Two weeks after the implementation of the government decree limiting retail profit margins, inspectors across Serbia are checking whether the measure has affected store prices and if retailers are following the new rules. The regulation caps margins exceeding 20%.
Sandra Dokić from the Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade stated that a full inspection report will be ready within a week. Preliminary checks indicate that major retail chains have already adjusted prices in compliance with the decree. Inspectors are currently monitoring over 80 stores and more than 5,000 products.
Dokić emphasized that the measure aims to ensure fair competition among market participants and is expected to contribute to lower product prices. Some chains initially removed promotional products but are now returning them, focusing on larger promotions and permanently lower prices, as required by the six-month temporary regulation.
She added that the new rules align Serbia with EU practices and are part of a broader effort to address unfair trade practices in the retail sector.
