Croatia Strengthens Consumer Rights with Consumer Protection Act Amendments

Croatia's amended Consumer Protection Act introduces new trader obligations, enhances consumers' repair rights, and raises penalties for non-compliance. Key changes include clearer pre-contractual information, stricter price display rules, and the EU Right to Repair framework, along with improved digital protections and support for enforcement through increased fines.

Croatia has adopted significant amendments to its Consumer Protection Act, introducing new obligations for traders, stronger repair rights for consumers, and higher penalties for non-compliance. The changes were published in Official Gazette No. 59/26 on June 9, 2026 and will enter into force in several stages between June and November 2026.

One of the most important changes concerns pre-contractual information requirements. Traders will be required to provide consumers with clearer and more comprehensive information before a purchase is made, particularly for distance and online sales. The reforms are intended to improve transparency and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

The law also introduces clearer rules on price display and promotions. Retailers will face stricter requirements when presenting prices, discounts, and special offers, helping consumers better compare products and identify genuine price reductions. The amendments build on existing EU transparency requirements and aim to reduce misleading pricing practices.

A key feature of the reform is the implementation of the EU Right to Repair framework. Manufacturers of certain products will be required to offer repairs even after the legal warranty period has expired and ensure the availability of spare parts. Consumers will also gain access to the new European Repair Platform, which will help them find repair providers and compare repair services more easily.

The amendments further strengthen consumer protections in the digital environment. Consumers will benefit from clearer rules for online contracts and easier procedures for exercising their rights, including contract withdrawal and access to information before concluding a purchase.

To support enforcement, Croatia has also increased the minimum and maximum fines for consumer protection violations. The higher penalties are intended to encourage compliance and provide stronger deterrence against unfair commercial practices.

The reforms represent one of the most significant updates to Croatia’s consumer protection framework in recent years, aligning national legislation with new EU consumer rights initiatives while expanding protections related to transparency, repairs, and digital commerce.