The Consumer Rights Protection Center began its inspection in Purvciems — at the Citro store on Vizmas Street in Belshevitsa. Products were purchased to which a reduced VAT rate of 12% applies since July 1. The basket included milk, eggs, bread, and chicken fillet. After the purchase, it quickly became clear whether the retailer acted in good faith: the VAT rate was checked against the receipt. In this store, everything was in order — a 12% VAT was applied to all purchased goods. However, one product did not have a price indicated, and this was also noted. The next stop was the nearby Top! store. The procedure was the same. But at the checkout, it turned out that the old VAT rate of 21% was still applied to the milk. This was reported to the store manager, and the price in the system was updated. Later, upon a repeat purchase of the same milk, everything was fine — the price had decreased. An inspection was also conducted at the BETA store on Purvciema Street. The basket contained bulk chicken drumsticks, milk, an egg, and bread. The receipt showed that a 12% VAT rate was applied to all items. Such inspections have also taken place in other regions. Both large and small stores are being checked, including so-called small neighborhood shops. Liga Kauliņa, head of the Consumer Goods Supervision Department at the Consumer Rights Protection Center, explains the purpose of the inspection: "The goal is to inform, to ensure, to report if someone has missed something somewhere. We have information that not all retailers have been informed. Of course, there should be some time to prepare. Therefore, our main task now is to understand how things stand with this." It is expected that in the near future, the data obtained during the inspections will be summarized, after which they will be reported to the public. Meanwhile, residents are also urged to keep an eye on prices and report violations. This can be done using the calculator on the Consumer Rights Protection Center's website or by checking the receipt independently.
