Bulgarian authorities are intensifying inspections of retailers to prevent unjustified price hikes ahead of the country’s euro adoption on January 1, 2026, with over 150 outlets already checked and data forwarded to competition and consumer watchdogs. The National Revenue Agency is also cross-verifying VAT data to detect irregular pricing, while mandatory dual currency display on receipts will begin August 8, 2025.
Bulgarian authorities investigate price hikes regarding Eurozone transition.
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Bulgaria
Author: Nikolina Basić
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Fiscal subject related
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1836
Content accuracy validation date:
30.06.2025
Content accuracy validation time:
08:45h
Bulgaria is preparing to adopt the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2026, following a recommendation from Eurozone finance ministers on June 19. This landmark decision, supported by positive evaluations from the European Commission and European Central Bank, marks Bulgaria’s entry as the 21st member of the euro area—a goal the country has been pursuing since its EU accession in 2007. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has forwarded the results of recent inspections to Bulgaria’s Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) and Consumer Protection Commission (also CPC) as part of a joint initiative to monitor price changes ahead of the country’s planned euro adoption.
Between June 3 and 17, the NRA conducted checks in over 150 large retail chains and local stores across more than 30 cities nationwide. The inspections, carried out under a tripartite cooperation agreement, focused on 14 key groups of consumer goods. Officials recorded various increases in prices, prompting further regulatory scrutiny.
The authorities are expected to complete their data analysis in the coming days. According to official sources, concrete measures and additional monitoring actions could follow, with findings to be presented next week during a dedicated press briefing.
In anticipation of the currency switch, Bulgarian tax and market watchdogs are intensifying efforts to prevent unjustified price hikes. The National Revenue Agency (NRA), in partnership with the Consumer Protection Commission and the Commission for Protection of Competition, has initiated a coordinated campaign to monitor pricing behavior during the transition.
One critical focus is VAT monitoring. The NRA is leveraging data analytics to cross-check VAT declarations against reported price increases. If businesses raise prices without a corresponding increase in VAT turnover, they risk being flagged for investigation. Companies will be required to provide documentation justifying any price adjustments.
As part of a broader enforcement strategy, the NRA and its partners have already inspected over 150 retail outlets in 30 cities, concentrating on 14 staple food categories. The scope of inspections is expanding to cover restaurants, cafés, beauty salons, and other consumer-facing businesses where unusual price changes have been detected.
As a reminder, following the decision to join the eurozone, which is expected on July 8, 2025, one month later—from August 8—the mandatory dual indication of the final amounts of the fiscal or system receipt in both leva and euro will begin. This requirement will be in effect until December 31, 2025. During this transitional period, consumers must see prices in both currencies, as well as the official exchange rate.
From January 1, 2026, receipts will primarily show the value in euros, with amounts in leva also included, as well as the exchange rate.
The NRA recommends that merchants consult promptly with service companies or manufacturers of fiscal devices to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Euro Adoption Act and Regulation H-18.
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