Reduced packaging

The phenomenon that the prices of certain products remain stable or even increase, while the quantities of products decrease, has recently attracted particular attention. The practice is a form of hidden mark-up and, although not illegal in itself, consumers are getting less value for money for the same amount of money for the product they buy, thereby reducing the purchasing value of their income.

The solution to this phenomenon is to raise consumer awareness. Raising awareness among consumers can put pressure on retailers and, through them, suppliers and manufacturers to consider their reputational risks and avoid hidden price increases.

1. The government agencies shall check whether the content and form of the information required by the Ministry Decree have been displayed in relation to the products concerned

2. If a product is manufactured in Hungary, the manufacturer, or, in other cases, the first distributor in Hungary and the wholesaler shall provide the trader with information on the reduction of the product's packaging and the possible phasing out of the previous packaging units in the accompanying documentation or in another written form at the time of the first sale of the product concerned.

3. As explained above, if the presentation of a product is reduced, the trader must be informed in an appropriate manner and at the same time the same information must be provided to the National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection as that provided to the trader.