Multifaceted significance of activities in area of construction and environmental protection

Acting director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate Miodrag Mišić and the Chief Republic Urban Planning, Construction and Environmental Inspector Dragan Mijović held a work meeting today with Assistant Minister for Construction Slobodan Šiljegović and with Assistant Minister for Environmental Protection Duška Solomun. Current activities realised under the competences of the Urban Planning, Construction and Environmental Inspection Service, as well as under the competences of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska were discussed aiming to identify potential for further development and improving mutual cooperation. Taking into the consideration the importance of capital infrastructure, such as roads and energy systems which represent the foundation of every national economy, the meeting agreed that inspection supervision represents primary mechanism for consistent implementation of planned documents, construction in line with the law and prescribed standards, as well as protection of natural resources. Activities in the area of construction and environmental protection have a multifaceted importance for economic growth and for the improvement of the standard of living. With that in mind, the meeting agreed that relevant institutions in line with their responsibilities, continue to make maximal effort to secure the conditions which aim to develop and improve the economy, create stable job environment and the growth of investments. The participants in the meeting particularly reflected on the question of environmental protection which, in the light of climate changes, represents a systemic challenge. Attention was drawn to the efforts which institutions made to invest in renewable resources of energy, improving energy efficiency, adequate waste management, and environmentally sustainable businesses. Aiming to have quality responses to the challenges of environmental protection a close cooperation is need on all levels, from local communities to the institutions of the Republic, especially concerning the influence from outside of the borders which the Republic of Srpska is exposed to.

There are no changes in regulations relating to penalising parents for refusal of child vaccination

Because of certain posts and information which emerged among the public about penalising the parents due to refusal of child vaccination, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate informs the public that no change in legal regulations in this area happened.We remind you that a range of fines for certain offences has been prescribed by the law, but the Inspectorate in each and every case acts according to the law and the conditions of the particular case.  The legal framework that regulates this area did not change and has remained the same as in previous years. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate places great hope into healthcare institutions, primarily paediatricians, who have the most important role in communication with parents and explain the importance of vaccination for protecting child’s health and prevention of infective diseases. We urge the public to ask the competent healthcare institution or experts any questions about immunization, and to pay attention to the facts and standing regulations while trying to interpret individual statements or pieces of information.

Director of Republic of Srpska Inspectorate and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management discussed measures to protect domestic production

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska Anđelka Kuzmić and assistant ministers, held a work meeting today with the acting director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, Miodrag Mišić and chief republic inspectors from the line inspection services. The meeting discussed current affairs from the competences of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate in the areas covered by the forestry, veterinary, water and food inspection services. Taking into the consideration the importance and scope of the work done by the inspection service authorities, participants concluded that cooperation of institutions represents a key factor for improving domestic production, increase in competitiveness, resource protection, as well as health of the population. By analysing the activities from the past period, it was concluded that synchronized work of the ministry and the inspection authorities resulted in prompt and effective field work, especially in the moments of higher risk such as in the cases of contagious animal diseases. Synergetic work of competent inspection services has a key role in preventing damages and economic loss. Special attention at the meeting was also given to discussing measures which are implemented in natural resource management, to secure ecologically responsible, socially beneficial, and economically sustainable management. The meeting agreed that this is possible to achieve only through strictly following the rules, standards and realising the planned documents. Taking into consideration the measures which the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska undertook aiming to support the domestic producers, through investment in primary and processing capacities of agriculture, forestry, game management, food industry, protection of human, animal and plant well-being, inspection service authorities also aim to strongly support development and protection of domestic production through their activities.

Improvement of packaging waste management via institutional cooperation

Miodrag Mišić, the Director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate and Denis Stevanović, the Director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska, held a work meeting today where enforcement of regulations in the area of packaging and packaging waste management was discussed, which falls under the authority of the Republic of Srpska Market Inspection Service. The participants concluded that the cooperation of institutions so far has been extraordinary, in terms of professionalism, as well as efficiency, and that the results of the inspection service surveillance in the subject matter has yielded significant progress. Regarding that, continuation of cooperation through continued information exchange and the analysis of conditions in the area enables more efficient implementation of legal provisions. Chief Republic Market Inspector Vaso Janković, on this occasion highlighted that the inspection service has conducted around 150 controls of packaging waste management last year, where the penalties in the amount of 280,000 BAM were imposed because it was found that subjects did not register the exact amount of packaging waste. Taking administrative measures in these cases and imposing correction of registered amounts, have directly contributed to the growth of paid fees. All businesses which produce or import, that is place the packaging on the market, including all of the packaging waste created in the industry, craftmanship, retail, hospitality or any other lines of business, or create waste in any other way, are required to handle it in line with the law. In accordance with the law, obliged entities must pay a fee which is calculated on the basis of annual report on packaging waste management which is submitted to the competent ministry for environmental protection and to the Fund in a statutory deadline. The meeting concluded that the aim of inspection service is not to penalise and repress, but to continually work on improvement of the subject matter through institutional cooperation, and in a way that businesses perform their legal duty in a timely manner and to deliver reports to the competent authorities.

Protection of consumer rights is priority of institutions

Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Srpska Ned Puhovac and Assistant Minister for Trade  Dušanka Tegeltija, held a work meeting today with Acting Director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate Miodrag Mišić, and Chief Republic Market Inspector Vaso Janković. The meeting analysed the activities realised in the past period aimed to protect the standard of living for the citizens of the Republic of Srpska, especially control of prices, as well as current and future activities of the inspection authorities. Also, activities of the Market Inspection Service that aim to combat grey economy and unregistered work were highlighted, the same problems which bring direct detriment to the budget of the Republic of Srpska and represent unloyal competition to the registered businesses. Taking into the consideration the fact that measures brought by the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, which are realised in the field by the Market Inspection Service, directly influence all the citizens of the Republic of Srpska as consumers, the participants of the meeting agreed that the protection and improvement of the consumer rights remain the continued priority of competent institutions. Taking into the consideration the upcoming tourist season, the practice of the inspection authorities is to focus their activities directly at tourism and hospitality during that period, as it is a growing economic branch of the Republic of Srpska. The common stance of the participants in the meeting is to give full support to the growth of tourism potential of the Republic of Srpska using coordinated institution activities, while respecting the prescribed norms and lawful decisions. Lawful business guarantees standardized quality of service, which is a key factor for further growth and development of tourism.

Control of mandatory child immunization

The Law on Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases and the Rulebook on Immunization and Chemoprophylaxis against Infectious Diseases defines that, among other things, mandatory immunization encompasses systemic immunization of children and youth of certain age. Systemic immunization is initiated by the health institution where a child is born, and is continued by the competent organizational unit of the primary healthcare centre where the child has the place of residence. The competent service of the primary healthcare centre maintains records of all of persons that are under systemic immunization, creates files, plans and carries out immunization, keeps records about it, and schedules the next appointment of systemic immunization for the person being immunized. Systemic immunization is carried out by the same health institution that keeps the records, and if a parent or a guardian refuses the procedure of the systemic immunization, health institution has the duty to notify the Health Inspection Service. Taking into the consideration that the Inspection Service primarily does not possess the data on the implementation of immunization, because according to its authority it does not participate in the it; in case that the health institution delivers the data on the parent that refuses the vaccination, further procedure includes an official call to the parent for clarification if they still refuse the vaccination, where they are once more informed on the risk of not vaccinating, as well as on the monetary penalties mandated by law. In 2025 And from the beginning of 2026, the Republic Health Inspection Service, on the basis of data delivered by the primary health centres, has made 158 calls to parents concerning the mandatory immunization of children. 24 subjects did not answer the inspector’s calls to this day. Out of 134 controlled subjects, six parents were presented with findings from paediatric specialist on contraindication for immunization of a child, while 47 parents vaccinated their child in the meantime which and presented the vaccination card. In 41 case parents have stated that they are not against vaccination, which granted them extended due date. If the parents do not send the evidence of vaccination being done after the due date, the aforementioned will be subject to misdemeanour proceedings. In 40 cases parents have stated in inspector’s report that they refuse the vaccination of the child, and were without hesitation a misdemeanour report was filed against them. Taking into the consideration the intensive activities done by the Public Institution)” Public Health Institute” of the Republic of Srpska, once again we warn parents to respect this legal obligation because the aim of the inspection service is not to penalise the parents, but to protect the children from the diseases which can have detrimental consequences.

Control of honey in retail sale

Aiming to control the quality and safety, the Republic Food Safety Inspection Service recently sampled honey in retail stores on the Republic of Srpska market. Inspectors took 17 samples of various types of honey, like meadow, acacia, blossom, forest, linden and mountain honey, from retail stores. The origin of honey was from various countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the sampling special care was given to the retail price of honey, that is to the products with lower prices, which can be a basis for doubting its quality. After the analyses done at the Veterinary Institute „Dr Vaso Butozan“, two honey samples originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina and one sample originating from Croatia were determined to be faulty, because the first contained water, the third due to diastase activity which was determined to be under the regulated values and third due to containing reducing sugars and sucrose. In two cases subjects asked for a super-analysis and withdrew from circulation the products in question until it is finished, while the third case resulted in the inspector decision to destroy honey in the amount of around three kilograms. The purpose of work inspection services is to secure the circulation of quality and safe food on the domestic market, and to stop every negative occurrence that represents a disloyal competition to domestic producers. We advise consumers to buy only from registered producers, in that manner they help and support domestic beekeepers, and we urge them to report to inspection service the cases in which there are businesses that sell honey of dubious quality, without declaration and outside of stores.

Agriculture inspection service ordered refund of incentive funds worth 325,000 BAM

The control of incentive funds usage is a regular topic of annual agriculture inspection service controls. In 2025, the Agriculture Inspection Service of Republic of Srpska has conducted 629 controls of incentive funds usage. The total sum of controlled incentive funds is BAM 10,137,552.59. Various types of incentives meant for different purposes were controlled, like perennial plantations, agricultural machinery, support of agrotourism projects, milk subsidies, subsidies for cow-calf system of farming, investment in animal husbandry production and others. Out of the total amount of controls, 606 businesses were compliant with the law, while in 23 inspections there were some irregularities. Inspectors ordered refunds of incentives in the amount of BAM 325,644.61. The confirmed irregularities pertained to the fact that the incentives were not spent in line with the Rulebook on the conditions and manner of exercising the right to financial incentives for agricultural and rural development, that is, the they were not spent for intended purposes or were received on the basis of incorrect data. Taking into the consideration the measures which the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska takes aiming to incentivise the agricultural production and secure the support for domestic producers, the Agricultural Inspection Service will, within its authority, take all measures to stop the misuse. The goal of Agricultural Inspection Service’s work is to secure a strong support for domestic agricultural production and for honest producers which invest great effort into the improvement and expansion of production via their activities. In 2024, 656 controls of incentive funds usage were conducted. The total sum of controlled incentive funds is BAM 30,575,623.42. Out of total number of controls, 29 were with irregularities, and inspectors ordered refunds of the incentive funds in the amount of BAM 130,338.61.

Respect for worker rights is foundation of stable society

In contemporary society, worker rights are being transformed due to digitalization, long-distance work and new forms of employment. However, without workers that create, build and sustain the various systems, like agriculture, infrastructure, education, trade, healthcare and others, every society would face with negative consequences. On the occasion of the 1st of May, International Workers’ Day, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate once again wants to highlight that respect of worker rights and safe workplaces are in the common interest of the employer, worker and a society as a whole because they represent the basis for economic development and improvement of the quality of life in the Republic of Srpska. We would like to draw special attention to the business community, that every investment into the improvement of the work conditions and better worker rights protection represents an investment that improves work productivity and brings mutual benefit to both the worker and the employer. Respect for worker rights cannot be a matter of choice, but a foundation of every stable society and economy. Inspection authorities aim to contribute to the improvement of working conditions and worker position with their work in the field every day. In 2025, the Labour Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska has carried out over 4,300 inspections where inspectors issued 965 administrative measures aiming to protect worker rights. Also, due to the confirmed offences, employers were issued 458 misdemeanour measures and penalties in the amount of BAM 838,600. More worker rights protection, opening of businesses, new work opportunities and the decrease of unemployment need to be imperative in the work of all relevant participants in the economic life. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate will still be fully committed to worker rights protection. Preventive work, stopping of worker rights violations, and penalisation of negligent employers that deprive workers of rights guaranteed by law will still be our priority in the following period.

