Consumers in Montenegro enjoy the same rights as those in the European Union, according to Željko Tomović from the Ministry of Economic Development. He noted that by the end of the year, ongoing modernization of consumer legislation will result in the adoption of several new regulations.
The new Consumer Protection Law will align Montenegrin regulations with EU directives, especially regarding conformity rules for goods, including those with digital elements, and specific rules for digital services and content. It introduces longer periods for proof of non-conformity, improved repair and replacement rules, mandatory availability of spare parts and services, and clearer procedures for expert assessments and complaint resolution. A Central Information System for Consumer Protection will be established to improve oversight, and covert shopping will be used to combat the grey economy.
The Law on General Product Safety will be aligned with EU Regulation 2023/988, ensuring only safe products are placed on the market, with effective recall mechanisms and risk notifications. It will define clear obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online platforms to strengthen market surveillance and combat unsafe goods, particularly in online sales.
A draft Law on Collective Actions will allow qualified organizations to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of consumers not only to stop unlawful practices but also to seek compensation, refunds, price reductions, and other remedies, addressing cases where individual lawsuits are impractical.
Amendments to the Law on Misleading Advertising will broaden the definition of traders and clarify what constitutes misleading advertising, extending coverage to artisans, professionals, and commercial agents.
In the first half of the year, 20,327 inspections were conducted in the field of consumer protection, revealing 4,136 irregularities. These resulted in administrative measures, fines, and corrective actions. Most inspections were carried out by the Market Inspection, which handled the majority of consumer complaints, many of which were upheld.
Tomović stressed that while consumers often take initiative in protecting their interests, greater and more active use of available legal mechanisms is needed to more effectively prevent unfair practices and improve consumer rights.
