SMT expresses concerns about the Food Supply Chain Law

The Modern Trade Association (MTA) expressed serious concerns about the proposed amendments to the draft Law on the Supply Chain of Agricultural Products and Food. In an official position distributed to the media, the organization emphasized the need for a complete rethinking of the bill and called for careful refinement of the texts.

MTA expressed disappointment that a significant part of the provisions in the bill have been retained, despite the arguments submitted by the Association on July 9 regarding the previous version. According to the organization, the proposed changes pose serious risks of violating basic European and constitutional principles, distorting the internal market, and threatening the competitive environment.

"We maintain MTA's position for a complete rethinking of the bill and insist on careful refinement of the texts in order to preserve legal certainty and balance in commercial relations", MTA stated in their position.

The Association pointed out several specific problems in the bill, including:

• Creating additional restrictions on freedom of negotiation
• Inequality between small and large traders
• Unjustified requirement for publishing sale prices
• Disproportionate requirement for mandatory offering of a percentage of goods produced with Bulgarian raw materials

In light of these concerns, MTA insists on conducting an assessment of the compliance of the Law on the Supply Chain of Agricultural Products and Food with European and Bulgarian law. This request comes at a time when the debate around the bill is intensifying, as earlier today fourteen industry organizations issued a joint statement against the latest version of the law.

The main problems identified by the industry organizations are related to the potential conflict between the bill and the principles of European law and the free market. This raises questions about the possible impact of the law on trade relations in the sector and the competitiveness of the Bulgarian market in a European context.

The disagreements surrounding the bill highlight the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the interests of all participants in the supply chain of agricultural products and food, while ensuring compliance with European standards and maintaining a competitive business environment in Bulgaria.