28. April – World Safety and Health Day at Work

On the occasion of 28 April, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate reminds employers and workers on the importance of adhering to the work safety measures, and that safety and protection of health need to be a bases and beginning all work activities. The aim of the supervision policies in safety and health at work is foremost to prevent work injuries and professional illness. The principles of the occupational safety and health are based on starting a series of activities in several areas of work, such as implementing preventive measures in all forms of work, training employees for safe and healthy work, monitoring the health of employees and monitoring conditions of the workplace environment. In 2025, in the area of occupational safety and health the total of 1,500 inspections were conducted, 650 of them with found irregularities. The employers were issued 445 administrative measures, while issued for violations committed minor offence orders were issued in the total value of BAM 304.500, as well as four offence referrals. In the last year there were 88 serious and 11 fatal injuries at work. In the first quarter of this year in the area of occupational safety and health the total of 340 inspections were conducted, 168 of them with found irregularities. The employers were issued 91 administrative measures, while minor offence orders were issued for violations committed in the total value of BAM 76,000. In this time period there were 30 serious and three fatal injuries at work. Safe workplace is a responsibility for both employers and employees. Employers are obliged to secure conditions for a safe work by organising and implementing work safety measures, and workers to give their contribution to improving safety and health at work by acting in accordance with prescribed rules. Safe workplace should be a priority for both an employer and an employee. Good occupational safety and health increases productivity and competitiveness of an employer, as well as success in achieving business plans and goals. Life, health and preserving capacity to work are all values of great interest that directly affect economic development of the entire society. It is necessary to work continuously at educating workers and employees on existing risks, and recognising and preventing emerging risks at work.   

Increased control of hospitality providers and registration in Central Information System

The Market Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska will increase the control of user registration in the Central Information System for Hospitality in the upcoming period. In line with the provisions of the Law on Hospitality, all service providers of accommodation, hotel, motel, guesthouse, apartment, holiday home, hostel, rural tourism accommodation facility, and others are required to register in the Central Information System. The System contains all relevant data on accommodation service providers, locations of the accommodation and guests, and through which all of their data and other information that resulted from hospitality sector work are recorded. The Central Information System provides better control, more efficient collection of public revenue, more reliable insight into statistical indicators, and increases the gray economy suppression. Access is free to all service providers which provide the accommodation service, and the only obligation of the service provider is to provide internet connection for system access, which is a minimal and negligible effort because, in practice, every location already has access to the Internet. We emphasize that special focus will be given on locations which have recently unregistered their business activity, with the aim to verify the validity of the deregistration and cessation of operations. Taking into consideration that the competent ministry, in the recent period, has been calling for the registration of service providers which provide accommodation service, giving them additional period of tolerance, business entities had enough time to fulfil their lawful duties. The main goal of the inspection service is not punishment, but registration and legalization of the business, that is moving their business into the lawful framework, however, measures prescribed by the law will be taken in the cases of confirmed irregularities. We advise business entities to not wait for the arrival of inspectors, but to carry out registration in due time and not exposed themselves to the risk of punishment. We remind everyone that the prescribed penalty for the hospitality business entity that did not submit their information to the Central Information System is in the amount of BAM 1,500, BAM 700 for the responsible person, and BAM 1,000 for the hospitality service provider as an entrepreneur.

Meeting between Minister of Transport and Communications and Director of Inspectorate

The Republic of Srpska Minister of Transportation and Communications, Zoran Stevanović and assistant ministers, held a work meeting today with the Acting Director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, Miodrag Mišić and the Chief Republic Transport Inspector of, Aleksandar Đukić. Current affairs in the jurisdiction of the Republic Transport Inspection Service from the sectors of public roads, road, postal, water and rail transport were discussed at the meeting. The participants agreed that the constructive and quality cooperation between the two institutions had been established which can be seen through the cooperative agency on field. Taking into the consideration significance and scope of the work done by inspection service authorities, it was concluded that the mutual support between the two institutions is necessary in order to improve work atmosphere and support to the domestic industry. The aim is to protect the public interest by identifying potential risks on time, change regulation considering contemporary business trends and consistent implementation of prescribed norms.

Information to business entities of non-financial sector relating to implementation of Law on preventing money laundering and terrorist activity financing

Taking into consideration that within the non-financial sector on which the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs performs supervision, exist numerous business entities, we take this opportunity to announce all businesses that a document has been published on the website of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (http://sipa.gov.ba/bs/dokumenti/izvjestaji-foo) in the Category  “Documents and Reports of Financial Intelligence Unit” titled “Statistic data and found typologies in 2025.”. The document in question, besides overall statistical indicators of work of Financial Intelligence Unit ( FIU) encompasses typologies of money laundering and terrorist activity financing recorded by Financial Intelligence Units of the neighboring countries (Republic of Croatia, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro). Also, it is important to highlight the fact that the List of high-risk countries with strategic deficiency in prevention of money laundering and terrorist activity financing  has been  adopted (released on the website http://sipa.gov.ba/bs/dokumenti/foo-podzakonski-akti), prescribed by the Article 86. Paragraph (1) item a) of Law on prevention of money laundering and terrorist activity financing, in line with article 37. paragraph  (1) of Rulebook on Implementation of Law on prevention of money laundering and terrorist activity financing is made up of listed countries: at statements of Financial Action Task Force – FATF on countries that have strategic deficiencies in the system for the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing and which pose a risk to international financial system, as well as statements of FATF on countries that have strategic deficiencies in the system for the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, which aiming to remove recognized deficiencies have expressed commitment on the highest political level for the removal of deficiencies, which for this purpose have created action plan in collaboration with FATF, and which are obligated to report about progress that they make in removing deficiency. This document is of great importance bearing in mind legal provisions which tighten obliged entities’ business cooperation with business entities which come from high-risk countries.

Obligations of precious metals and stones traders enforcing Law on prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorist activities

On 28 February, 2024 the Law on prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorist activities („Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina “,13/24) came into the effect. One of the control authorities for enforcing that Law is the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs. Taking into the consideration that the control of non-financial sector is done by this authority, namely obliged entities listed in Article 93 of the Law, and in relation to the Article 5 of the Law, we use this opportunity to announce direct inspection supervision in the upcoming period. The Law in question describes in detail the obligation of the addressees for enforcement of the law, as well as obliged entities, while the legal concept is based on adequate risk assessment and management. Traders of precious metals and stones are inter alia considered to be obliged entities when they engage in any sort of cash transaction with a client, equal to or higher than BAM 20,000. Obliged entities from Article 5 of this Law are required to take measures, procedures and actions to prevent and to discover money laundering and terrorist activity financing and financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction before, during and after conducting the transaction or establishment and duration of business relationship. Measures, procedures and actions of the article include: An obliged entity from Article 5 of the Law is required to compile adequate policies and procedures which will be used to encompass measures defined in this article (Article 9 of the Law), for the purposes of risk management from money laundering and terrorist financing and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Policies and procedures must be appropriate to the nature and size of the obliged entity and must be approved by the highest authority for surveillance, administration and management of the obliged entity in line with statute. Detailed decisions on establishment of policies, procedures and control actions are contained in the Article 56 of the Law. Obligation of assessment of risk from money laundering and terrorist financing and financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is prescribed by the decision from the Article 10 of the Law  to identify, assess, understand and decrease the risk of money laundering, terrorist financing and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, taking into consideration risk factors which are related to: Risk assessment must be documented appropriately to the size of the obliged entity, type, scope and complexity of their work, and the obliged entity is required to at least once a year update and submit the documentation relating to risk assessment to a competent supervisory authority according to the Article 93 of this law (in a real case to an inspector of the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs). Next obligation is related to nominating an authorized person and one or more deputies of the authorized person, with a goal to deliver information to the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit). Authorized person is required to be present during the performance of direct supervision, to directly communicate with representatives of supervisory authorities and to give them all necessary help for unhindered exercise of direct supervision. Conditions for the authorised persons and the deputies are prescribed by decisions in Articles 48 to 51, 53. and 54. of the Law. Obligations on compiling the lists of indicators for recognizing suspicious transactions, that is means and clients with whom there are reasons for suspicion of money laundering terrorist financing and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are prescribed by the decisions in the Articles 57. and 58. of the Law and are fulfilled on the basis of information which are available and are about new trends and typology of money laundering and terrorism financing. In the case of changed conditions in the work of the obliged entity, if there are important for the implementation of this Law, the obliged entity is required to compile an amendment to the list of indicators. The obliged entity is required to deliver the list of indicators and the amendment list to FIU and the supervisor authority within thirty days from completion. The Article 58 prescribes obligations of the obliged entity of defining a procedure of an independent and anonymous reporting of violations of provision of the Law and its bylaws. Important obligation is establishing and maintaining records, types of records as well as their content, which is regulated by Articles 59 to 61 of the Law. The obliged entity from the Article 5 of this Law is required to secure activities and measures for preventing and discovering money laundering and terrorist financing, in the same manner and scope in its subsidiaries in which the legal entity holds a majority ownership stake, regardless of whether they are located in Bosnia and Herzegovina or a foreign country, which is explained in provisions of the Article 52 of the Law. Also, the obliged entity from the Article 5 of this Law is required to, within the scope of regular their activity for the purposes of efficient management of risk from money laundering and terrorist financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, establish an internal control of execution these activities appropriate to the size and nature of its work. So, at least once a year it has to secure an independent internal and external audit of adequacy, reliability and efficiency of the risk management system dealing with money laundering and  terrorist activity financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which can be a part of prescribed external audit when the obliged entity or supervisory authority of the obliger estimate whether, taking into the account the size and nature of the work, independent internal and external audit from this stance is needed, and especially when a law or a bylaw regulate the activity of the obliged entity and prescribe the obligation of having internal and external audit (Article 55, of the Law). Obliged entities from the Article 5 of the Law are required to establish adequate physical, organizational and technical

Seed material under scrutiny of inspection services

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service banned the import of two deliveries of corn seed because the aforementioned did not fulfil the regulated quality norms, as well as two deliveries of seedlings due to the presence of quarantine harmful organisms. At the start of the harvest season, it is established practice of the Phytosanitary Inspection Service to give special attention to the investigation of the quality of agricultural plant seeds, seedlings, fertilizer and other agricultural and raw materials. Taking into the consideration that the quality of seed is the main factor that directly determines health of the crop, potential of the yield and ultimately economic profitability of agricultural production, the goal of the Agricultural and Phytosanitary Inspection Services is to secure quality and safe seed of agricultural plants in the Republic of Srpska market. 177 samples were taken for the purposes of lab analysis by the Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service during the imports of seeds and seedlings this year. Four deliveries were denied entry after performed analysis because they did not meet regulated conditions. It is important to highlight that sampled deliveries remain under supervision until the results of analysis are obtained, which prevents seeds and seedlings that are not aligned with regulated requirements to appear on the market. Also, a surveillance of agricultural pharmacies in the Republic of Srpska was conducted with the aim to control the agricultural plant seeds on the market. Special attention is given to the declarations and marking of appropriate tags which are meant to be a confirmation of origin and quality of seeds in the trade flow.  The total of 257 controls have been conducted, out of which 69 had confirmed irregularities mainly due to inadequate marking of seeds. On that basis 113 metric tons of agricultural plant seeds temporarily have been removed from the market until the removal of irregularities. Taking into consideration the measures which the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry has been undertaking to aid domestic producers, the Agricultural and Phytosanitary Inspection Services via their actions also have strived to give strong support to domestic agricultural production. With all this in mind we can say that the seed market in the Republic of Srpska is fully under the control of the inspection service.

Charged BAM 1,700,000 due to offense in price formation

With the Decision on setting margins in the trade of certain products and the Decision on setting margins applied during price formation of petroleum derivatives coming into the effect, all available capacities of Republic of Srpska Market Inspection Service are focused on the price formation. By this point, due to established irregularities penalties of BAM 1,700,000 were issued. The Republic of Srpska Market Inspection Service has done 114 controls of the price formation of products which profit margins are limited by the Decision in facilities selling food, both in larger trade chains, smaller stores, wholesale and retail. In 58 controls it was determined that traders were not abiding by the regulated margins resulting in them being charged BAM 640,000. Also, due to other confirmed irregularities in the work of these businesses the penalties of BAM 14,000 were issued. For the purposes of surveillance of trade facilities market inspectors of local self-governing units were commissioned. According to previously received reports, in 27 cases city and municipal market inspectors determined that the traders were not abiding by the regulated margins and on that basis, they were charged penalties in the amount of BAM 177,000. Due to other confirmed irregularities in the work of these subjects the penalties of 14,100 BAM were issued. During controls of price formation of liquid fossil fuels, it was determined that out of 132 performed controls, 57 had irregularities because traders were not abiding by the regulated margins. On that basis subjects that trade fuels were charged penalties in the amount of BAM 855,000. Also, due to other confirmed irregularities in the work of these subjects the penalties of BAM 23,200 were issued. Price formation is still in the focus of inspection services, and aims to protect economic interests of citizens, counteract unrealistic price formation and possible unfair behaviour of traders. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate will do everything using its authority to implement every activity affirmed by the legislator that aims to improve living standards of Republic of Srpska citizens.

