Anchor Prices from October 1, 2026: Who, What, How and What Are the Fines?

From October 1, 2026, every retailer and service provider in Croatia must display an additional — so-called anchor price — alongside the current price. The same rules apply to mandatory price lists on websites. Fines? Up to €30,000. And yes — this applies to your favorite café, hairdresser, and webshop too.

On September 10, 2026, the Croatian Government adopted two decisions published in the Official Gazette (Narodne novine) No. 101/2026 that significantly expand existing price display rules. If you think this doesn’t affect you — think again. Here’s what you need to know.

What is an anchor price?

An anchor price (officially: additional price) is the price that was valid for a particular product or service on September 10, 2026. From October 1, 2026, this amount must be displayed alongside every current price. The goal? Consumer protection — so you can see how much something has increased compared to a fixed reference date.

Important: the anchor price does not change. Your coffee cost €1.80 on September 10. In November, you raise the price to €2.20. The price tag shows €2.20, next to it anchor: €1.80. No penalty — the difference is just visible. And that’s the whole point.

Two decisions, two obligations

There are actually two decisions introducing two separate obligations:

• Mandatory display of anchor price — every product or service price must also show the price from September 10, 2026
• Mandatory publication of price list — all legal and natural persons who have a website and sell to consumers must publish a price list in XML or CSV format every working day by 8:00 AM

Who is obligated?

The obligation applies to absolutely everyone who sells to individuals (consumers). This includes:

• Retail stores (physical and online)
• Restaurants and cafés
• Hair and beauty salons
• Car repair shops
• Fitness centers, driving schools
• Family farms (OPGs)
• Private accommodation providers
• Anyone with a website selling services to consumers

Exception: If you operate exclusively with other businesses (B2B), you are not obligated.

What if you have a website?

If you sell to consumers and have a website, you have two obligations:

• Display anchor price — on the shelf, price list, leaflet, ad, webshop
• Publish price list — every working day by 8:00 AM on your website in XML or CSV format

If you don’t have a website — a price list in your business premises showing the anchor price is sufficient. No XML, no 8 AM deadlines.

What are the fines?

The fines are — to put it mildly — serious:

• Legal entity: up to €30,000
• Sole trader (obrtnik): up to €20,000
• Responsible person: up to €3,000

Both failure to display the anchor price and failure to publish the price list are punishable.

What about products already having an anchor price?

If you were already displaying anchor prices for food, beverages, and hygiene products (reference date: May 2, 2025) — you keep that date for those categories. No dual anchoring needed. If you weren’t displaying them, everything goes by the new date — September 10, 2026.

Three prices on one item?

Yes, literally. On a discounted item, you might see:

1. The current price (on sale)
2. The lowest price in the last 30 days (existing obligation)
3. The anchor price (September 10, 2026)

Don’t get confused — each number has its purpose.

Base price — a third obligation coming soon

Amendments to the Consumer Protection Act (OG 59/2026) also introduce a base price — the retail price from a fixed date in the past. It takes effect on November 17, 2026, but the Ministry’s implementing regulation hasn’t been published yet. Wait with implementation until it’s released.

Practical example

Haircut at your salon:

• September 10, 2026: €15
• October 1, 2026 (new price): €18
• Price list shows: €18 (anchor price: €15)
• On the website: XML price list published by 8 AM

Simple, right? Unless you’re a hairdresser who has no idea what XML is. Then — good luck.

Deadline: October 1, 2026 — you have 7 days

The decisions take effect on October 1, 2026. That’s exactly one week from now. If you run a business — start preparing yesterday. If you’re a consumer — enjoy the new transparency. Or at least have a laugh when you see three prices for one coffee at your local café.

Sources: Decision on Displaying Additional Prices (OG 101/2026), Decision on Publication of Price Lists for Products and Services (OG 101/2026), Ministry of Economy clarification (September 22, 2026)

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific obligations, consult a professional.