North Macedonia's Legislative Response To Unfair Trade Practices

To address rising prices within its own economy, exacerbated by worldwide economic trends and inflationary pressures, North Macedonia has taken a significant legislative step. On 13 March 2024, the Assembly of North Macedonia adopted the Prohibition of Unfair Trade Practices in the Supply Chain of Agricultural and Food Products Act (the "Unfair Trading Act"). This legislation not only aims to mitigate the impact of these economic challenges but also aligns closely with European Union standards on unfair trading practices. Specifically, it harmonises with Directive (EU) 2019/633 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain. The Unfair Trading Act stipulates a six-month compliance period from its enactment date, targeting suppliers and buyers to amend contracts for agricultural and food products concluded prior to the act's entry into force,