Waiting time of transporters in foreign trade surveillance shortened 

Acting Director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate Miodrag Mišić with associates held a work meeting today attended by Velibor Peulić, the main coordinator of Consortium „Logistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina” and Stevo Savić, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Srpska Minister of Transport and Communications. The recent activities that aim to support entrepreneurs in transport sector which Inspectorate undertook under the request from Consortium were analysed at the meeting. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate fully realized the responsibilities which it has taken, after signing the Cooperation and mandatory application measures Agreement in September of 2025, which solidified measures of establishing common operating procedures of inspection services and the Customs, functioning to increase the movement of goods, to decrease delays and to insure synchronization at customs terminals. With that in mind, Dragan Mataruga, the Chief Republic Agricultural Inspector highlighted that the working hours of the Republic of Srpska inspection services and customs are completely in sync, and that the working hours of inspectors at the busiest border crossings are from 8:00AM to 8:00PM from Monday to Saturday since the first of October 2025. He emphasized that this has significantly contributed to decrease in time which transporters spend waiting for border crossing procedures to be done, which include inspection of deliveries. Every delivery that comes during the working hours of inspection service will be finished on the same day, and special attention is given to perishables and delicate goods. Acting Director of Republic of Srpska Inspectorate Miodrag Mišić has stated that this institution is ready to make additional effort if there is space for further promotion when it comes to jurisdiction of inspection authorities. The Inspectorate so far has been in full support of domestic transporters, who have been working in extremely difficult conditions. He highlighted that consensus on working hours has been in an effect for half a year and that flow of goods functions without any delay or difficulties when it comes to the jurisdiction of the Republic of Srpska inspection services. During the observed period the Republic of Srpska inspection services have inspected over 66,000 imported deliveries, and there were no complaints about the work of agents of the Inspectorate. Velibor Peulić, the main coordinator of Consortium „Logistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina “has expressed satisfaction because of the accomplished progress, which is the result of understanding and cooperation between the Inspectorate and the Consortium. After the measures were taken by the Inspectorate, the flow of the goods was accelerated by 24 hours, which significantly facilitates work and planning of the work of businesses. Peulić added that the Consortium is satisfied by Inspectorate’s performance, which is the first one to do what is asked of them, and by the readiness and speed of accomplishing the agreed upon goals. Taking into the account all of the regional, as well as the global difficulties which befall on the transport sector, faster flow of the goods is in everybody’s interest, including that of state, economy and citizens. With that in mind, he highlighted that it is necessary for other inspection services at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to perform the obligations they have taken so that the flow of goods could be accelerated, delays decreased and higher efficiency secured.   It was concluded on the meeting that the Inspectorate takes numerous organizational and logistical measures every day as part of its jurisdiction to quicken control procedures and to decrease waiting time at the border crossings.

Penalties of 497,000KM imposed over violation of grocery price margins

The Republic Market Inspection Service has carried out tighter control of price formation in of trade facilities last week, which is in line with Decision on setting margins in the trade of certain products. 80 procedures have been initiated in the last week, out of which 58 are completed. In 32 cases it has been proven that traders do not follow mandated margins, and penalties of BAM 363,000 have been imposed. Market inspectors from local self-government units were also involved for the purposes of oversight. According to recent received reports of city and municipal inspectors, in 26 they found breach of margins, and those traders were penalised in the amount of BAM 134,000. Controls of trade facilities actually include control of price formation of several hundreds of items, because for every separate product from the Decision there are dozens of product brands of different packaging, so these are complex controls which require time. Price formation is still in the focus of the inspection service, so we advise traders to follow mandated margins and to not put themselves at risk of being penalised. A penalty in the amount of BAM 8,000 for a legal entity, BAM 4,000 for the responsible person in a legal entity and BAM 5,000 for a business owner has been issued by the Decision if they don’t follow the mandated margins. Also, adhering to the Decision on setting margins which is applied during price formation of petroleum derivatives remains a subject of surveillance for the Republic Market Inspection Service.

Prnjavor Grammar School handed certificate of appreciation to Inspectorate

During the ceremonial celebration of the 65th anniversary of Prnjavor Grammar School, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate and Chief Republic Inspector for Education and Sport, Željko Ostić were handed the certificate of appreciation for continued support in work and notable contribution to the development of education. On this occasion Chief Republic Inspector for Education and Sport Željko Ostić expressed pleasure for receiving the certificate, as well as for the fact that the efforts of the education inspection service, within their competences, to give daily contribution to the improvement of the education system of the Republic of Srpska have been acknowledged. Education is the foundation of every society’s future, and it is the obligation of every participant in the education process to protect the education institutions for the benefit of future generations through the mutual cooperation and support.

Control of products sold as substitute for cheese

Republic Food Safety Inspection Service has been intensely monitoring products that are sold as a substitute for cheese in the last few days, focusing on the information for of consumers about the content of the product. On-site inspections found that traders label names of products on price tags in a way that is misleading to customers. Namely, traders put the term “cheese” on price tags as the name of the product despite the declaration of the product clearly stating that it is not a product 100% made out of milk. These are the products which name and content are clearly labeled on the packaging, like creamy spreads, cheese substitute of plant origin, as well as different kinds of processed cheese and plant fat slices, which have wrong information on price tags, not aligned with the information that is on the declaration of the product. Products declared as creamy spreads and plant-based substitute for cheese by the manufacturer are listed as cheese on price tags by the store traders. Therefore, the name of the product on the price tag in front of the product is not aligned with the original label of the product on the packaging, which can mislead a customer. The total of 83 inspections resulted in 45 issued decisions on correction of irregularities, and penalties in the amount of 86,200 KM. During the process of control of stores, the traders are ordered to correct the irregularities by changing the name under which the product is sold so the customers were not mislead during the purchase, which as a rule traders are required to do on spot by the law. The Law on Food states that a business, while working with food during the business operation which is under their oversight, is not allowed to change information that accompanies food if such changes would mislead the end consumer or otherwise decrease the consumer protection or their options to choose the food on the basis of information.

Petrol stations fined BAM 825,000 for profit margin violations

Last week, the Republic Market Inspection Service conducted 130 inspections of price formation for liquid petroleum fuels. In 55 cases inspectors found that the traders did not adhere to prescribed profit margins and issued them fines in the total amount of BAM 825,000. Also, on the basis of other irregularities found in those inspections, relating to business documents, inspectors also issued fines in the amount of BAM 23.200. To remind you, the Republic of Srpska Government last week reached a new Decision on profit margin used for formation of the prices of liquid petroleum fuels, as well as the Decision on profit margins in turnover of certain products which relates to basic foodstuffs, and which will be in the focus of inspection surveillance. In order to protect the living standard of the citizens of the Republic of Srpska, the market inspection service continues to work in full capacity. We appeal to the traders to harmonise their prices timely and adhere to prescribed profit margins in order avoid the risk of fines, because any violation will be severely fined.

Monitoring of honey to protect domestic producers

In order to protect domestic producers, as well as consumers that use this foodstuff daily, the Republic Food Safety Inspection is conducting a monitoring of honey being marketed in retail shops at the Republic of Srpska market. Laboratory testing of honey is conducted as well as a part of the inspection, and while taking samples inspectors pay special attention to retail price of honey, i.e. they always sample products with lower prices, which can be a basis for suspicion in the quality. Bearing in mind the measures that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska is taking aimed at incentivising beekeeping as an important branch of agriculture and providing support to domestic producers, inspection services with their activities also provide strong support to domestic agricultural production. The aim of inspection work is to ensure that quality and safe food is sold at the domestic market, and to prevent every negative occurrence that represents disloyal competition to domestic producers. After the analyses are completed, the public will be timely informed on the results and measures taken. We recommend to consumers to buy honey only from registered producers, and in that was giver their contribution and support to local beekeepers, and appeal to them to report to the inspection services the cases in which they have information on sale of honey with suspicious quality, without a declaration and outside points of sale.

For violations of profit margins BAM 666,000 of fines

The Republic Market Inspection Service has started 123 inspections of price formation for liquid petroleum fuels. In 43 cases inspectors found that the traders did not adhere to prescribed profit margins and issued them fines in the total amount of BAM 666,000. Yesterday, the Republic of Srpska Government has also adopted a Regulation limiting profit margins for basic foodstuffs, so the market inspection service is fully engaged. Formation of fuel and basic foodstuffs prices remains the focus of the inspection services. Through its competences, the Market Inspection Service all activities that the lawmakers take in order to protect living standards of the citizens of the Republic of Srpska and consistently take measures that line ministry adopted in order to control the prices. We appeal to the traders to adhere to prescribed profit margins and avoid the risk of fines, because any violation will be severely fined.

For violations of fuel profit margins fines of BAM 75,000

The Republic Market Inspection Service had increased inspections of price formation for liquid petroleum fuels in order to protect economic interests of citizens, combating unrealistic prices and potential unfair behaviour of traders. So far 20 inspections have been conducted which involved formation of prices from the beginning of the year. In five cases inspectors found that the traders did not adhere to the Regulation limiting the profit margin in price formation of liquid petroleum fuels, for which they will be sanctioned in accordance with the law. This Regulation prescribed fines of BAM 10,000 if a trader as a company does not adhere to the prescribed profit margin, as well as a fine of BAM 5,000 for the responsible person in a company. Also, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Trade, traders have a duty to deliver to the Ministry the information on prices, changes in price of goods and services, stockpiles, profit margin and other data in order to initiate and monitor the effects of measures of economic policies in the area of market and trade. In three cases inspectors found that the traders did not deliver the data in a timely manner and they will be fined BAM 800 for the company and BAM 300 for the responsible person. Considering the fact that there are 500 petrol stations in the Republic of Srpska, it is important for the consumers to know that inspections are conducted by examining of business documents of the traders, calculation of prices, issued receipts, and if the inspector did not manage to finish the inspection today, that does not mean that condition on that particular day will not be inspected. By inspecting the documents the inspector controls earlier time period, not only that particular day. In inspections conducted so far inspectors found that price corrections were conducted at the beginning of March. The focus of inspections were businesses that a large number of petrol stations in their chain all over the Republic of Srpska, and in turn a large number consumers use their services, but smaller business will not be excluded. The final retail price as a rule depends on the purchase price which is used to calculate a prescribed profit margin. The purchase price used as basis for calculating the profit margin includes the invoice price of the producer, or distributer, increased by dependant purchase expenses, such as customs duties, transport, storage, forwarding office expenses, etc. If the purchase price increased the final retail price will also be higher, however, the amounts of goods in stockpiles and that were procured earlier at lower prices, the profit margin is calculated based on the purchase price at the time. The Republic of Srpska Market Inspection Service is working at full capacity and will continue their inspections. Inspection surveillance is a continuous work, and if one facility is inspected today that does not excluded it from being inspected again in a couple of days. The inspection service is going to continue to monitor the situation in the field in the coming time period and adjust its work as the situation requires, and business can expect inspectors any day.

Draft Inspectorate’s Mid-term Work Plan

In accordance with the Regulation on implementation documents in the Republic of Srpska (Republic of Srpska Official Gazette 8/22) the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs publishes the Draft 2027-2029 Mid-Term Work Plan for consultations with socio-economic partners, the public and comments.

Increased inspection of marketing and declarations on meat

The Republic of Srpska Veterinary Inspection Service is going to intensify inspections of marketing and declarations on meat in order to remove suspicions on illegal marketing of frozen meat as fresh in retail sale. All slaughtering, meat processing and marketing facilities are under continuous surveillance of the veterinary inspection service. In 2025 the Republic Veterinary Inspection Service conduced 600 inspections of facilities such as: butcher shops, wholesale facilities, retail facilities, abattoirs, farms, warehouses, production plants. In order to remove those irregularities, the businesses were issued 113 administrative measures, while minor offence orders were issued for violations committed in the total value of 71,600 BAM. Also, the veterinary inspection services in the local self-administration units also conduct daily inspections and issue both administrative and offence measures for detected irregularities. Inspections determine the origin of meat using traceability, which means that the amounts of meat found in refrigerators and freezers must match the data in business documents of the trader, both in terms of quantities and in terms of data on origin. Special emphasis in inspection is on declarations, whether they match the production date, country of origin, shelf life, the meat found in the freezer or previously delivered meat, which can be determined connecting the declaration with the invoices. Fresh unpackaged meat of animals born and/or fattened and/or slaughtered in different states that are placed on the market in shops need to be clearly separated one from another and declared in such a manner that the end consumer can easily tell the difference between meat of different origin. The declaration of fresh unpacked meat intended for end consumer needs to, inter alia, contain the following data, in order for the consumers to be informed and for their rights to be protected: 1) state of animal’s birth “Born in” (name of contry), 2) names of countries where they were bread, stating “Bread in: (names of countries), 3) country of slaughter titled “Slaughtered in: (name of country)” and veterinary control number, 4) country of cutting: “Cut in: (name of country) and veterinary control number, 5) type of meat and category, 6) date of slaughter, 7) all special storage conditions and/or conditions of use and 8) date of use (“best before”). The declaration of fresh meat must be placed at a visible place at the refrigerator so that can be easily seen, clearly read and if necessary with permanent lettering in large printed letters of hight equal or higher than 3.00 mm.

