As of 1 January 2025, the rules for labelling products with unit prices have changed. This obligation now extends beyond food products to include certain non-food products as well. What does this mean for retailers and which products are affected? We have summarized the key points you need to know.
At the beginning of the year, an amendment to the Price Act[1] and the related implementing Decree[2] have come into effect, changing the rules for displaying unit prices for non-food products.The Price Act amendment specifies a list of products that must now be labelled with both the retail price and the unit price. This means that products must be labelled with the price per unit of measure - such as per piece or per kilogram, depending on the type of product.
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE OBLIGATION?
The obligation to display unit prices continues to apply to packaged food products, which retailers were already required to label with unit prices before the new rules came into effect. However, the obligation has now been extended to include specific non-food products as set out in the implementing Decree. The categories of products that must now display unit prices include, for example, cosmetics and hygiene products, cleaning products, and even building materials. The same rules apply to both brick-and-mortar stores and online sales, so traders must also ensure that prices are displayed correctly in e-shops or, for example, vending machines.
There are exemptions to the unit pricing obligation for products where such labelling would be inappropriate or misleading due to their nature. For example, gift setscontaining multiple different cosmetic products are exempt from the unit pricing requirement, as the display of a unit price in such cases would be likely to confuse consumers. Therefore, this requirement does not apply. Additionally, unit prices do not need to be displayed if they are identical to retail prices, such as for products sold in 1-litre packages.
HOW TO DISPLAY PRICES CORRECTLY?
When displaying unit prices, it is essential to consider the nature of the specific product and display the price in the most understandable way for customers. While standard units are typically 1 kilogram or 1 litre, for some products, it may be more appropriate to use a different unit of measure that provides greater clarity for consumers. It is up to the retailer to choose the appropriate unit of measure based on the type of product and its packaging.
For example, cleaning products, which are usually sold in larger packages, should be labelled with the unit price per litre (or per kilogram). On the other hand, in case of decorative cosmetics, often sold in smaller packages (in millilitres), it might be confusing to label them with the unit price per litre. Therefore, it is better to label such products with the unit price per 100 millilitres. When determining the unit of measure (unit price), it is recommended to consider not only the nature of the product but also its packaging. Based on these factors, the most appropriate method of indicating the unit price can be chosen.
The unit price should always be displayed in a clearly visible place, such as directly on the price tag below the retail price, so customers can easily compare the prices.
Are you unsure whether the new obligation applies to you or how to correctly display unit prices for your products? Our specialised team is here to help ensure that your labelling meets all legal requirements and is as clear as possible for your customers.
