The Government has decided to postpone the implementation of new rules on prices in the service sector, so price caps will not be introduced for services from 1 October. The decision on the postponement was published on 28 September, and Minister for Economy Ante Šušnjak announced amendments and a new agreement with entrepreneurs.
Šušnjak stated that he had been speaking with craftsmen, entrepreneurs and traders who were adapting to the new obligations. The Government will propose a postponement of the implementation, i.e. the withdrawal of decisions that were to come into force on 1 October. The aim of the measure has not been abandoned, but it is necessary to find a way of implementing it that is more acceptable to entrepreneurs.
"We can misjudge, we can make a mistake, but I always try to be a responsible politician," said Šušnjak, who commented on social media. He also stated that he was aware of the problems that the new rules could bring to entrepreneurs, especially due to the additional administrative burdens and adaptation costs. The Minister had been an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years.
The idea behind the price caps was to allow consumers to easily see the movement of prices. In addition to the current price, a reference price, i.e. a price cap, was to be displayed, which was valid on a predetermined date. According to the previous Government decision, the price for newly acquired products and services was to be the price valid on 10 September 2026. The aim was to enable citizens to easily compare and clearly see changes in prices.
The Ministry published clarifications for traders and service providers before the implementation. It was foreseen that the additional price would be clearly indicated next to the current price at the point of sale, in price lists and promotional material.
The Minister announced that he would invite associations of entrepreneurs and business people to a meeting to go through the details together and find a solution for further regulation. During November, regulations are to be prepared which would define the way in which the base price and price list are displayed, with the definition of exceptions and a reduction in the administrative burden on traders, which does not bring direct benefit to consumers.
The postponement does not mean that the intention to provide consumers with greater price transparency is abandoned. The aim remains to enable citizens to easily see changes in prices, while at the same time reducing the administrative burden on entrepreneurs. The new rules are to be regulated by regulations, the entry into force of which is expected in November, and the regulations are to define the base price and the way in which the price list is published, with certain exceptions and the removal of obligations that are judged not to bring a real benefit to consumers.