Strengthening preventive function of inspection surveillance

Aiming at prevention and offering support to microeconomic entities which employ up to 10 workers, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate carries out advisory inspections daily via a special Department for Advisory of Business Entities. The total of 400 advisory visits have been made this year, with the goal to stop the emergence of illegalities and harmful consequences by offering professional and advisory support on the spot. With the establishment of this Department in 2020, small businesses have been able at the very star of their operation, to adjust their business with the Law with advisory assistance of the inspectors and timely undertaking of measures, so that they would not expose themselves to the risk of fining. The inspections are organized for the microeconomic entities who are registered in the period shorter than a year or in the case of new legislation which they implement in their work. As a rule, repressive measures are not taken against irregularities noticed during advisory visits, unless it is determined that an employee works without adequate registration, or if there is an injury or endangerment of lives and health, or other important public interest. With this approach, the Inspectorate confirms the continuous commitment to enhancing of the business climate and strengthening the preventive function of the inspection surveillance. The work of inspection authorities is often viewed through the prism of fining, and with this approach we strive for the repressive characteristics of our work to have another dimension by stimulating businesses to timely fulfill legal obligations. If the owners of microeconomic entities have a need for certain explanations regarding the implementation of legislations which relate to their business, they can refer to this authority with a query for an official advisory visit. With preventive action we strive to prevent negative effects on the businesses themselves, as well as on the economy.

Seasonal discounts under inspectors’ scrutiny

The new Law on Consumer Protection entered into force on Thursday, 28 of November, and the results of its implementations and benefits regarding the domain of consumers’ rights protection will be prone to analysis only in the upcoming period. It is necessary for a certain period of time of the implementation of the law to pass in order for right conclusions to be drawn about progress made in a certain field. Considering that the “Black Friday” trend is associated with the last Friday in the month of November, therefore not long before the entering into force of the aforementioned law, the Market Inspection conducted inspections of commercial facilities in the second half of the last week. Likewise, we have to keep in mind that the Law left a transitional deadline of six months since the day of entering into force, during which the traders are obliged to adjust their work activities in accordance with this law. In 80 conducted inspections, 13 cases had contained determined omissions, their removal was ordered and 11 minor offence orders worth BAM 7.000 were issued. As a rule, the most common irregularities related to the issuance of invoices, expiration of prices, keeping track of business books and records. Furthermore, inspectors pointed out to traders that a new law has entered into force during their inspections and that the traders are obliged to timely adjust their work in accordance with the law. Based on the information received, we can say that the traders are now familiar with the changes of the law, and it is expected of them to fulfil their obligations without the need for inspectors to take repressive action. The goal of the inspection surveillance is not primarily to fine businesses, but to adjust the work of traders with the regulations, and to ensure respect of consumers’ rights guaranteed by the law.

Activities on the establishment of prerequisites for the control of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities

The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, as one of the institutions competent for the control of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is actively performing preparations regarding the establishment of prerequisites for the beginning of surveillance under its competence. Under the control of this authority will come businesses such as audits companies, bookkeeping and accounting services, tax advisors, legal entities which conduct money transferring services for clients, and issuing other forms of payment and managing them. Likewise, a subject of inspection will be the providers of trust services, the post office if it performs services of payment transactions, and business entities who are registered for vehicle trade. In the competence of this authority are traders of precious metals, precious stones and artistic objects in transactions worth BAM 20.000 and more, as well as mediators in the commerce of real estate including renting, which have the rent at BAM 20.000 and more. The Law is based on risk management by business entities, who are obliged to nominate an authorized officer and one or more deputies, with the goal of conducting precautionary measures regarding the prevention and detection of money laundering and financing of terrorist activities. The subject of inspections will precisely be these mandatory activities, i.e. whether the prescribed policies and procedures approved by the highest management authority have been established, whether the authorized person has been nominated, whether the list of indicators for detection of suspicious transactions has been made and sent to the supervisory authority, whether the risk assessment document has been developed and other. While conducting risk assessment, businesses ought to consider factors which are related to clients, countries or geographical areas, products, services or transactions and distribution channels. Measures for the prevention and detection of money laundering and financing of terrorist activities must be equally implemented in every business unit of the business and subsidiary companies which are majority owned by the business, regardless of the fact whether their business operation is in Bosnia and Herzegovina or in a foreign country. We especially point out that it is prohibited by law to accept money in the form of cash if the payment for goods or services exceeds BAM 30.000, even when the payment is done in a certain number of connected transactions which are of the total value that exceeds the aforementioned amount. The same prohibition applies to the cases of acceptance and approval of loans. The law fully prioritizes prevention, in a way that defines series of measures to which the businesses ought to adhere in order to minimize every suspicious business operation. In direct contact with the clients they conduct their business with, the business entities can immediately assess whether there are contradictions or discrepancies which could indicate a possible misuse. In case they detect suspicious transactions, business entities are obliged to check the background and the purpose of those transactions. Indicators which point to the suspicion are complex transactions, unexpectedly large amount and manner of execution, value or connection of transactions which have no economically or legally founded purpose, that is if they are not harmonised or in disproportion with the normal, expected business operations of the client. In those instances, the businesses are obliged to report any suspicious activity about every attempted or performed suspicious transaction, suspicious assets regardless of the amount of that transaction and about every suspicious client or person to the Department of Financial Intelligence of the State Investigation and Protection Agency. Ultimately, the Law defines fines for its violations, which differ depending on the offense, and in the case of court proceedings they can reach up to BAM 200.000. For the implementation of this Law, the Inspectorate undertook series of legal, procedural and organizational measures. Changes have been made regarding the Law on Inspection Services in the Republic of Srpska which has not prescribed this type of surveillance so far, personnel capacities for the formation of a new inspection sector have been defined and the training of inspectors has been performed. This is a completely new field which is being put into competence of this authority for the first time. We use this opportunity to invite all businesses to timely familiarize themselves with their new obligations, not to wait for the arrival of an inspector, but to initiate risk assessment activities on their own. The goal of inspection authorities is to offer support businesses and to work together to minimise risks and to suppress negative effects on the economy. On Inspectorate’s webpage, the businesses can find useful documentation and specific examples which can help them in the implementation of legal provisions.

More efficient border control through mutual collaboration

At the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate premises and within a project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD), financed by the Swiss Economic Affairs Secretariat (SECO), a second workshop was organized with the goal of improving inspection surveillance in Foreign Trade. The workshop was attended by the representatives of all three inspection authority bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On that occasion a meeting was held between Milovan Krčo, Director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, Ivana Prvulović, Director of the FBiH Administration for Inspection Affairs, and Adnan Drapić, Head of the Brčko District BiH Inspectorate. On behalf of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Jelena Ćirković, the coordinator of the project (Sector Reform, Competitiveness and Economic Governance) addressed the participants via a video link. Within the workshop, the participants shared experience regarding practical examples during controls, and they also brought forth suggestions for improvement of work which will be put together in the following period of time in a single document by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development based in Belgrade. During the meeting, all participants agreed that a more intensive mutual data sharing is necessary for a better and at the same time easier border surveillance.

Final meeting within Supporting Capacity Enhancement of Republic of Srpska Inspectorate project

In regards to the completion of the Supporting Capacity Enhancement of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate project, on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the final meeting of the participants of the aforementioned project was held. The meeting was attended by representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) and the members of project team of the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs. The participants of the final meeting reflected on the key activities which had been realized during the project, and those are the following: Within the project implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – the Belgrade Office, and which was financed by the Swiss Economic Affairs Secretariat (SECO), 282 officials  participated in various types of training in the project from the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs of the Republic of Srpska. The project budget was 75,000 Euros and was realized in a time span of 12 months. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development expressed satisfaction with the manner of work and the approach of the participants of the project, under which the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs of the Republic of Srpska and the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) completely realized the activities set by the project agreement and did so in set deadlines. As a sign of gratitude for the support and contribution towards the improvement of the inspection system of the Republic of Srpska, the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs handed symbolic gifts to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Swiss Economic Affairs Secretariat (SECO) and the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED). Activities realized by the aforementioned project represent a step in the right direction regarding the further improvement procedures and methodologies of the inspection surveillance, whose strategic goals are directed at the growth of social discipline when it comes to the implementation of regulations, raising awareness of businesses about the need for respecting regulations, rules and procedures, and developing the culture of dialogue between social partners. The Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs of the Republic of Srpska is committed to continue working diligently on improving its professional skills through further activities and potential new projects.

Activities on improving inspection planning process

Within a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development project, financed by the Swiss Economic Affairs Secretariat (SECO), an event was organised at the offices of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate with the presentation of the risk assessment algorithm used for selection of supervised businesses.

Quicker flow of imported goods

In order to establish common operation rules for inspection and customs authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the purpose of faster flow of goods, decreasing delays and providing synchronised operation at all customs terminals, competent inspection authorities of the Republic of Srpska, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brčko District, Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Logistics Consortium of B&H, have signed a Cooperation and Obligatory Measures Agreement.

Transport of passengers through Aeroo app is illegal

On 25 September, 2025, at the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate premises a working meeting was held on the occasion of recently activated internet application Aeroo APP, which is presented at social media as a modern transportation services, i.e. connection of passengers with drivers.

ACTIVITIES OF REPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FOR INSPECTION AFFAIRS ON ENFORCING LAW ON PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCING OF TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

On 28 February, 2024 the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities (“Bosnia and Herzegovina Official Gazette”, 12/24) came into force. One of the control authorities in charge of enforcing this Law is also the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs.

Banned import of two shipments of bananas from Costa Rica

The Republic of Srpska Phytosanitary Inspection Service has banned the import of two shipments of bananas in the amount of 40,500 kilograms originating from Costa Rica, due to confirmed levels of pesticides found during the regular examination of an import of plant based food.

Republic Health Inspection Service closes kindergarten in Teslić

Yesterday, the Republic Health Inspection Service closed the Public Pre-school Institution Kindergarten “Palčić” in Teslić for endangering the lives and health of children.

During the visit of the facilities of this business the inspection found that construction works were being performed in the building.

Press release on inspections of lake next to Delta Shopping Mall

We deny the populist statements that some individuals made yesterday on the alleged pressure on inspection authorities and fabricated repeated analysis of water from the lake next to Delta Shopping Mall by presenting concrete facts. The inspection was conducted on 17 June upon receiving an initiative asking to inspect the manner in which the lake next to Delta SM is filled, while the citizens of Banja Luka do not have basic conditions for living and do not have water at 40 C.  On that day technicians from the Republic of Srpska Public Health Institute, in the presence of a republic inspector, sampled water from 12 pipes filling the artificial lake, which is covered by official documentation.  After the analysis conducted at the Republic of Srpska Public Health Institute, seven samples were found to be drinking water, which is stated in the Test Report made on 23 June, 2025, while five samples were found not to be drinking water. Therefore, these are the results determined a month ago and present irrefutable facts, which raise suspicion on the origin of water used to fill the lake, because it is not possible for the samples to give different test results if the lake is filled from the same source. A testing of one sample covers different parameters which in the end give the final result. Due to not very clear presentation of the seriousness of established facts and all analysed items this situation was misinterpreted. The test results are available for viewing to all interested citizens and sent to the media in order to inform the public accurately and to supress unfounded speculations by ill-intended individuals. Considering that there are reports and reasonable doubt that last year the lake was filled with city water, and that is currently also partially filled from the city water supply, further actions of the inspectors would be to determine whether there is a discrepancy between the performed works on the water supply in relation to the project documentation. It is necessary to establish whether the water from the city water supply has been illegally connected to the well that is used to fill this artificial lake.

Continued education of inspectors

On Friday, 11 July, 2025 in Banja Luka, a training was held for republic traffic inspectors from all Inspectorate’s regional departments. This training is continued education of inspectors within a technical assistance project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate implemented by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED). The topic of the training was the analysis of regulation in the area of mobile workers in road transport, with special emphasis on driving times, breaks and rests. The basic goal of the training was to introduce all traffic inspectors with provisions of the regulation covering this area and analysis of practical situations in the field so that the inspectors could have good basis for correct actions in such inspections. In the introduction of the training inspectors were greeted by Inspectorate’s Project Coordinator Dejan Ćudić, Expert Advisor for Project Management and European Integrations and Aleksandar Đukić, Assistant Director – Chief Republic Traffic Inspector, and on behalf of NALED Jelena Mićić, Leading Competitiveness Advisor. The educator at the training was Ivan Vuković, traffic engineer from Belgrade. To remind you, the whole project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Development of operational planning model for more effective inspection surveillance

Within a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) technical support project, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate and the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) from Belgrade held a work meeting aimed at developing an operational planning model aimed at more effective inspection surveillance. The operational planning model for inspection surveillance, planned to be developed within this project, will be based on risk assessment and analysis and will use functionalities and data from the Republic of Srpska Inspection Management System. The basic goal of this model is to focus existing inspection resources towards the businesses with “most risk” of irregularities in their operations. This will lighten the load on the existing inspection personnel, but also decrease burden on businesses that obey the law and have responsible business practices. On this work meeting the operational planning methodology was agreed on, as well as the risk assessment algorithm which will be an integral part of the existing inspection management system. The project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Completion of Training for Business Process and Human Resources Improvement

The Republic of Srpska Administration for Inspection Affairs, in cooperation with the European Bank and the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) from Belgrade, and with the financial support of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), continued its training sessions for inspectors and employees of the institution.

28. April – Wold Safety and Health Day at Work

On the occasion of 28. April, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, as well on the occasion on 1 May, International Labour Day, we would like to remind employers and workers that the safety and health at work should be the basis and the beginning of each work activity.

Director of Inspectorate pays respect to victims at Donja Gradina Memorial

Milovan Krčo, Director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, attended the commemoration of the Remembrance Day for victims of the Ustasha genocide over Serbs, Jews and Roma in the Independent State of Croatia from 1941 to 1945, at Donja Gradina Memorial.

