Internet commerce

First option - FREEDOM TO PROVIDE SERVICES CROSS-BORDER

If you already have a business establishment registration in another EU/EEA state, as individuals and legal entities, in accordance with the Services Act, you have the freedom to provide services on an occasional and temporary basis, without the obligation to register a business establishment and without registering the activity of providing information society services in Croatia.

Second option - FREEDOM OF BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT

If you already have a registered business establishment in another EU/EEA state, as natural and legal persons you are allowed to provide services on a permanent basis, with the registration of a business establishment and the activity of providing information society services in Croatia.

Competent offices for submitting applications for the issuance of decisions and any possible appeals against decisions - regional self-government (offices in the counties or in the City of Zagreb)

Specific conditions - apply to both options

Minimum technical requirements (MTU)

minimum technical requirements - ensure adequate storage of goods (min. 6m2 of warehouse)
if the online retailer uses a warehouse - proof of the right to use and purpose of the business premises, general construction conditions
if online food trading is carried out - general sanitary, health and hygiene conditions
conditions depending on the type of goods, method of trading in goods, physical-chemical and other characteristics of the goods (according to special regulations)

Business premises

proof of the right to use business premises (ownership certificate or lease agreement)

Mandatory information on the online store website

name and surname or company of the service provider,
registered office of the trade or registered office of the legal entity of the service provider
relevant information about the service provider, based on which the user can quickly and easily contact him, including an electronic address through which direct contact can be established
the number of the court or other public register in which the service provider is entered, as well as information about the register, details of the competent authority, if the service provider's activity is subject to official supervision
tax number if the service provider is liable to pay value-added tax
Prices must be clearly and unambiguously indicated, and it must be specifically indicated whether the displayed prices include delivery costs, other handling costs, tax and other costs that in any way affect the displayed price, general terms and conditions of business, including return conditions, delivery deadlines, complaints and warranties.
privacy and cookie policy (GDPR), with a valid basis for processing and consent where necessary
information on dispute resolution (ADR) procedures and available mechanisms in accordance with the DSA and the Consumer Protection Act

Electronic contracting

Online sales services are services that are provided electronically for a fee at the personal request of the user. An offer and acceptance and other expressions of will made electronically are accepted when the user, or buyer, can access them. With regard to the obligations arising from the provisions of the applicable Consumer Protection Act, the online store is obliged to align its operations with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and all subordinate legislation adopted pursuant to the Consumer Protection Act.

Commercial communications and actions

All commercial messages must be clearly identifiable as advertisements/promotions. The terms of promotional campaigns, discounts and prize games must be transparent, easily accessible and unambiguous, in accordance with the Electronic Commerce Act and the rules on unfair business practices.

Competent authority and regulations

Ministry of Economy
Ulica grada Vukovara 78, 10 000 Zagreb
e-poslovanje@mingo.hr

Services Act (OG 80/11)
Electronic Commerce Act (OG 173/03, 67/08, 36/09, 130/11, 30/14, 32/19, 67/25)
Trade Act (Official Gazette 87/08, 116/08, 76/09, 114/11, 68/13, 30/14, 32/19, 98/19, 32/20, 33/23)
Ordinance on minimum technical requirements and other conditions relating to sales facilities, equipment and resources in sales facilities and conditions for the sale of goods outside stores (Official Gazette 66/09, 108/09, 8/10 and 108/14)
Ordinance on the classification of shops and other forms of retail trade (Official Gazette 39/09 and 46/15)
Consumer Protection Act (OG 19/22, 59/23)

Authorization

Decision on meeting the minimum technical and other requirements for carrying out trade activities

Deadline: 30 days

Legal remedies

An appeal against the decision of the first‑instance body may be filed with the Ministry of Economy, as the second‑instance body, in accordance with the instructions of the first‑instance authority in the contested decision and is to be submitted through the first‑instance body.

12/05/2026