CCPC advises retailers to clearly display shopping bag prices

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has written to retailers around the country reminding them they must display prices for paper bags and similar products in line with consumer law. 

Consumers have contacted the CCPC helpline indicating that there is no display signage in store or around the checkout area showing the price of shopping bags for sale.

Under consumer law, retailers must clearly display prices for items being sold.

These prices must be unambiguous, easily identifiable, clearly legible and on or near the product.

Where breaches of the law are detected, the CCPC may take further action to ensure retailers comply with price display laws and consumers are properly informed when shopping.

These actions range from the issuing of fixed payment notices and compliance notices up to prosecution in the courts.

Aoibhín de Búrca, Director of Communications and Consumer Information for the CCPC said: “Retailers must comply with consumer law, and consumers have a right to know the price of any product they purchase, including shopping bags.

“They should not be put on the spot at the till to pay it or notice it afterwards on their receipts.

“The contacts we’ve received through our helpline highlight potentially concerning practices around price displays, so we are writing to traders to remind them of their legal obligations.”