In order to protect the interests of consumers in Sarajevo Canton, cantonal market and tourism inspectors conduct intensified controls of market prices, in accordance with the decisions of the Government of the Federation of BiH and Sarajevo Canton on direct price control measures in relation to prescribed margins for certain basic foodstuffs and other products, as well as oil and petroleum products.
“These controls are carried out continuously, but taking into account the current market situation and increasing reports of citizens, in the coming period, inspectors will pay special attention to control the high retail prices of items found in the sale, or whether the high retail price corresponds to the calculated the retail price of the same items, and whether the product that is on sale is clearly and visibly marked (before and after the discount).”
Maximum wholesale margin
According to the report of the Inspectorate of Market and Tourism Inspection, about 500 inspections were carried out in the subject of price control last year, and due to identified irregularities and illegalities, about 300 misdemeanor orders were issued in the total amount of 150,000 BAM. (KUIP).
They remind that legal and natural persons are obliged to determine and apply margins so that they do not exceed the margins of these products in the percentage amount on 31.12.2020.
“This obligation applies to wheat flour and all types of bread made of wheat flour, milk and liquid yogurt 2.8% mm, fresh eggs, white crystal sugar, salt for human consumption, rice, pasta, margarine and vegetable fat, all types of fresh meat and fish, canned meat, canned fish, edible sunflower oil, infant formulas and post-breastfeeding formulas, disposable diapers for children and adults, laundry detergent powder, liquid dishwashing detergent and soap.”
In addition, companies engaged in the wholesale trade of petroleum products are prescribed a maximum wholesale margin in the absolute amount of 0.06 BAM per liter of derivatives, and companies engaged in the retail trade of petroleum products are prescribed a maximum retail margin in absolute terms. in the amount of 0.25 BAM per liter of derivatives – according to KUIP.
Identifying irregularities and illegalities
KUIP calls on all supervised entities, especially large shopping centers, to strictly comply with the Law on Internal Trade, the Law on Consumer Protection, the Law on Price Control, as well as the aforementioned decisions, given that any identified irregularities and illegalities will be acted upon exclusively and repressively by issuing misdemeanor warrants.
They have also invited the citizens of CS to report all possible deviations and price changes to the competent inspectorate of the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs of CS.
For non-compliance with the adopted measures, the Law on Price Control envisages a fine for legal entities in the amount of 1,000 BAM to 10,000 BAM, for a responsible person in a legal entity from 250 BAM to 2,500 BAM and from 500 to 1,500 BAM for a natural person – concluded in a statement.