Fines of BAM 170,900 for illegal work this year

In first two months of this year the Market Inspection Service during 77 inspection issued ban of business operation to persons operating illegally, without registration at a competent authority.

Over 100 inspections of night clubs

Competent inspection services have lately conducted 101 inspections of night clubs in the whole of the Republic of Srpska, aimed at check conditions of measures of fire safety, occupational health and safety, and general use of facilities.

Immunisation – our joint responsibility and task

Chief Republic Health Inspector, Milica Matijević, MSc, participated at an expert meeting and panel discussion in Doboj named “Immunisation – our joint responsibility and task”.

Rulebook on the appearance and wear of official uniforms

In accordance with Item 22 of the Guidelines for consultations in drafting laws and other general documents (Republic of Srpska Official Gazette 86/22), Draft of this rulebook is going to be published at the Inspectorate’s webpage for a time period of 15 days in order to receive objections and suggestions to its text.

Import Prohibition for 66 Tons of Seed Potatoes

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service has prohibited the import of three shipments of seed potatoes from the Netherlands and France, totaling 66.2 tons, due to the presence of a harmful organism.

Nightclub Inspections Continued

As part of the implementation of the previously announced nightclub inspections, the competent inspection bodies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska, conducted 37 inspections across the entire Republic of Srpska in the past week. In 32 of these inspections, various irregularities were identified, and with the previous inspections, most of them related to the irregular periodic testing of various installations (such as lighting rod installations and hydrant network), the absence of normative acts on fire safety regulations, insufficient training of all workers regarding fire safety, and the failure to appoint a person responsible for implementing fire safety measures, among other concerns.

Meeting held on implementation of measures for foot-and-mouth disease prevention

Chief Veterinary Republic Inspector Vladimir Milijević attended a meeting held yesterday in Bijeljina regarding the implementation of necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease. Representatives of all relevant institutions at both the local and republic levels attended the meeting, including business owners and representatives of farmers’ associations.

46 inspections of nightclubs

As part of the implementation of the announced inspections of nightclubs, the competent inspection bodies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska, conducted 46 inspections across the entire Republic of Srpska last week. The controls encompassed various areas, such as occupations safety, fire safety, and the facility’s compliance with technical documentation requirements.

Training in improving business processes and strengthening human resources

The Republic of Srpska Administration for Inspection Affairs, in cooperation with the European Bank and the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) from Belgrade, organized a two-day training for inspectors and employees from the regional departments of Banja Luka, Prijedor, and Doboj. On March 18 and 19, all employees had the opportunity to upgrade their existing knowledge through lectures delivered by top-notch lecturers on subjects related to administrative and minor offence proceedings, as well as occupational health and safety.

Import Prohibition for 19 Tons of Seed Potatoes

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of its regular inspection of shipments in foreign trade, has prohibited the import of seed potatoes totaling 18,750 kilos due to the presence of a harmful organism. During the inspection of one shipment, samples were taken for laboratory analysis.

Clarification for businesses on the subject of announced nightclub inspections

In order to ensure efficient work, and to give legal entities adequate time to prepare the required documentation, which will be requested for review during the announced controls of hospitality establishments and nightclubs, we take this opportunity to clarify what exactly falls within the scope of this control.
Many times, the required documentation for inspection supervision is not available within the establishment, resulting in prolongation of the procedure, and the intention of this authority is to minimize disruptions of the regular work of hospitality establishments as much as possible

Minister Šulić shows support for activities of inspection authorities

The Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Srpska, Denis Šulić, showed full support for inspection authorities in their announced controls of all hospitality establishments across the Republic of Srpska that operate as nightclubs and discotheques, and made all necessary Ministry capacities and resources available

Control of Fire Safety Measures

During the upcoming period, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, in cooperation with Republic of Srpska Ministry of Internal Affairs, will conduct targeted inspections of the fire safety measures implementation and the use of pyrotechnics in hospitality establishments, with a particular focus on nightclubs and discotheques. The aim of the inspections is to prevent and timely address any possible irregularities that could potentially lead to unwanted incidents, such as the tragedy that occurred in North Macedonia last weekend.

Inspectorate and European Bank together in project implementation

The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate and representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development – Belgrade Regional Office and National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) from Belgrade held a meeting in Banja Luka.

Main topic of the meeting was the project aimed at providing support to the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate in strengthening institutional capacities, as well as coordination with misdemeanour courts in order to improve law enforcement and effectiveness and efficiency of inspections with increased transparency of inspectors’ work at the same time.

Traffic Inspection Service continuously works on combating illegal activities in traffic

In the area of public roads, this year the Republic Inspection Service conducted over 200 inspections which covered protection, maintenance, construction and reconstruction of public roads. Inspectors issued over 50 administrative measures, ordering irregularities to be removed, and 25 minor offence orders, said Aleksandar Đukić, Chief Republic Traffic Inspector in an interview for BL PORTAL.

Fines amounting to 150,000 BAM have been imposed due to exceeding the prescribed margin

Following the enforcement of the new Regulation on Margin Determination in the Trade of Goods at the beginning of May, the Republic Market Inspection Service started controlling the application of this Regulation. So far, 61 inspections have been carried out in commercial establishments, in 15 of which it was found that the margin defined by the Regulation was exceeded, resulting in fines totalling 150,000 BAM.

Citizens most commonly complain to Education Inspection Service about competitions

Petitions submitted by individuals to the Republic Education Inspection Service mostly concern the conduct of competition procedures for employment in educational institutions, determination of surplus staff, and acquisition of diplomas, emphasized Željko Ostić, the Chief Inspector for Education and Sports, in an interview for BL PORTAL.

Prohibition of the import of 50 tons of potatoes from Egypt

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of its regular inspection of shipments in foreign trade, has prohibited the import of two shipments of commercial potatoes totaling 50.8 tons originating from Egypt because it was found that they did not meet the prescribed conditions for import and further trade.

Increased control of marking and movement of domestic animals and meat trade

To prevent the recurrence of African swine fever and illegal transportation and slaughter of animals, the Republic’s veterinary inspection, in cooperation with municipal/city veterinary inspection, is conducting increased controls on the marking and movement of domestic animals, as well as the trade of meat for public consumption.

Director Krčo for Glas Srpske: Gray economy constantly under scrutiny

Combating the gray economy remains continuously the focus of the Republic Administration for Inspection Affairs, stated the director of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate, Milovan Krčo, in an interview for Glas Srpske. In addition to undeclared work as a form of the gray economy, illegal activities are most commonly identified in crafts and service industries, as well as in accommodation rentals. Even registered entities have elements of the gray economy, in terms of the origin of goods and recording transactions, Krčo emphasized. Commenting on the rise in prices of basic foodstuffs, Krčo added that around 300 inspections related to the compliance to the profit margin were carried out this year alone, resulting in fines totaling 135,000 KM for overcharging. He emphasized that the competent inspection service will continue to monitor the market and implement all measures aimed at price control in the upcoming period. You can read the complete interview at the following link: Interview with Director Milovan Krčо

The import of four tons of soybean seeds has been banned due to poor quality

The Phytosanitary Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska, as part of its regular control of agricultural seed shipments upon import, prohibited the import of a shipment of soybean seeds totaling 4,000 kilograms because it did not meet the prescribed quality standards. During the inspection of the shipment, the inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis to assess its quality. Based on the test report, it was determined that the germination rate was below the minimum required for seed quality. Consequently, the importer was prohibited from importing the seeds and instructed to return them to the sender or to destroy them according to the decision of the republic phytosanitary inspector. With the beginning of the planting season, the republic phytosanitary inspection pays special attention to the import control of seeds, planting materials, and other agricultural inputs circulating in the market of the Republic of Srpska, as the quality of these directly affects the yield quality in domestic agricultural production.

Prohibition of import of another shipment of strawberries from Albania

Phytosanitary Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska has prohibited the import of another shipment of strawberries, totaling 500 kilograms originating from Albania, due to the detection of increased pesticide levels during a routine inspection of imported plant-based food. During the inspection of the shipment, the competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis to test on pesticide residues. Based on the laboratory analysis report, increased pesticide presence above the values prescribed by the Regulation on maximum residue levels of pesticides in and on plant and animal-origin food and animal feed was determined in the tested sample. Acting on the analysis results, the inspector issued a Decision prohibiting the import and ordering the destruction of the shipment in the presence and under the supervision of the competent inspector. So far this year, a total of six shipments of strawberries originating from Albania have been banned due to increased pesticide content. The competent inspection service will continue with targeted inspections in accordance with risk assessment and the seasonal nature of certain fruits and vegetables in the coming time period.

Prohibition of import for two more shipments of strawberries from Albania

The Phytosanitary Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska has prohibited the import of two shipments of strawberries, totalling 1,630 kilograms, originating from Albania because, during the regular inspection of imported plant-origin food, an increased pesticide level was detected. During the inspection of the shipments, the competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis to examine pesticide residues. Based on the laboratory analysis report, an increased presence of pesticides above the values prescribed by the Regulation on maximum residue levels of pesticides in and on food and feed of plant and animal origin was found in the tested sample. Acting on the analysis results, the inspector issued a decision prohibiting the import and ordered the destruction of the shipments in the presence and under the supervision of the competent inspector. In line with the seasonal nature of certain types of fruits and vegetables, the competent inspection service directs special attention to targeted controls, and with the start of the strawberry import season, the focus is on these shipments. So far this year, import has been prohibited for a total of five shipments of strawberries originating from Albania due to increased pesticide levels.

Director Milovan Krčo and Minister Željko Budimir discussed activities of inspection in higher education

The Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Dr Željko Budimir, and the Director of the Inspectorate of the Republic of Srpska, Milovan Krčo, along with their colleagues, held a working meeting today to discuss various issues in the field of higher education, such as the application and improvement of legal solutions, inspection results, and planned activities for the upcoming period. During the meeting, the results of work and the most significant activities of the Republic Education and Sports Inspection Service for the past year were presented, as well as the work plans for the current year. On this occasion, representatives of the inspection bodies informed Minister Budimir on various measures taken at higher education institutions to rectify even the smallest flaws that may affect the process and quality of teaching. Additionally, inspectors noted that alongside regular inspection checks, a significant portion of their capacity is directed towards extraordinary controls based on complaints from other persons and entities and that the supervisory bodies strive to respond to all demands placed before them. Minister Budimir expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation with the Inspectorate of Republic of Srpska so far, emphasizing that the supervisory bodies will always have support from the line ministry and that the common goal of all competent institutions is to improve higher education in the Republic of Srpska as a crucial factor in national and cultural identity. It was concluded during the meeting that through joint cooperation, analysis of available information, and identification of potential issues requiring attention, institutions will act synchronously in the coming period, as investing in higher education is an investment in the future of the Republic of Srpska.

Prohibited import for two shipments of strawberries from Albania

The Phytosanitary Inspection of the Republic of Srpska has banned the import of two shipments of strawberries, totaling 1,370 kilograms, originating from Albania. This decision was made during the regular inspection of plant-origin food imports, confirming an increased pesticide level. The competent inspection strives to implement targeted activities in the control of fruits and vegetables, in accordance with the seasonal nature of individual species. With the beginning of the strawberry import season, special attention is focused on their inspection. Strawberries imported into the Republic of Srpska mostly come from Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Albania, where favorable climatic conditions allow for early strawberry production and production throughout the year. The greatest risk with fruits and vegetables is the presence of unauthorized amounts of pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals, and these are the parameters that are checked. Each imported fruit shipment must be accompanied by a health certificate and a certificate issued by the authorized body of the exporting country. Inspectors verify whether the shipment is accompanied by all necessary documentation, conduct a detailed inspection of the shipment, and, in line with the risk assessment, take samples for analysis. Since the beginning of this year, around 300 samples of fruits and vegetables have been taken for laboratory analysis during import. Additionally, in the past month, the Phytosanitary Inspection has prohibited the import of one shipment of strawberries from Albania, totaling 1,260 kilograms, due to an increased pesticide level. This brings the total number of banned shipments to three so far.

Banned import of 6 tons of seed potato

Under regular inspection of shipments in foreign trade, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service banned import of a shipment of seed potatoes in the amount of 6.250 tons originating from the Netherlands, due to presence of a quarantine harmful organism. During the inspection of the shipment from the import, samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The test results showed the presence of the “Meloidogyne chitwoodi” harmful organism. The Decision of a phytosanitary inspector was banned from import the shipment in question ordered it to be returned to the sender. Considering the fact that the planting season is staring the inspectors during controls of foreign trade give special attention to the quality of seeds of agricultural plants, seedlings, fertilizers and other agricultural processed materials, which is the main precondition for achieving high and quality yield. Bearing in mind the measures that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska is taking aimed at incentivising agricultural production and providing support to domestic producers and processors, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service with its activities also aims to provide strong support to domestic production with its activities.

