Bulgaria Sets Fines Up to 3,585 for Shops Refusing Euro Change

Novinite.com
19 Jan 2026, 19:51 GMT+10

In Bulgaria, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPCo) has clarified that traders who refuse to return change in euros can face fines ranging from 600 to 7,000 leva (approximately ?307??3,585). Alexander Kolyachev, the acting chairman of the CPCo, made the announcement during a press briefing at the Council of Ministers? Coordination Center for the Euro Mechanism.

Kolyachev emphasized that all businesses are expected to comply with the law within the next two to three weeks, ensuring that change is given in euros. Returns in leva are allowed only when euro coins or banknotes are insufficient. ?When such violations occur, the law provides for sanctions,? he noted.

The CPCo has already opened numerous proceedings based on complaints and citizen signals, many of which concern retailers refusing to give euro change. These issues have been reported both in major retail chains and in smaller stores, including those in remote towns and villages.

Kolyachev added that inspections continue in close cooperation with the National Revenue Agency, and authorities are committed to strict enforcement, even though only a few days remain before the end of Bulgaria's dual circulation period of lev and euro.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Switzerland Times.

More Information

Europe Business

Section

EU moves to bar Huawei, ZTE from critical infrastructure

BRUSSELS, Belgium: The European Union is preparing more rigid rules that would require member states to remove Chinese-made equipment...

Cheaper compounded GLP-1s draw 1.5 million US patients, Novo says

SAN FRANCISCO, California: Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk is reassessing how it prices and markets its obesity drugs after discovering...

Ireland can’t ban X, that’s EU’s job, says Media Minister

DUBLIN, Ireland: Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan has dismissed calls from the Labour Party for Ireland to ban the social media platform...

"We seek new trade partners amid increased tariffs, India willing to engage": Poland Dy PM

New Delhi [India], January 20 (ANI): Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski, outlining the...

Bulgaria Sets Fines Up to 3,585 for Shops Refusing Euro Change

In Bulgaria, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPCo) has clarified that traders who refuse to return change in euros can face fines...

"Indian economy alive and punching, big thumbs up to PM Modi's reform-driven leadership": BJP's Pradeep Bhandari hails IMF latest projections

New Delhi [India], January 19 (ANI): Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Monday praised the International...

International

Section