Product labeling issues accounted for about 30% of the sanction situations, and this is mainly due to the dynamics of the extensive portfolio of products we manage (whether they are our private label or products outside our own PENNY assortment). In this regard, all the identified situations were quickly addressed by remedying the problems identified following the controls. Out of a total of 227 environmental controls carried out in 2024, only 8.3% resulted in fines being imposed by the competent authorities. At the same time, in 2024 there were a series of legislative changes that had an impact on our activity. Fiscal digitalization: RO e-Invoice and RO e-VAT Emergency Ordinance no. 69/2024: This brings amendments and additions to some normative acts in the field of management and implementation of the national system on electronic invoicing RO e-Invoice, consolidating the existing legal framework (Emergency Ordinance no. 120/2021, Law no. 296/2023). Starting with January 1, 2024, the transmission of invoices in the RO e-Invoice system has become mandatory for all B2B transactions between entities established in Romania, regardless of whether they are registered for VAT purposes or not. Also, the RO e-VAT system was implemented starting with August 1, 2024 for operations carried out from July 1, 2024, allowing the submission of the pre-filled return by electronic means until the 5th of the month following the legal deadline for submitting the VAT return. Shrinkflation ANPC Order no. 539/2024 on informing consumers when marketing prepackaged products whose volume or weight has decreased. In October 2024, ANPC Order no. 539/2024, which made significant changes in the food retail sector and established the obligation of economic operators who sell products intended for consumption in sales premises on the shelf to inform consumers about the change in product quantities by reducing their volume or weight, having identical presentation, packaging, shape, under the conditions of maintaining the same price. Increase in the national gross minimum wage Law no. 283/2024, published in the Official Gazette on November 14, 2024, brought important amendments to the Labor Code, introducing a clear mechanism for establishing and updating the national minimum gross wage. These changes aim to ensure a working environment in accordance with European requirements and to avoid sanctions for non-compliance with the new provisions. DRS – National Deposit-Return System for Non-Reusable Primary Packaging Decision no. 1 075/2023 for amending and supplementing Government Decision no. 1 074/2021 on the establishment of the Deposit-Return system for non-reusable primary packaging. Starting with November 30, 2023, the implementation of the National Deposit-Return System for non-reusable primary plastic, aluminum, glass packaging with volumes between 0.1 and 3 liters has started, which involves the retention of the 50 bani guarantee when buying a beverage packaged in these categories. With the start of this system, specific obligations have been imposed on manufacturers and traders related to the take-back, transport and recycling of packaging, as well as its reporting through a dedicated software. In the food retail sector, these changes have had a significant impact in 2024, prompting retailers to provide the necessary infrastructure and adapt operational activities in order to implement the system. This has led to an increase in administrative responsibilities and operational costs, as well as the need to inform and educate consumers about the new system. MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY AND GOVERNANCE ABOUT US AND OUR VALUE CHAIN ABOUT THE REPORT THE FUTURE IS MADE TODAY SUSTAINABILITY MILESTONES SUSTAINABILITY REPORT PENNY ROMANIA 2024 96/276
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjUyMDg2Nw==