Increased controls in textile shops for prices, promotions and consumer protection

The Central Market Surveillance Inspectorate (IQMT) has increased controls on entities trading in clothing, in accordance with its work plan. The verifications aim at enforcing legal requirements for trade, products and consumer rights.

During the action, business documents, invoices, product origins, prices and clothing labels are being examined. Inspectors are also checking product declarations, promotional offers, discounts, and rules related to sale and return of products.

IQMT announces that controls have been intensified especially during September, when citizens buy more clothes for the autumn season and textile businesses carry out promotional campaigns.

“Considering that during September citizens show increased interest in buying clothes for the autumn season, while most textile businesses conduct promotional campaigns, IQMT considers it essential to intensify inspections during specific seasons of the year, in order to ensure consumer protection from unfair practices and possible abuses,” the statement said.

An important part of the verifications relates to the way prices are displayed. Inspectors are looking at whether the product price is clearly posted and whether the amount paid at the register matches the price displayed on the item or the one published as part of promotions.

Controls on business documentation, invoices, declarations and prices will also extend to entities selling textile products online, IQMT announced.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Protection Department receives daily complaints from citizens about cases where the price displayed on the product does not match the amount charged at the register. Any violation or irregularity identified during inspections will be processed according to the punitive measures provided by the Law on the Central Market Surveillance Inspectorate.