BAM 250,000 160 minor offence orders issued during increased level of inspections

Last week the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate increased the level of inspections of various areas and industries. The focus was on inspections of sales facilities in terms of price formations for products with limited profit margin, but also adherence to other regulations in sales. There were also inspections of catering facilities and bakeries in terms of price formation and adherence, issuing receipts, business records, and regulations dealing with food safety. Special attention was also given to fighting grey economy, illegal employment, unregistered operations in terms of providing services illegally, but also conditions in which registered businesses provide different services. As part of last week’s activities there were 280 inspections, where 120 administrative measures and 160 minor offence orders were issued in the total value of BAM 250,000. The irregularities that were found related to different types of omissions, business records, issuing of receipts, illegal employment, sanitary and hygienic conditions, sanitary examinations of employees, and other. In terms of inspections of prices for basic foodstuffs that have a limited profit margin in accordance with the Regulation on limiting profit margins in trade of goods that can be calculated on the procurement price, the Republic Market Inspection Service conducts such inspections every day. In order to give more specific information on the results of these inspections to the public, we can say that since the beginning of this year in trading facilities there have been 100 inspections of the profit margin regulation, and in five cases inspectors found that the profit margin defined by the Regulation has been exceeded and the traders were issued penalties in the total amount of BAM 75,000. Also, as a part of last week’s activities, inspectors found 20 workers that did not have employment contracts, and for that issued fines to employers in the amount of BAM 42.100. There were also seven bans and BAM 7,500 of penalties for persons performing different unregistered services and sales, while in this year there had been 25 of such bans and BAM 30,000 of such penalties. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate is going to continue to monitor the situation in the field in the coming time period and adjust its work as the situation requires. We will support all steps that the lawmakers take in order to protect living standards of citizens and as a control authority we are ready to take all measures in the field that line ministries take in order to control the prices.

Shipment of strawberries and pea seeds banned

The Republic of Srpska Phytosanitary Inspection Service banned a shipment of strawberries, originating from Albania, in the amount of 1,260 kilos, after confirming increased content of pesticide during a regular inspection of imported food of plan origin. During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for pesticide residues. Based on the Report of the Laboratory Analysis the analysed sample had increased content of pesticides above the levels prescribed by the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in food and feed of plant and animal origin. Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered it to be destroyed under the supervision of a competent inspector. Also, during regular inspection of shipments of agricultural seeds during import, inspectors also banned a shipment of pea seeds in the amount of 500 sachets, originating from Italy, because the seeds did not meet prescribed quality norms. The Test Report confirmed that the seed germination is under the prescribed quality. Due to irregularities found, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment and ordered it to be returned to sender or destroyed.

One irregular sample of honey out of 13 tested

In relation to the information that large quantities of honey with low import price are being imported into Bosnia and Herzegovina, which raises suspicion of consumers and beekeepers in the quality of that honey, the Republic of Srpska Food Inspection Service can only speak about inspections conducted at border crossings and customs offices in the Republic of Srpska. Records on inspected imported shipments of food show that 28 shipments of honey and other beekeeping products were imported through border crossings and customs offices in the Republic of Srpska this year. From that number, importers from the Federation of B&H imported six shipments originating from Turkey, four shipments from New Zealand and 13 shipments from Serbia. Importers from the Republic of Srpska imported only five shipments, all of them originating from Serbia. There were periodical samplings for laboratory testing during import and all samples tested were assessed as regular. The Republic Food Inspection Service last month also conducted inspections of honey in the internal market of the Republic of Srpska in order to test for safety and quality. Total of 13 samples were taken from retail facilities and sent for laboratory testing. The analysis showed that only one sample was assessed as irregular in terms of HMF content and diastatic activity. During sampling the inspectors took special notice of the retail price of honey, i.e. they chose products with lower prices, which can be a basis for suspicion of its quality. The samples were sent to the laboratory marked exclusively with codes, without data in the producers, in order to provide for uniform marking of official samples and testing in the laboratory.

Import of almond seedlings from Turkey banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of seeds of agricultural plants during import, banned the import of almond seedlings originating from Turkey in the amount of 300 pieces. During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for harmful quarantine organisms. The laboratory analysis determined the presence of the quarantine harmful organism Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Pruni, causing a bacterial spot on leaves, a weakness of the nut trees. Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision prohibiting the import and ordering shipment in question to be returned to sender or destroyed under the supervision of a competent inspector.

Import of mandarins from Turkey banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of food of plant origin during import, banned the import of mandarins originating from Turkey in the amount of 6,800 kilograms, due to the increased content of pesticides. During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for pesticide residues. Based on the Report of the Laboratory Analysis issued by „Institut za vode“ Bijeljina, the analyzed sample had increased content of pesticides with values above the prescribed with the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on food and feed of plan and animal origin. Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision prohibiting the import and ordering shipment in question to be returned to sender or destroyed under the supervision of a competent inspector.

After the analysis, “Prime Hydration” withdrawn from the market

Considering the increased public interest regarding the circulation of the non-alcoholic beverage “Prime” in the market of the Republic of Srpska, the republic food inspection has sent five samples of the product “Prime Hydration” for laboratory analysis to assess its health safety and compliance with regulations. The results of the laboratory analyses revealed that the product’s label, marked in one of the official languages in use in the Republic of Srpska, is not in compliance with the current legal regulations, and not all necessary information is provided compared to the original label. Furthermore, it was determined that the product “Prime Hydration”, classified as a nutrient-enriched food, is not listed in the Register of Nutrient-Enriched Foods maintained by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska, which is a legal obligation. Nutrient-enriched food is food to which vitamins, minerals, and certain other substances with specific nutritional or physiological effects, excluding vitamins and minerals, are added. Every entity involved in the food business, before placing food for special dietary purposes, dietary supplements, and nutrient-enriched food on the market in the Republic of Srpska, is obligated to submit an application to the Ministry for the registration of food for special dietary purposes, dietary supplements, and nutrient-enriched food in the Register of Food for Special Dietary Purposes, the Register of Dietary Supplements, and the Register of Nutrient-Enriched Foods. In light of the above, the food safety inspection is implementing a measure to withdraw the product from the market, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Food, which stipulates that it is prohibited to market nutrient-enriched food that is not registered in the appropriate registry. We hereby urge traders, if they have not been informed about the product recall, not to wait for the arrival of inspectors but to independently remove the product from circulation. Regarding the assessment of health safety, the analysis has determined that the values of the tested parameters fall within the reference values defined by the current regulations. We would like to remind you that through inspections of points of sale and during imports, it has been determined that the product “Prime Energy” has not been circulated in the Republic of Srpska. This product had previously been banned in Slovenia and Croatia due to the presence of “L-theanine,” which is not permitted in non-alcoholic beverages.

“Prime” beverage to be analysed

Bearing in mind increased interest of the public relating to marketing of Prime non-alcoholic beverage in the Republic of Srpska, the Republic Food Safety Inspection Service has sent five samples of this product for laboratory testing, safety assessment and compliance of the declaration with standing regulations. Said beverage is being produced in two variants – Prime Energy and Prime Hydration. Inspections of points of sale and distributors in the Republic of Srpska found that Prime Energy, which had previously been banned in Slovenia and Croatia due to unpermitted substances in its contents, has not been circulated in the Republic of Srpska. In that regards, inspectors found in circulation the Prime Hydration variant which they sent for laboratory testing. We expect the analyses to be completed next week, after which we are going to have an official assessment by an authorised laboratory on how safe this product is.

Six criminal charges for trading pigs without necessary documentation

The Veterinary Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska has filed six criminal charges against individuals who traded pigs originating from infected and endangered areas without identification ear tags, animal health certificates issued by the veterinary organization implementing the Program of Measures, nor did they have a transaction confirmation. In other words, they engaged in the trade without proper veterinary documentation. The pigs were traded from the Semberija region to the areas of Istočno Sarajevo, Milići, Foča and all municipalities in Herzegovina. Considering the epidemiological situation related to African swine fever, which has led to the euthanasia and safe disposal of tens of thousands of pigs, causing significant economic losses, the irresponsible behavior of individuals has increased the risk of further spreading of the disease. During the illegal transportation from endangered and infected areas, irresponsible traders and farmers contributed to the spread of African swine fever to other regions of the Republic of Srpska. Timely intervention has halted the further spread of the disease, and the situation is under continuous monitoring by relevant authorities. However, we still need to appeal to individuals to act responsibly. African swine fever cannot be cured, and the disease can only be controlled through euthanasia of animals. We hereby appeal to farmers not to sell or purchase pigs without the necessary veterinary documentation. We would like to warn individuals who are considering acquiring pigs in this manner, reminding them that, in the event of disease occurrence, they will be responsible for covering all the costs of laboratory analyses, which are not small. Until now, these costs have been covered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Republic of Srpska in the regular procedure. Additionally, in the case of damage due to illness and the euthanasia of pigs, they will not be eligible for any assistance from the state. Any agricultural producer who is not in compliance with animal marking, labeling, and health certification will not have the right to compensation for damages. The Veterinary Inspection Service, in collaboration with the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, will continue increased inspections of pig trafficking in the Republic of Srpska in the coming period. We urge producers and individual households to adhere to prescribed measures, specifically to obtain appropriate veterinary documentation when engaging in pig transportation. The inspection will sanction any individual case where animals are found without ear tags or the required accompanying documentation for their transport.

Meeting of Minister of Labour and Labour Inspection Service

Yesterday, Minister of Labour and Protection of Veterans and Disabled Persons Danijel Egić held a working meeting with Chief Republic Labour Inspector Vladimir Glišić on analysis of the implementation of the Labour Law and Law on Inspections. Minister Egić stated several important topics to be discussed at the meeting, such as importing foreign workers, quotas for such workers, and other topics important for the business community, workers and unions. He stressed that there are talks with social partners on increasing the minimum wage in the Republic of Srpska and that he hopes they would come to an agreement. Chief Republic Labour Inspector Vladimir Glišić pointed out that 35 percent of inspections are with found irregularities which mostly relate to the violations of the Labour Law in the area of labour rights in terms of undeclared and illegal work, but also to the implementation of occupational health and safety measures, especially in the area of construction as one of the high-risk industries.

Banned import of 43 tons of mercantile potato

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments in foreign trade, banned the import of two shipments of mercantile potatoes in the amount of 43.3 tons originating from Austria, because it was determined that they did not meet the quality requirements. Through inspection of the shipments, a significant presence of rotting tubers was determined. The entire shipment emitted an unpleasant and offensive smell of rot, rendering them unacceptable and unsuitable for human consumption. The Phytosanitary inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered it to be returned to sender. The Law on Food of the Republic of Srpska prescribes that when determining whether food is suitable for human consumption, consideration is given to whether the food is unacceptable due to contamination by external causes or by other means, or due to rotting, spoilage, or decay. Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Food of Bosnia and Herzegovina, food is considered unsuitable for human consumption if the sensory attributes of the food have been changed due to physical, chemical, microbiological, or other processes to such an extent that the food is not suitable for human consumption.

Price formation remains subject of controls

The Republic Market Inspection Service has continued its regular controls of price formation for essential food products in this year as well, for which, by the Regulation on limiting profit margins in the trade of goods, a maximum margin amount that can be calculated on the purchase price is limited. During this year, a total of 171 inspections on the formation of prices of basic food products were carried out in shopping centers and markets. In 23 cases, it was determined that traders did not adhere to the prescribed margins when forming prices, resulting in fines in amount of BAM 345,000. Additionally, inspectors identified other types of irregularities related to invoicing, price compliance, business bookkeeping, and records maintenance. Consequently, 154 misdemeanor orders were issued to traders, in total amount of BAM 94,100. In each inspection where the margin was found to be exceeded, the price correction was ordered. In cases where these deviations amounted to a few pfennigs, such correction is not noticeable in consumers’ budgets, but for the inspection, even these minor deviations are considered violations. We would like to remind you that margin restriction applies solely to basic food products precisely defined by the Regulation and that for all other products, prices are formed according to market supply and demand. In other words, it is a question of free formation of prices, as prescribed by the Law on Price Regulation. Furthermore, regular inspections are also conducted to ensure compliance with the Regulation on limiting profit margin in price forming of liquid oil derivatives. In this year, a total of 113 controls on the formation of prices of liquid oil derivatives were carried out, of which eleven were found to have irregularities, because traders did not adhere to the prescribed profit margins during the formation of prices. On that basis, fines in the total amount of BAM 165,000 were imposed. Also, due to other types of irregularities related to keeping business books and records and the like, fines in the amount of BAM 26,400 were imposed. In accordance with the work plans of the Chief Republic Market Inspector, inspections of price formation will continue in the upcoming period. The Market Inspection Service will monitor the situation in the field and adjust its work as the situation demands.

