About 10 percent of the stores inspected across Bulgaria have been found in violation of the Euro Introduction Act, according to the Consumer Protection Commission (CPCo). The announcement follows the end of the grace period during which traders received only warnings for discrepancies.
The inspections aim to ensure that all retailers clearly display prices in both leva and euros, using the official fixed rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 leva. Authorities emphasize that transparency and accuracy are key to preparing consumers for Bulgaria’s transition to the euro next year.
490 inspections, 55 violations found
Ignat Arsenov, Director of the General Directorate for Market Control at the CPCo, reported that over 490 inspections were conducted nationwide, covering large retail chains, small shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and tourist sites.
“Out of all the inspections carried out, we identified 55 cases where the law was breached. These violations were related to incorrect price labeling or inaccurate currency conversion between leva and euro,” Arsenov said.
Common issues: missing euro prices and misleading fonts
The most frequent violations involve missing euro prices, where only the leva value is shown. Some businesses also failed to display both prices equally, using smaller fonts for euro values. “We have seen cases where the price in leva is much larger, which misleads consumers,” Arsenov added.
Inspectors also found cases where the conversion rate did not match the official 1.95583 leva per euro. Arsenov stressed that all prices must now reflect this exact rate, without rounding, even though euro payments will start only in January next year.
Small retailers more likely to violate rules
According to the CPCo, smaller businesses are more likely to make errors or omit euro prices altogether. “Large retail chains generally comply with the legislation, but smaller shops still struggle,” Arsenov noted.
The inspections span over 100 commercial sites across different sectors, ensuring both major and minor retailers are equally monitored.
Fines up to 14,000 leva for repeat offenses
With the grace period ending on October 9, fines are now being imposed. The penalties range from 400 to 7,000 leva (€205–€3,580) for first-time offenders and can reach 14,000 leva (€7,160) for repeat violations.
“The goal is not punishment but ensuring fairness and transparency in Bulgaria’s euro transition,” Arsenov said.
70 traders failed to submit mandatory data
Around 70 traders have not submitted required pricing information to the Commission as mandated by law. These businesses face penalties ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 leva, and up to 200,000 leva (€102,400) for repeated noncompliance.
Arsenov confirmed that nationwide inspections will continue, ensuring all Bulgarian traders meet the standards set under the Euro Introduction Act before the full euro adoption begins in 2026.