Musabelliu: New consumer law brings rules for online trade and a right to repair

Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Enkelejd Musabelliu on Monday presented Parliament's Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs with the bill “On Consumer Protection,” which aligns Albanian legislation with 15 European Union acts, 14 directives and one regulation. He said the law reflects developments in European consumer law on digitalization, online trade and demand for sustainable products and services.

Online market and “green” claims

The bill bans unfair contract terms and requires clear information on prices, product features and contract conditions. For the digital market it sets rules for online transactions and transparency in how platforms operate and in how products are ranked on platforms and search engines, including when a product is promoted through payment or commercial agreements. Authorities will be able to remove illegal content or block online interfaces when consumers' interests are at risk.

Traders and producers will have to substantiate claims that a product is environmentally friendly. The law recognizes a right to have goods repaired at reasonable prices even after the legal guarantee expires, and bans marketing products as identical to those sold in an EU country when they differ in composition or characteristics.

New rules for companies

At the same committee, Musabelliu presented amendments to Law No. 9901 of April 14, 2008, “On Traders and Commercial Companies,” as part of alignment with negotiating Chapter 6, “Company Law.” The changes bring more detailed rules on related-party transactions and conflicts of interest, stronger protection for minority shareholders, reporting on administrators' pay and clearer criteria for executives.

According to the deputy minister, the aim is “strengthening transparency and corporate governance” and creating a safer, more predictable environment for businesses and investors.