The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing to introduce its first consumer protection law, which aligns with EU standards, introduces stricter controls, bans unfair practices, and allows consumers a two-week period to return products without explanation. The law, finalized by a diverse working group, aims to enhance consumer rights, facilitate dispute resolutions, and improve market safety through mechanisms like recalling dangerous products.
A new consumer protection law is coming to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina—what to expect?
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Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Author: Tara Nedeljković
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Fiscal subject related
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Content accuracy validation date:
02.04.2025
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Some of the novelties that the new consumer protection law in the FBiH brings include stricter control mechanisms being introduced, unfair practices being banned, and dangerous products being recalled.
The working group for the development of the new Law on Consumer Protection in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina held its final meeting, at which the working draft of this legal solution was finalized.
Representatives of employers, consumer organizations, inspection and tax authorities, academia, and relevant ministries participated in the drafting of the law. All members of the working group provided their final suggestions for enacting a more detailed and efficient law.
Based on the opinions of the representatives of the Federal Ministry, this new regulation is expected to provide for a modern, functional law that ensures greater consumer protection, easier exercise of their rights, and easier and faster dispute resolution. Also, it is expected to help in preventing unfair trading practices. Other than that, it is planned to be a baseline for introducing new mechanisms, such as the withdrawal of dangerous products from the market.
One of the key innovations of the law concerns the right of consumers to change their minds after purchase, which means they can return the product without any explanation within two weeks.
The Federal Minister of Trade has stated that this legal solution introduces the possibility of a change of mind after the purchase, which means that customers have the right to cancel the purchased product without giving a reason and return it within 14 days, following the practice already followed by customers in many European Union countries.
As pointed out, the law is fully aligned with ten European Union directives relating to the consumer protection area. This legal harmonization provides greater legal certainty for citizens and opens up access to a wider market under equal conditions for all.
The note from the Ministry states that the Federation of BiH is, for the first time, receiving its consumer protection law, which represents an important step towards harmonization with European standards—and one of the key conditions on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to aligning with EU standards in this area as well.
The new Consumer Protection Law in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) has not yet been formally adopted as of March 2025. However, the working group finalized its draft text this month, marking a critical step toward final legislative approval.
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