the possibility of choosing items within individual product categories that they offer in their assortment.

The goal of prescribing a new measure of direct price control is to reduce inflation in the segment of basic foodstuffs, which are important for the daily consumption of citizens, ensuring their affordability, especially for citizens with the lowest incomes.

Also, the goal is to ensure diversity and competition on the market, enabling consumers to choose between different options, while retailers maintain lower prices that do not compromise product quality.

The proposer emphasizes that this measure is important for market stability, consumer protection and preservation of a healthy market environment, with the necessary flexibility that allows retailers to offer various brands (items) within the minimum price framework.