According to Guild president Boris Vukelic, it is estimated that as much as 30 per cent of trade is in the grey economy, HOK said in a press release.
The Guild maintains it is unjustified that some companies are not obliged to issue receipts, which primarily refers to the printed media and tobacco products.
The Guild also discussed the increasing number of newly opened Chinese shops, voicing suspicion that the customs control of Chinese goods is not appropriate given that prices are not displayed and are changed during one day. The Guild demands that the State Inspection check the situation.
The Merchant Guild said Croatia could avoid the problems faced in some European countries, notably by preventing the conversion of tourist visas into business ones and by strictly applying the law.
The meeting also addressed the Metro wholesale chain which, by giving cards also to those not entitled to them, such as employees with private and public companies, institutions and services, has in effect gone retail and thus become disloyal competition to the members of the Merchant Guild and other merchants.
Vukelic said Metro was bypassing the Trade Act, which bans retail sales in wholesale facilities, as well as the Consumer Protection Act, which refers only to buyers in retail.
The Merchant Guild therefore asks that Metro should be obliged to verify dispatch notes with a seal, as is the practice in other countries where Metro operates.