Recommendations for breeders to control African swine fever

African swine fever is an extremely contagious disease that spreads through direct contact between animals and indirectly through insects, contaminated facilities, vehicles, products, food, and human movement. Given the numerous ways this disease is transmitted farmers play a crucial role in its containment by implementing a series of preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection spread. Enhance security of animal housing facilities The facility must be fenced with controlled access. Vehicle and pedestrian disinfection points should be established at entrances and maintained regularly. If feasible, double fencing can be used to prevent direct contact between domestic pigs and wild boars and other animals (dogs, cats and other domestic and wild animals). Use food from verified sources Pigs should not be fed with fresh grass, hay or grains collected from areas within infection zones. In certain areas, it’s a practice for pig owners to feed them various forest fruits, which is unacceptable. Wild boars are the primary carriers of this disease, and any contact with contaminated food or surfaces they have been in contact with can lead to direct transmission. Grains should be stored for at least two months before use to allow the virus to disappear. Avoid feeding animals with food leftovers The virus remains active in frozen meat for up to three years and in thermally untreated pork products, such as dried meat, for up to 400 days. Kitchen waste is often thrown into pig-feeding waste bins, posing a contamination risk. Food leftovers should be disposed of in dedicated closed waste containers. Restrict human and vehicle access to farms After wild animals, humans are the second largest carriers of African swine fever. Owners often visit neighbouring farms out of curiosity or fear to inquire about their animals’ health, potentially transferring the virus on their clothing. Limiting access to third parties on farms, except authorized personnel, is essential. Use special clothing, footwear, and tools Strict hygiene measures must be implemented in pig housing facilities, changing clothing and footwear when entering and leaving areas where pigs are held, handwashing and disinfection, and disinfecting footwear at the entrance are necessary. Additionally, equipment and tools used on the farm should not be taken out and brought back into the animal areas. Properly manage waste coming from farms The improper disposal of solid manure and wastewater from a pig farm, in case the virus is present, can lead to the accelerated spread of the virus in the surrounding area. Proper waste management is essential. Preventive measures in hunting Farm owners that have pigs should avoid moving in forests and participating in hunting activities. The virus remains active on the path of infected wild boars for up to two months and moving in these areas can carry the virus on footwear and introduce it to households or farms. In case of observing wild boars showing signs of illness, unusual behaviour, or finding a dead pig, it is necessary to immediately notify the authorised veterinarian without approaching or making contact with the animal or carcass.

Invoice issuance subject to increased inspection efforts

In order to combat illegal trafficking of goods and services, the Republic Market Inspection Service conducted an operation in the past month during evening hours in hospitality establishments, nightclubs, and discotheques, aimed at inspecting invoice issuance and transaction recording. Out of a total of 64 conducted inspections, only four were in compliance, while in 60 cases inspectors found that the business entities did not issue invoices properly for the sold goods or provided services, for which they were fined in the amount of BAM 57,000. Businesses that do not issue receipts are disloyal competition to those who respect the law and meet their obligations. Considering that the summer tourist season is ongoing and that there is increased activity in establishments providing hospitality and tourism services, the Market Inspection Service will continue intensified efforts in the upcoming period as part of implementing measures to combat the informal economy.

Increased inspection of tourist agencies

With the ongoing annual holiday season, the Republic Market Inspection Service continues its practice to increase inspections of tourist agencies prior and during this season. The primary aim of these inspections is to have businesses operate in accordance with the law, which directly affects end users of these services and their rights stemming from contracts signed with the agency. During the last year the Republic Market Inspection Service conducted 26 inspections of tourist agencies and nine of them were with found irregularities. Based on this, inspectors issued seven Decisions on removal of irregularities and issued four minor offence orders in the total amount of BAM 10,000. The omissions found related to business records, individual contracts and travel certificates with users, records of contracts signed with third parties, and records of contracts of individual tourist packages holidays or outings. When inspecting tourist agency, the priority is to determine whether they own the license of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Trade and Tourism, approving the operation of the tourist agency. The inspectors then inspect whether they meet requirements in term of offices, staff, insurance, record keeping, etc. In terms of consumer rights protection, inspectors check whether the prices of offered packages clearly shown, whether the travel programmes available to consumers, whether the agency informed the users with General Travel Conditions, whether the receipts are issued, whether travel arrangement contracts are signed with the users of travel packages, whether the clients are issued Travel Certificates, etc. The Republic of Srpska Law on Consumer Protection prescribes that a tourist agency performing travel arrangement operations and a tourist agency intermediating in the organisation of a tourist travel is obliged to sign a contract with each consumer on a tourist package deal that must contain all necessary data defined by this law. The consumer needs to receive at least one copy of the contracts, and if the agency does not do that, the consumers need to insist on their copy.

44,944 imported food shipments inspected in first half of year

In the first half of 2023, the competent inspection services of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate conducted 44,944 controls on food shipments in foreign trade during import. Inspectors check the accompanying documentation of the shipment, perform organoleptic examination and food sampling for laboratory analysis. In accordance with the estimated risk, potential irregularities in different types of products are identified, and analyzes are used for the examination of the parameters that represent the greatest risk in a particular product. For example, biggest risk for fruits and vegetables is the unpermitted amount of pesticides and heavy metals, and these are the parameters analyzed for this type of food. Special attention of inspectors is focused on products where some irregularity was found in previous controls, seasonal products, products for which there are certain risks in the countries of the region or if irregularities were found in those countries, and the like. In the observed period in the control of food imports, inspectors took 1,530 samples for laboratory analysis of health safety and quality. After analyzes were carried out, for 10 food shipments were prohibited from being imported. Irregularities were found in shipments of zucchini from Albania, carrots from Egypt, mangoes from Brazil due to the increased presence of pesticides, grain shipments from Serbia due to the presence of mycotoxins and others. It is important to note that shipments from which samples were taken for analysis are prohibited from being marketed, distributed or processed until the Decision of the inspector is made in accordance with the results of the laboratory examination of the samples. With regard to this procedure, in cases where the analyzes reveal some irregularity, there is no risk that the food has been consumed, because it was not even available to consumers. In the first half of this year, in internal traffic, competent inspection services carried out 1,180 controls at subjects in the food business. The inspectors controlled the hygienic conditions of the facility and equipment, the operation of the cooling devices, the method of food storage, the hygienic procedures of the employees, the declarations and sensory properties of the food and more. Determining health defective food is much rarer than determining various irregularities that can result in defective food, such as irregular sanitary inspections of employees, failures in maintaining hygiene in facilities that deal with food production and circulation, improper manipulation of food and the like. In the observed period, by the order of the inspection, about three tons of different food were withdrawn from circulation. Most often, these are products that by their nature have a shorter life, such as dairy products, soft drinks and juices or confectionery products. The work of inspectors at the border, expert risk assessment, timely identification of potential irregularities and the taking of prescribed measures resulted in food of the prescribed quality being found on the market. Competent inspections are engaged in their full capacity and perform daily surveillance of subjects involved in the production and trade of food, and based on the above, we can say that controlled food is traded on the market of the Republic of Srpska.

In six months 2.5m fees paid in foreign trade

According to preliminary data, in first six months of this year, inspectors of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate conducted 55,570 controls of imported shipments in foreign trade. Based on the supervision of foreign trade, fees in the total amount of BAM 2,553,804 were paid into the budget of the Republic of Srpska.  In this reporting period and in the internal market, inspectors conducted 12,774 inspections of businesses, and found violations in 3.858 cases, or in 30% of cases.  For irregularities found the inspectors issued 2.243 administrative measures ordering businesses to take measures and action in order to remove those omissions. For violations committed inspectors issued 2,045 minor offence orders in the amount of BAM 2,843,100, while they submitted 18 minor offence reports to competent courts.  As we can see from the structure of issued measures, inspectors sanction all cases where irregularities are found and order for those irregularities to be removed, or issue penalties.  During the inspection procedures inspectors confiscated wooden forest assortments evaluated to BAM 61,000, goods without origin in the amount of around BAM 2,200, as well as 2,200 kilograms of tobacco.  Inspectors also ordered around 3,200 kilograms of foodstuffs to be destroyed due to expired shelf life, changes in sensory properties, and unsuitable declarations.  Inspectors also controlled labour contracts of 5,921 workers they found working in businesses. Total of 111 of employees did not have a signed labour contract and were not registered for mandatory types of insurance, so the employers were fined in the total amount of BAM 194,200.

Import of 200 kilograms of mangos from Brazil banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of food of plant origin during import, banned the import of fresh fruit, mangos, originating from Brazil, in the amount of 200 kilograms, due to the increased content of pesticides.  During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for pesticide residues. Based on the Report of the Laboratory Analysis issued by „Institut za vode“ Bijeljina, in the analyzed sample, an increased presence of the pesticide “Thiabendazole” was found above the values prescribed by the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in food and feed of plant and animal origin.  Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordering the destruction of the shipment under the supervision of the competent inspector.

Import of more than 18 tons of fresh carrots banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of food of plant origin during import, banned the import of fresh carrots originating from Egypt, in the amount of 18,720 kilograms, due to the increased content of pesticides.  During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for pesticide residues. Based on the Report of the Laboratory Analysis issued by „Institut za vode“ Bijeljina, in the analyzed sample, an increased presence of the pesticide “Chlorpyrifos” was found above the values prescribed by the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in food and feed of plant and animal origin.  Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered it to be returned to sender.

Petrol stations fined BAM 75,000 for non-compliance with profit margin regulations

The Republic Market Inspection Service regularly controls compliance with the Regulation on limiting profit margin in price forming of liquid oil derivatives. The above-mentioned Regulation stipulates a maximum wholesale profit margin in the absolute amount of BAM 0.06 KM per liter of derivatives for traders who carry out the activity of wholesale trade in oil derivatives. The maximum retail margin in the absolute amount of BAM 0.25 KM per liter of derivatives is prescribed for traders who carry out the activity of retail trade in oil derivatives. Until mid-May of this year, 67 controls on the formation of prices of liquid oil derivatives were carried out, of which five were found to have irregularities, because traders did not adhere to the prescribed profit margins during the formation of prices. On that basis, fines in the total amount of BAM 75,000 were imposed. Also, due to other types of irregularities related to keeping business books and records and the like, fines in the amount of BAM 17,600 were imposed.

Traders fined BAM 210,000 for non-compliance with profit margin regulations

By mid-May of this year, the Republic Market Inspection Service carried out 99 controls on the formation of prices of basic foodstuffs. In 14 cases, it was determined that traders did not adhere to the prescribed profit margins when setting prices, and fines in the total amount of BAM 210,000 were imposed. Also, the inspectors found other types of irregularities in the sales facilities, which were related to the issuing of invoices, adherence to prices, keeping business books and records, and on that basis fines in the amount of BAM 45,800 were imposed. The Regulation on limiting profit margins in the trade of goods limits the maximum amount of margin that can be calculated on the purchase price. The aforementioned Regulation defines that companies, other legal entities and entrepreneurs dealing with the wholesale trade of goods determine the prices of certain products by applying a profit margin of 6% to the purchase price, and entities dealing with the sale of goods at retail establish the prices of certain products by applying a profit margin in a percentage of 8% on the purchase price. The purchase price on which the profit margin is calculated includes the manufacturer’s or supplier’s invoice price, increased by the dependent procurement costs, which are defined by this Regulation (such as the costs of customs clearance, transport, storage and the like). As a rule, the final amount of the retail price depends on the amount of the purchase price, on which the prescribed profit margin percentage is calculated, and if there is an increase in the purchase price, the final retail price will also be higher. In accordance with the aforementioned Regulation, the profit margin limit applies to the following types of goods: For all other products that are not covered by this Regulation, prices are formed in accordance with supply and demand on the market, respectively, it is a question of free formation of prices, as prescribed by the Law on Price Regulation.

Increased control of one-day rental accommodations

In order to suppress the unregistered activity of providing accommodation services based on the “one-day rental” principle, the Republic Market Inspection Service conducted an activity in the past month with 233 inspections carried out. In 43 cases, it was determined that the persons did not properly register the business activity, and they advertised these services, for which they were banned from further work, as well as fined. Also, there were cases where certain irregularities were found in registered entities, and in these cases measures were ordered to eliminate irregularities and fines were imposed. As part of this action, fines in the total amount of BAM 30,200 were imposed. This type of accommodation rental by natural persons is defined by the Law on Hospitality from 2017. Given that the legal prerequisites for the provision of these types of services have been created, we would like to emphasize that the priority goal of inspections is not fines, but the registration and legalization of entities, i.e. the introduction of their business within the legal framework. We appeal to natural persons who provide this type of services or plan to start performing this activity, not to wait for the arrival of the inspector, but to initiate the legalization procedure on their own. The inspection will undertake all available measures in order to suppress unregistered activity, which represents unfair competition to entities that work legally and pay their obligations to workers and the state.

Occupational safety and health should be basis of every work activity

On the occasion of marking April 28, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate would like to remind employers and employees once again that safety and health at work should be the basis and beginning of every work activity. Bearing in mind that an employee spends at least a third of the working day at work, a safe workplace is a basic prerequisite for maintaining and improving both physical and mental health. Safety and health at work are areas of special social interest, especially in high-risk activities. The goal of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate is to ensure the preservation of workers’ working abilities, safe and healthy working conditions, and to contribute to raising the level of awareness of the importance of implementing and observing occupational safety measures through the implementation of the Law on Occupational Safety and Health. Through daily preventive work in the field, the inspectors strive to, in addition to taking corrective measures, familiarize employers and workers with their rights, obligations and how they can jointly improve working conditions in the Republic of Srpska through educational activities. The goal of the supervision policy in the field of safety and health at work is first of all the prevention of injuries at work and occupational diseases, and it is based on the initiation of a series of activities in several areas of activity, such as the application of preventive measures in all forms of work, the training of employees for safe and healthy work, monitoring the health status of employees, monitoring the conditions of the working environment. Life, health and preservation of working abilities are values that directly affect the economic development of the entire society. A safe workplace should be a priority for both employers and workers. Good safety at work increases the productivity and competitiveness of the employer, as well as the success of achieving business plans and goals. On the labor market, healthy workers have longer working capacity and work engagement, while from the point of view of health care, the number of workers on sick leave and treatment costs are reduced. The common goal of the social community should be to raise the level of awareness of the culture of prevention, as well as to create a safe and healthy working environment in which dangers and risks for workers will be reduced to a minimum.

