The mandatory chamber contribution is being abolished

Following the government’s review of legislation governing chambers, a decision has been made to abolish the mandatory annual chamber contribution of HUF 5,000, which all business entities, companies and sole traders have until now been required to pay to the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK). The measure affects almost 900,000 Hungarian businesses, which will no longer have to make this fixed annual payment.

The basic system of chamber registration and membership will remain in place, while actual chamber membership and the associated membership fee will continue to be entirely voluntary. Businesses that wish to continue using the chamber’s enhanced services (such as business partner searches or detailed advice) may pay a membership fee as voluntary members.

Although the mandatory contribution is being abolished, the chamber will continue to perform its core functions in economic development, vocational training and support for businesses. In future, the emphasis will shift even more towards optional, voluntary chamber membership and the practical services it offers businesses, allowing companies to decide for themselves whether they wish to contribute financially to the organisation’s operations.

Following the announcement, MKIK said that it accepted the decision and would work closely with the government to put its financing and operating framework on a new footing. Under the new system, the central chamber of commerce and all regional chambers will be required to develop their own professionally grounded business development programmes, through which they will be able to apply for state funding.The government’s aim is a client-focused chamber that operates to support businesses, rather than for its own sake.