March 2026 – Bulgaria has adopted changes to its national legislation implementing EU rules on collective consumer representative actions. A new procedure for collective consumer claims is now in place.
1. Background
Bulgaria implemented Directive (EU) 2020/18281 through amendments to the Consumer Protection Act (the “CPA”) and Civil Procedure Code (the “CPC”).
Prior to these amendments, collective consumer rights could be protected through a general class-action procedure under local law. The changes to the CPC introduce a new regime designed to provide consumers with more efficient protection mechanisms, thereby complementing the existing framework.
2. New collective consumer claims procedure