Croatia’s legislative framework governing trade underwent significant changes in 2026, affecting a wide range of retailers, distributors, online sellers, and other businesses engaged in the sale of goods to end consumers.

The latest amendments to the Trade Act are not aimed solely at regulating the market. They are also designed to strengthen the protection of children and young people, promote more responsible business practices among traders, and enhance oversight of products that may have a negative impact on the health of minors. At the same time, some of the amendments introduce new obligations for e-commerce businesses while granting additional powers to local government authorities.

Below is an overview of the most important changes that entrepreneurs should be aware of in order to ensure their operations remain aligned with the new regulatory requirements.

Why Were the Amendments to the Trade Act Introduced?

According to the legislator’s rationale, the primary objective of the amendments is to increase the level of protection afforded to minors and to create a more responsible market environment, particularly with regard to the availability of alcoholic beverages and energy drinks. At the same time, the amendments seek to improve oversight of online sales and provide local communities with greater influence over the regulation of certain products sold within their jurisdictions.

The new provisions entered into force in mid-June 2026 and already represent an important compliance consideration for a large number of traders.

Ban on the Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors

One of the most significant changes is the complete prohibition of the sale of energy drinks to persons under the age of 18. Until now, specific restrictions primarily applied to alcoholic beverages and certain other products, whereas the protective framework has now been extended to include energy drinks.

In practice, this means that traders must take appropriate measures to prevent the sale of energy drinks to minors.

If there is reasonable doubt regarding a customer’s age, the trader has both the right and the obligation to request proof of age through an appropriate identification document. If the customer refuses to provide proof of legal age, the sale must be denied.

New Rules for Self-Service and Automated Checkouts

In recent years, an increasing number of retailers have introduced automated checkouts and self-service payment systems. As a result, the legislator has specifically addressed the sale of age-restricted products through such channels.

Under the new rules, the obligation to verify legal age no longer applies solely to traditional cashier-operated checkouts, but also to the sale of alcoholic beverages and energy drinks through automated checkout systems.

In other words, retailers will be required to implement appropriate control mechanisms to prevent the purchase of age-restricted products without prior verification of the customer’s identity and age.

For many retail chains, this will require additional adjustments to internal procedures and technological solutions.

Mandatory Age Verification for Online Sales

Particular attention has been drawn to the amendments concerning the online sale of alcoholic beverages and energy drinks.

The previous practice, which often relied on simply ticking a box stating “I am of legal age,” was deemed insufficient to prevent purchases by minors. Consequently, a reliable digital age verification system is being introduced.

Under the new rules, traders selling alcoholic beverages or energy drinks online will be required to implement a technical solution enabling age verification through the e-Građani system. Before completing a purchase, customers will need to confirm their age using this platform.

If a customer refuses to complete the verification process, the trader will not be permitted to proceed with the sale.

What Does This Mean for Online Stores?

For online retailers, the new provisions represent an additional organisational and technical obligation.

Traders selling alcoholic beverages or energy drinks online will need to:

• align their online stores with the new requirements
• Enable integration with the age verification system.
• adapt their online purchasing processes
• ensure compliance with personal data protection regulations

The legislator has emphasized that the verification process will not disclose the customer’s identity to the trader; it will merely confirm whether the individual is of legal age.

In addition, a transitional period has been provided to allow traders sufficient time to adapt their business processes and technical systems.

Registration Requirements for Online Retailers

The new obligations do not end with technical customer verification.

Traders selling alcoholic beverages or energy drinks online will also be required to register with the competent ministry in order to gain access to the age verification system.

As a result, some online retailers will, for the first time, be required to complete additional administrative procedures before commencing or continuing such sales activities.

Expanded Powers for Cities and Municipalities

One of the more notable changes relates to the powers granted to local government units.

Under the new rules, cities and municipalities may adopt decisions restricting the hours during which alcoholic beverages may be sold within their territories if deemed necessary for:

• the protection of public health
• the preservation of public order and safety
• The protection of cultural heritage
• environmental protection

Such decisions may apply to an entire city or municipality and may restrict alcohol sales during specific nighttime hours.

For traders, this means that compliance will no longer depend solely on national regulations; local decisions may also directly affect their operations.

Stricter Inspection Oversight

The amendments further expand the powers of the competent inspection authorities.

If an inspection reveals the sale of energy drinks to minors or non-compliance with age verification requirements, inspectors may order corrective measures and impose additional administrative sanctions, including temporary suspension of business activities in certain cases.

For businesses, this further increases the importance of internal controls and employee training.

Significantly Higher Financial Penalties

To ensure effective enforcement of the new rules, the legislator has also introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Penalties may apply to:

• selling alcoholic beverages or energy drinks to minors
• failure to carry out the required age verification process
• online sales without an approved verification system
• non-compliance with local restrictions on alcohol sales
• failure to fulfil prescribed administrative obligations

The fines can be substantial and represent an additional incentive for businesses to ensure timely compliance with the new legal requirements.

What Should Businesses Do?

For traders, particularly those selling alcoholic beverages or energy drinks, 2026 requires a thorough review of existing business processes.

It is advisable to:

• Review internal sales procedures
• train employees on the new requirements
• adapt self-service checkout systems
• align online stores with the new regulations
• monitor decisions issued by local government authorities
• assess potential regulatory and operational risks

Timely adaptation can help businesses avoid fines, business interruptions, and reputational risks.

Conclusion

The latest amendments to the Trade Act represent one of the most significant regulatory changes affecting the retail sector in 2026. The focus is on protecting minors, promoting more responsible sales practices for alcoholic beverages and energy drinks, and strengthening oversight of online commerce.

Although some businesses will need to invest additional effort into adapting their operational processes and technological systems, the overall objective of the amendments is to create a safer and more transparent market environment.

For traders, successful adaptation to the new rules will not only ensure compliance with legal requirements but also reduce regulatory risks and support more effective business management in an increasingly demanding marketplace. If you have any questions regarding the amendment to the trade law, please contact brandom.