As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro, only 35% of nearly 500,000 cash registers have been updated for the new currency. The deadline for compliance is August 8, as set out in the amended Euro Introduction Act.
According to Stanislav Popdonchev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, the delay isn’t due to technical issues but summer holidays and lengthy approval processes at the Institute of Metrology. He warned that the remaining time may not be enough for full compliance.
Beyond fiscal devices, all retail and business software must also be updated. Dual pricing rules and consumer label clarity are also under discussion. Popdonchev emphasized the need for clear, detailed labeling to avoid confusion.
He also criticized proposed laws involving price caps and state market intervention, calling them harmful to the economy. While some transitional shocks are expected, especially for small businesses, many see long-term benefits from the euro adoption
