Rules on Misleading Labels and Product Information
The new law clearly defines the responsibilities of manufacturers and traders whose goods are sold or sent out with false or misleading labels. Labels, packing cases, and containers must accurately show important information about each product.
This information includes:
Quality and composition of the goods,
Quantity and weight,
Contents and origin of the merchandise,
Process of manufacture, and
Any patents or privileges connected to the product Tours Sofia.
If any of these details are false or intentionally misleading, legal action can be taken either by government authorities or by the owner of the patent or trade mark affected by the fraud. The aim of this regulation is to protect consumers and honest manufacturers from unfair competition and deception.
Products Requiring Special Labels
The law makes it obligatory for certain goods to carry a distinctive label. This rule applies to both Bulgarian-made and imported products.
The following items must have clear and accurate labels:
Brandy, wine, and liqueurs,
Ink, sealing wax, and gum,
Matches, petroleum, and
Threads (including cotton, silk, or linen).
Each label must specify the quantity, weight, nature, and origin of the merchandise.
A special regulation also applies to boxes of cotton thread. These boxes must include an indication of the numbering system used in the country of origin. This ensures that Bulgarian buyers and merchants can correctly identify the thread size and quality, preventing confusion in trade.
Regulation of Commercial Travellers
The rapid increase in the number of commercial travellers—sales representatives who worked between local traders and foreign companies—had led to various problems. Many of these agents abused the trust of both their foreign employers and Bulgarian merchants, sometimes acting dishonestly in business transactions.
To stop these abuses, a new Law on Commercial Travellers was passed and published in the Official Journal on March 26, 1905. It came into effect on September 26 of the same year.
Legitimation Cards and Legal Requirements
Under Article 2 of the law, every commercial traveller is required to have a legitimation card (official identification):
Foreign travellers must obtain theirs from the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture.
Bulgarian travellers must obtain theirs from the local Chambers of Commerce.
This measure was designed to ensure accountability, verify identities, and protect both foreign and Bulgarian businesses from fraud and misrepresentation.
Purpose and Impact of the New Regulations
These combined laws—on accurate labeling and commercial travellers—reflect Bulgaria’s growing effort to modernize its trade system and protect economic integrity.
By requiring truthful product information, the government safeguarded consumers and supported fair trade. By regulating commercial agents, it helped build trust between local and international markets.
Together, these reforms strengthened Bulgaria’s reputation as a law-abiding, reliable trading nation at the beginning of the 20th century.