Bulgarian Agencies Conduct Record Number of Inspections Ahead of Euro Adoption

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) in Bulgaria conducted a record number of inspections last year, totaling 37,955. The aim was to ensure compliance with the Law on the Introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Bulgaria.

During these inspections, 2,755 acts of administrative violations were drawn up and 1,598 penalty orders were issued for a total of €3,261,657. Traders in various sectors, including food and non-food stores, gas stations, restaurants, and stock exchanges, were inspected.

The NRA fiscal inspectors monitored whether the issued fiscal receipt indicated the total amount of the purchase in euros and leva, as well as the BNB's fixed exchange rate of the leva against the euro. The CPC inspectors checked for correct price indication, currency conversion, rounding when calculating amounts from one currency to another, and unfair trade practices.

The institutions emphasized that constant control is necessary, not only punitive but also preventive. They announced that they will provide assistance if necessary and called on citizens to report any unjustified price increases to the Consumer Protection Commission and tax and social security legislation violations to the National Revenue Agency.