TIRANA, Oct 29 /ATA/ Albania’s assembly passed updated consumer protection legislation today to enhance market transparency and eliminate deceptive retail tactics. According to Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, the act enforces clear discount labeling rules and bans temporary price inflation ahead of promotional sales.

E-commerce oversight forms a major pillar of the newly passed act. Minister Ibrahimaj highlighted provisions requiring transparency in search algorithm rankings, clear disclosures for paid ads, and safeguards against fabricated product reviews and misleading product specs.

Modernizing consumer rights standards, the legislation targets deceptive commercial claims—specifically tackling misleading environmental marketing (“greenwashing”) and dual-quality market practices. Additionally, the act establishes a formal legal framework for product maintainability by introducing a statutory right to repair that extends beyond standard warranty coverage.

Under the newly enacted framework, Albania will establish the National Consumer Protection Agency, a specialized regulatory body charged with market surveillance, investigating abusive trade practices, and enforcing consumer rights across retail and digital markets.

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized that the newly passed law harmonizes Albanian legislation with 14 EU directives and one EU regulation. The statutory alignment fulfills key obligations under Chapter 28 (“Consumer and Health Protection”) of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations.