The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at a telephonic session, on the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Trade, passed a Decision prescribing a measure of direct price control by determining the highest level of retail prices of certain products in retail stores in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This decision prescribes the highest level of retail prices for 100 products, in two groups.
Business entities (traders) registered for retail trade are obliged to set prices for products from this decision up to the level of the prescribed maximum retail price for at least one type of item within the same product category, if they offer them in their assortment.
A certain type of item
In the event that a certain type of item of the same product is not available for sale, retailers determine another item of the same product that they offer in their assortment, which will be subject to a limited price.
Legal entities registered for retail trade, in all their sales facilities, are obliged to set the highest level of retail prices for products, namely for all products from group 1 and at least 25 products (by personal choice) from group 2. Natural persons registered for retail trade, in their sales premises, are obliged to set the highest level of retail prices for at least 20 products from group 1.
In order to ensure that consumers are informed in a timely manner about the retail prices of products, traders are obliged to clearly, visibly and legibly display a visual identification mark along with the retail price, at the entrance to the sales facility or at another place within the sales facility and on the website, if established, clearly, visibly and legibly display a poster containing a minimum visual identification and a list of items with the specified previous (regular) price and the “Locked price” of the same product.
Federal, cantonal, city and municipal market inspections are responsible for the realization and supervision of the implementation of this decision.
This decision applies 90 days from the date of entry into force, and enters into force on the eighth day from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Previous period of price control measures
As stated by the proponent in the explanation of the Decision, in relation to the previous period of application of price control measures, the coverage of products was expanded from the previously determined number of products to a total of 100 products, which are also divided into two groups.
“Expanding the list of products enables greater availability of items with limited prices, greater choice for consumers, as well as a more even 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 certain 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 is 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 in the market, allowing consumers to choose from different options, while at the same time retailers maintain lower prices that do not compromise product quality. The proposer points out that this measure is essential for market stability, consumer protection and the preservation of a healthy market environment, with the necessary flexibility that allows traders to offer a variety of brands (items) within the minimum price frameworks”, the Public Relations Office of the FBiH Government said. Report.
