Filenews 14 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
Violations and administrative fines related to the implementation of the Laws on Unfair Commercial Practices in the agricultural and food supply chain [Law 200(I)/2021 and Law 32(I)/2023] show an increasing trend, according to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture.
As part of the implementation of these legislations, a total of 241 on-the-spot checks were carried out between 2022 and 2025, revealing a significant number of infringements mainly related to late payments, unfair use of reusable plastic boxes, but also irregularities in the issuance of invoices.
The enforcement of controls has gradually increased: From 57 controls in 2022, to 89 in 2023, 67 in 2024, and 28 by October 2025 (expected to increase by the end of the year).
In 2023, the most violations were recorded (74), while in 2024 it also moved at high levels with 46 violations, as in 2025 to date (32 violations).
According to the Department of Agriculture, in the four-year period 2022-2025, a total of 79 administrative fines were imposed, totalling €55,410. However, only 48 of the 79 fines have been paid, with the amount collected amounting to €15,660 (28.3%).
It is worrying that in five cases the files have already been sent to the Attorney General of the Republic for legal actions to collect the amounts due as a civil debt to the state.
In the last three years, most violations concerned the illegal possession or use of reusable boxes, with the following records: 2023 – 46, 2024 – 19, 2025 – 13. This is followed by payment violations with 11, 21 and 16 cases respectively per year.
During 2025 (until 10/10), inspections were carried out mainly in Nicosia (15), Limassol (6), Larnaca (3), Famagusta (2) and Paphos (2). The checkpoints ranged from wholesale markets and supermarkets, to hotels, butchers and restaurants.
It is noted that the largest volume of inspections (a total of 137) has been carried out in the premises of wholesalers or processors, followed by the retail market (50 inspections).
The Department of Agriculture plans to intensify the controls for the period October – November 2025, aiming for 50-60 inspections exclusively for reusable plastic boxes. As these audits are completed on the same day, it is estimated that the target will be achieved, enhancing compliance in the sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, through the Department of Agriculture, reiterates the importance of adhering to payment schedules and the proper use of reusable packaging means, as violations affect producers and undermine the smooth functioning of the market.
With control campaigns intensifying, the State calls on all those involved in the supply chain to strictly comply with the legislation, as the consequences will now be immediate and measurable not only with fines but also with possible legal actions for violators.
