Traders are legally obliged to indicate prices of products displayed for sale. Consumers need such information to make informed buying decisions and to facilitate price comparison.

Price indication is regulated by the Price Indication Regulations under the Consumer Affairs Act. The regulations provide that the prices indicated must be unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible.

When more than one item of the same kind, size, type or brand of the same goods are displayed for sale, the law provides that it is sufficient to show the price on just one item, or near the items, such as on a label at the edge of a shelf where the product is displayed.

The Price Indication Regulations clearly stipulate that the indicated price must be the same as that charged at the cash. If not, it would be considered  a misleading commercial practice and consumers may insist to pay the price displayed.

The final price must also be displayed during sales. The law also provides that prices are displayed in euro and include VAT and any other taxes or charges. The indication for any charges for postage, packing or delivery of a product must be unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible.

Two prices should be indicated on products sold by unit, weight or volume. One should indicate the actual price, being that for a given quantity of the good, while the other is the unit price, being the final price for one kilogram, one litre, one metre or one cubic metre of goods.

As to pre-packaged solid products preserved in a liquid medium, the price per unit shall refer to the weight of the solid good without the liquid in which it is contained.

The regulations exempt sellers from the obligation to indicate prices where goods are supplied for the purpose of re-selling, such as goods sold at an auction; provided in the course of a service; and works of art and antiques.

As to services, there is no legal obligation on the service provider to display a price list. However, to avoid misunderstandings and complaints, before providing a service, traders should inform consumers of the total cost of the service, including taxes.

Consumers have the responsibility to request a quotation before purchasing a service.

When prices are not displayed as stipulated in the Price Indication Regulations, consumers may contact the Enforcement Directorate at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, so that the necessary legal action is taken to ensure that the law is being observed.

odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt

Odette Vella is senior information officer, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.