The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NKFH), which provides professional oversight of the government offices, is continuing its nationwide consumer protection inspection programme in 2026. The 2026 inspection and investigation programme presented by the Ministry for National Economy and NKFH in November 2025 is the most comprehensive to date, covering 73 areas. Retailers and service providers should therefore review their consumer protection practices both in-store and throughout the online sales process.

What are this year's inspection priorities?

According to NKFH's update of 1 October 2026, compliance with statutory guarantee rules is a key priority this year. The authority is examining whether businesses properly inform consumers of their guarantee rights, whether guarantee certificates meet statutory requirements, and whether consumers can exercise those rights in practice. The significance of this issue is illustrated by last year's figures: infringements were identified in two-thirds of proceedings initiated following consumer complaints, with fines totalling HUF 94 million. Price display inspections are also continuing in physical retail outlets, with particular attention to the legality of promotional prices. Inspections primarily target shops where infringements have previously been identified. In 2025, more than 2,000 shops were inspected, and infringements or deficiencies were found in more than one-third of cases. Common issues included 

incorrect price or unit price displays, unverified weighing scales, the absence of a customer complaints book and incomplete company information. Fines in the cases concerned exceeded HUF 300 million.

E-commerce and online shops are also in scope

The authority is also stepping up its scrutiny of e-commerce. In September 2026, it announced inspections of energy labelling for electronic products and the availability and content of product information sheets, both in physical shops and online. Advertising and promotional materials are also covered. The stricter approach reflects the fact that deficiencies were identified in 63% of the online shops inspected last year. The authority is also investigating major international e-commerce platforms, particularly Temu, Shein, Alibaba and AliExpress. Where a product fails to meet statutory requirements or is considered dangerous, the authority arranges for its removal.

Legal framework and the authority's expanded powers

Amendments to Act CLV of 1997 on Consumer Protection, effective from 22 August 2020, significantly extended the scope of official inspections. Under Section 45/A(4), the authority may now inspect the entire supply chain where the ultimate customer is a consumer. This means that inspections need not stop at the retailer: wholesalers and manufacturers may also be reached. Where particularly serious public interests are at stake, for example where the physical safety, health or financial interests of a large number of consumers are seriously threatened, Section 47/B(2) allows the authority, with prosecutorial approval, to inspect even closed premises or private homes. Such measures are, of course, subject to the statutory safeguards. The practical implication is clear: responsibility for consumer protection compliance may extend beyond the business at the point of sale to several participants in the supply chain.

What does this mean for your business?

Retailers and service providers, whether operating physical shops, online stores or selling through platforms, should consider a documented compliance review before an inspection takes place. This should cover price displays, promotional pricing communications, guarantee documentation, access to the customer complaints book, verification of weighing scales, company information, online product information and energy labels. Fines can be substantial: previous inspections have resulted in aggregate penalties of several hundred million forints. It is particularly important to review how responsibilities and information flows are managed with supply chain partners, as the authority's inspection powers may extend across the entire chain. Businesses should therefore seek professional and, where appropriate, legal support in good time. A targeted compliance audit can identify deficiencies and allow them to be remedied before an official inspection.