Thursday, 19 February 2026
Bulgaria has introduced amendments to its Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which took effect on 3 February 2026. The changes bring national legislation into line with EU rules on general product safety and collective consumer protection. The updated framework strengthens obligations across the supply chain and clarifies consumer rights in cases involving unsafe products.
Under the revised law, products may be placed on the Bulgarian market only if they comply with EU Regulation 2023/988 on general product safety, which has applied across the EU since December 2024. The rules cover a wide range of consumer goods regardless of the sales channel, including distance sales and online marketplaces. Certain categories remain excluded, such as medicines, food and feed, products of plant or animal origin and antiques.
The scope of the safety requirements has been extended to include second-hand goods as well as products that have been repaired, refurbished or recycled and reintroduced commercially. An exception applies where consumers cannot reasonably expect compliance with the latest standards, for example items clearly marketed as requiring repair or sold as works of art or collectors’ pieces.
The amendments also introduce more detailed responsibilities for producers, importers, distributors, service providers and online marketplace operators. Companies are now required to carry out internal risk assessments and prepare technical documentation before placing products on the market, provide safety information in Bulgarian and maintain registers covering complaints, incidents involving dangerous products, recalls and corrective actions. Online marketplace operators must additionally register with the EU Safety Gate system and appoint a single contact point for communication with consumers and market surveillance authorities.
Consumer remedies have been clarified in cases where dangerous products are recalled. Affected customers are entitled to repair, replacement or a refund. The law also sets out how inspection costs are allocated: authorities bear the costs if a product is ultimately deemed safe, while economic operators must cover them if the product is found to be dangerous.
The revised legislation increases fines for sole traders and companies that place non-compliant products on the market or fail to follow mandatory instructions from the Consumer Protection Commission.
Separate clarifications address price reduction announcements. Traders must indicate the previous price, defined as the lowest price applied during the 30 days preceding the discount. For products marketed for less than 30 days, the reference price must reflect the lowest level applied for at least seven days before the reduction. Perishable goods with short shelf lives are exempt. These pricing clarifications will apply from 5 February 2027.
Finally, the amendments introduce a formal framework for representative actions aimed at protecting the collective interests of consumers. The Consumer Protection Commission and other organisations approved by the Minister of Economy and Industry may be designated as qualified entities empowered to bring such actions under defined conditions.
Source: CMS