196 controls on use of incentive funds

In the past month, the Agricultural Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska carried out increased controls on the use of incentive funds. In the past month, republic and city/municipal agricultural inspectors performed 196 controls on the use of incentive funds, within which 694 implemented incentive measures were controlled. The total amount of controlled incentive funds is BAM 7,293,366.15. The funds were intended for various purposes, such as perennial crops, agricultural machinery, irrigation, premiums for milk, premiums for breeding heifers and others. Out of the total number of controls performed, only three controls were irregular, and inspection Decisions ordered the return of incentive funds in the total amount of BAM 13,580 and misdemeanor orders in the amount of BAM 3,000 were issued. Depending on the type and purpose of the incentives, the control covers funds allocated in previous years. For example, if it is a question of incentive funds for the purchase of agricultural machinery, the beneficiary of the incentive cannot alienate (sell) the acquired machinery within a period of three years and is obliged to present the procurement documentation to the inspector, as well as the machinery itself on the spot. In accordance with the above, the control included incentive funds from 2020 in order to determine whether the beneficiaries complied with the three-year deadline, as well as funds from 2021 and 2022. Given the different types of incentives provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska, the conditions for their implementation are also different, and the inspection service in each individual case checks the fulfillment of the conditions for the incentives that the controlled entity has achieved. Beneficiaries of incentives are obliged to keep the documentation on the basis of which they obtained incentive funds for at least three years from the date of receiving the funds. As part of the inspection control, the inspector requests that the above-mentioned documentation be presented to him, and by inspecting the documentation and inspecting the site, he states the factual situation. Beneficiaries of incentives are obliged to use incentive funds and other forms of support in agriculture. The user of the right is obliged to return the incentive funds obtained on the basis of incorrectly stated data or if they are used for an inappropriate purpose, and in accordance with the Decision of the competent inspector ordering the return of the funds. In these cases, the user is assigned a passive status until further notice from the date of the Decision by the competent inspector, all rights to incentive funds are blocked, for the shortest period of two years, counting from the date of return of the incentive funds, together with default interest. The aim of the work of the Agricultural Inspection Service is to provide strong support to domestic agricultural production and honest producers who invest great efforts in improving and increasing production.

Import of 1,258 fruit seedlings banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of seeds of agricultural plants during import, banned the import of 1,258 pieces of fruit seedlings originating from Turkey. During the inspection of the shipment, the inspector determined that the specified shipment was not accompanied by the necessary documentation and a phytosanitary certificate of the country of origin/export, which means that the legally prescribed conditions for the import of the shipment of plants were not met. Based on the above, the inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered the destruction in the presence and under supervision of the competent inspector. The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service during importation at the border crossings of Republic of Srpska carries out detailed controls of import planting material. The quality of seeds of agricultural plants, planting material, fertilizers and other raw materials is a basic prerequisite for achieving high and quality yields, which is why the inspection carries out continuous supervision over its traffic, both during import and in internal market. The aim of the inspection is to ensure high-quality agricultural raw materials that are traded and used in the Republic of Srpska and thus provide strong support to domestic agricultural production.

Import of corn seeds from Italy banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of seeds of agricultural plants during importation, banned the import of a shipment of corn seeds originating from Italy, in the amount of 3,900 kilograms, because it did not meet the prescribed quality standards. During the inspection of the shipment, the inspector carried out sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test the quality. Based on the Report of the laboratory analysis issued by “Agricultural Institute of the Republic of Srpska” it was determined that germination was below the minimum prescribed for seed quality. Based on the above, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered it to be returned to sender. Considering the beginning of the sowing season, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service is paying special attention in this period to the control of the import of seeds, planting material and other agricultural raw materials that will be sold on the market of the Republic of Srpska. Domestic agricultural production has a special importance for the domestic market and the domestic processing industry, and competent institutions invest all available resources and capacities in order to achieve the highest quality yields. We appeal to agricultural producers to buy agricultural raw materials exclusively from registered facilities, from businesses that sell products of verified quality, properly declared and labeled.

World Consumer Rights Day

Acknowledging the fact that consumers are the largest economic group that is affected by the behavior of business entities, i.e. their compliance with the law, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate undertakes activities to improve respect for consumer rights in the Republic of Srpska through its daily work, both preventive and corrective. On the occasion of March 15, World Consumer Rights Day, we would like to point out that this day is only a reminder of the fact that the inspection authorities, in cooperation with line ministries and associations for the protection of consumer rights, work diligently throughout the year to enforce the law, but also to make consumers aware of their rights. The mission of the Inspectorate is to create a positive atmosphere for the empowerment of consumers and consumer culture. The fact that all citizens of the Republic of Srpska in their daily life are in the role of consumers in various areas, when buying groceries, using transportation services, health services and the like, shows how broad and complex the protection of consumer rights is. Although significant progress has been made in recent years in terms of informing consumers about their rights, as well as the awareness of business entities about their obligations to consumers, we will continue to work continuously on education and protection of consumer rights. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate invites citizens to contact this institution in any case when they feel that their rights have been denied in any way. Citizens can and should act together with the inspection authorities on the market and point out to business entities about failures in their work.

Import of zucchini from Albania banned

As part of the regular control of shipments on import containing food of plant origin, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service banned the importer based in Brčko District import of 913 kilograms of zucchini from Albania due to increased content of pesticides. During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for pesticide residues. Based on the Report of the Laboratory Analysis issued by „Institut za vode“ Bijeljina, in the analyzed sample, an increased presence of the pesticides “Metalaxyl” and “Metalaxyl-M” was found above the values prescribed by the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in food and feed of plant and animal origin. Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision ordering the destruction of the shipment in question under the supervision of the competent inspector.

Fines in amount of BAM 7,648,300 imposed on business entities due to irregularities in their work

In 2022, inspectors of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate performed 25,749 controls in internal market, of which about 30% were with determined omissions in the work of business entities. Due to committed misdemeanors, 4,475 minor offence orders in the amount of BAM 7,648,300 were issued, while 80 misdemeanor and five criminal reports were submitted to the competent courts. Due to identified omissions in work, the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate issued 4,859 administrative measures in the past year, which ordered subjects to take measures and actions aimed at eliminating deficiencies and harmonizing their work with the law. A significant part of the capacity was also used on processing reports from other authorities, legal entities and citizens, on the basis of which over 5,000 extraordinary controls were carried out last year. As can be seen from the structure of the measures taken, inspectors sanction all cases in which they find irregularities and order the elimination of omissions but also impose misdemeanor measures. On the basis of employment contracts, 14,344 workers were controlled at the workplace, of which 200 workers did not have a concluded employment contract and were not registered for mandatory types of insurance. Also, during the inspection process, 2,246 cubic meters of illegally logged forest wood assortments were confiscated, the value of which is estimated at BAM 258,184, as well as non-origin goods worth about BAM 8,000. The Republic of Srpska Inspectorate focuses a lot of attention on the protection of consumer rights, and based on specific consumer complaints, which requested the protection of individual consumer rights, the Republic Market Inspection Service carried out 267 inspections in the past year. In 203 cases, it was determined that the complaints were justified. During the control, 182 complaints were accepted and resolved on the spot, and 21 were resolved after ordered administrative measures. In 64 controls, it was determined that consumer complaints were not justified. Consumers most often complained about non-acceptance of complaints by retailers for technical products, clothing, footwear, services of general economic interest and the like. In order to protect the health and safety of consumers, by order of competent inspection services, 570 pieces of various non-food products were withdrawn from the market, which, based on administrative and visual control, as well as laboratory analysis, were found to not satisfy the prescribed safety parameters for use. Also, about 1,300 kilograms of food was withdrawn from circulation and destroyed due to expiration date, inappropriate declaration and sensory changes. As part of the quality control of liquid petroleum fuels sold at gas stations in the Republic of Srpska, in 2022, 2,115 samples were taken for laboratory analysis. In 23 cases or 1.09%, deviations were found in relation to the parameters defined by the Decision on the quality of liquid petroleum fuels. It is about 20 non-compliant samples of diesel fuel and three non-compliant samples of fuel declared as BMB 95. Due to the determined irregularities, 40 misdemeanor orders in the value of BAM 500,000 were issued to the subjects.

Increased controls on the use of incentive funds to follow

Control of the use of incentive funds is the subject of regular annual controls of the Agricultural Inspection Service. In 2022, republic and municipal/city agricultural inspectors performed 353 inspections on the use of incentive funds, within which 922 incentive measures were controlled. The total amount of controlled incentive funds is BAM 8,842,005.33. Different types of incentives intended for different purposes, such as perennial crops, agricultural mechanization, investments in storage and processing of agricultural products, premiums for milk, premiums for the cow-calf breeding system, investments in livestock production and others were controlled. Out of the total number of controls performed, 287 controls were regular, while 66 were irregular. Due to the determined irregularities, 57 misdemeanor orders in the total amount of BAM 66,000 were issued, and the return of incentive funds in the total amount of BAM 129,167.79 was ordered. Irregularities that were determined related to the circumstances that the allocated incentive funds were not spent in accordance with the Rulebook on the conditions and methods of obtaining financial incentives for the development of agriculture and villages, i.e. they were spent inappropriately, and to the circumstances that the allocated funds were realized on the basis of incorrectly specified data. Irregularities were determined in the areas of premiums for produced and sold vegetables, premiums for breeding sows, support for self-employment of graduated agricultural engineers, support for capital investments in hunting, support for fruit production and support for business activities of women’s associations. Given that the new Rulebook on the conditions and methods of obtaining financial incentives for the development of agriculture and rural areas came into force in recent days and that this year’s budget for incentives amounts to BAM 180 million, the Agricultural Inspection Service will take all measures in intensive field controls to prevent abuses. The aim of the work of the Agricultural Inspection Service is to provide strong support to domestic agricultural production and honest producers who invest great efforts in improving and increasing production. In the coming days, agricultural producers can expect more intensive inspection controls. In 2021, 476 controls on the use of incentive funds were carried out, within which 1,560 measures were controlled. The total amount of controlled incentive funds is BAM 13,498,839.51. Out of the total number of controls performed, nine controls were irregular, and the Decisions of the inspector ordered the return of incentive funds in the amount of BAM 87,148.76.

Import of onion seeds banned

The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of the regular control of shipments of seeds of agricultural plants during importation, banned the import of a shipment of onion seeds originating from the Netherlands, in the amount of 4,000 kilograms, due to the lack of prescribed documentation. During the inspection of the shipment, the inspector determined that the specified shipment was not accompanied by the necessary documentation and phytosanitary certificate of the country of origin/export, which means that the legally prescribed conditions for the import of the shipment of plants were not met. Based on the above, the inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered it to be returned to sender Considering the beginning of the sowing season, the Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service is paying special attention in this period to the control of the import of seeds, planting material and other agricultural raw materials that will be sold on the market of the Republic of Srpska. Domestic agricultural production has a special importance for the domestic market and the domestic processing industry, and competent institutions invest all available resources and capacities in order to achieve the highest quality yields.

122,000 shipments during import inspected in 2022

In 2022, the competent inspection services of the Republic of Srpska Inspectorate conducted 122,007 inspections of various types of goods during import in foreign trade, of which 79,271 were food shipments, 12,840 were shipments of liquid petroleum fuels, 20,209 were shipments of general use items, and 9,687 were subject to mandatory phytosanitary inspection (seeds, planting material, fertilizers, etc.) On the basis of supervision in foreign trade, taxes in the value of about BAM 5,800,000 were paid to the budget of Republic of Srpska. For the purposes of laboratory testing of quality, health and microbiological safety 4,642 samples were taken, namely 3,166 samples of food, 274 samples of liquid petroleum fuels, 647 samples of general use items and 555 samples of agricultural raw materials. Laboratory analyses require examination of the parameters that represent the greatest risk for a certain product, such as the unauthorised amount of pesticides in fruit and vegetables, the presence of various contaminants in food, the concentration of certain chemicals in general use items, quarantine harmful organisms in seeds and planting material, numerous quality parameters and others. Based on the results of the analyses, it was determined that only 1 percent of the tested samples, i.e. 51 samples, did not meet the prescribed quality and health parameters, and on the basis of this the import of 31 shipments of food, 11 shipments of general use items and 9 shipments of agricultural raw materials and other goods subject to mandatory phytosanitary inspection was prohibited. For the purposes of inspection in foreign trade surveillance during import, republic inspectors are present at 14 border crossings, i.e. customs offices in the Republic of Srpska.