Starting October 1, 2026, Croatian retailers and service providers must display an 'anchor price' alongside current prices to improve consumer transparency.
Key facts
- •The new price comparison system becomes mandatory for Croatian businesses on October 1, 2026.
- •The 'anchor price' is defined as the regular price of a product or service as of September 10, 2026.
- •Retailers and service providers must include the anchor price in all physical and digital advertisements.
- •Web-based businesses must maintain price lists in XML or CSV formats, updated by 08:00 daily.
- •Businesses are required to keep proof of their prices as they stood on September 10, 2026.
A new price comparison system will take effect in Croatia on October 1, 2026, requiring businesses to display an anchor price alongside their current offerings. This mandate applies to a wide range of entities, including retailers, restaurants, and service providers like car mechanics and hair salons. The anchor price represents the regular price of a product or service as it stood on September 10, 2026, excluding any promotional discounts.
Scope and Requirements
The new rules apply to all registered service providers and retailers, covering sectors from furniture and building materials to personal care and hospitality. Businesses must display this anchor price on physical price lists, menus, and all forms of advertising, including digital and outdoor media. While traders are permitted to change their prices, the system is designed to allow consumers to see how current costs compare to the September 10 baseline. An exception exists for specific goods—including food, drinks, cosmetics, and household products—that were already subject to previous price-highlighting regulations. For these items, the reference price remains the one that was in effect on May 2, 2025.
Technical Obligations for Websites
Businesses with websites must publish their price lists in XML or CSV formats to facilitate automated data collection. Traders are required to update these lists by 08:00 on every working day, while service providers must update them by 08:00 on the day of any price change. These digital records must remain accessible for 30 days. Businesses without a website are not required to create one specifically to meet these new obligations.
Timeline
- May 2, 2025The reference date for anchor prices on food, drinks, cosmetics, and household products.
- September 10, 2026The reference date for anchor prices for most other products and services.
- October 1, 2026The date the new price comparison system becomes mandatory in Croatia.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Total Croatia News.
