
Initially, consumer protection in Croatia is regulated by a number of laws and regulations. The recent boycott of supermarkets due to the high prices of food and household goods has highlighted the importance of knowing consumer rights and protection mechanisms. In this blog, we will explore collective consumer rights and the role of the Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) in preventing unfair trading practices.
The Consumer Protection Act allows consumer protection associations to file collective lawsuits. They can be brought against traders who violate consumer rights. Lawsuits are led on the basis of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and the Code of Civil Procedure.
Collective actions may be filed for:
In the event of a supermarket boycott, consumer protection associations could, under certain conditions, initiate a class action. They should prove that prices are artificially inflated and that traders have unduly profited to the detriment of consumers. Associations could also request a court ban on such behavior in the future. A class action lawsuit is a powerful tool for protecting the interests of a large number of consumers.
The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) plays a key role in ensuring fair competition in Croatia. According to the Competition Act, the CCA has broad powers. It can investigate and sanction anti-competitive behaviour, including cartels between traders.
Prohibited agreements are agreements between undertakings which have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition. In particular, direct or indirect price-fixing agreements are prohibited. Agreements are prohibited if they significantly affect competition in the territory of the Republic of Croatia.
If there is a suspicion that traders have concluded a prohibited agreement on prices, the CCA may initiate proceedings ex officio or upon request. In the course of the proceedings, the CCA collects evidence, conducts eyewitnesses and hears the parties. It can also impose administrative and punitive measures. The CCA will impose a fine if it finds the existence of a cartel.
If it is established that traders have negotiated prices, the CCA may impose high fines on them. Fines can amount to up to 10% of the total annual income of the entrepreneur. The procedure may also determine measures to eliminate the harmful consequences of the agreement. The CCA may also order traders to act in a certain manner within a certain time limit. This ensures consumer protection. These can be measures such as lowering prices or reimbursing consumers for an overpayment. The CCA also has the power to supervise the execution of the imposed measures.
Consumers in Croatia have legal mechanisms in place to protect against unfair trading practices. Consumer protection associations and the CCA play a key role in ensuring fair market conditions. It is important that consumers are aware of their rights. They must also be willing to actively advocate for their protection.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice in the field of consumer protection, you can contact us at: