Government to inspect over 150 companies during Black Friday

The Catalan business and labor ministry has almost doubled the number of companies to control during the 2025 Black Friday campaign compared to last year's figures.

Catalan authorities are monitoring 155 firms focused on electronic hardware, fashion, and home decor products, with the goal of detecting price-related false advertising and unfair competition. Some of these companies had already been monitored during the 2024 campaign.

The Catalan Consumer Agency will control 100 online companies, while the General Commerce will check 55 stores.

Consum will also monitor prices across 10,000 products, about 300% more than in 2024. Isidor Garcia, director of the Catalan Consumer Agency, said that the "main rule" is that the promoted product must show the old and new prices.

He also warns that the price cannot be changed in the past 30 days. Authorities began monitoring 10,000 products two months before Black Friday to detect any price increases later announced as promotions.

Fines can reach up to €100,000 or up to €20,000, depending on which agency issues the penalty. Garcia encouraged consumers to compare prices and control the payment platform, as well as reminded them that they have the "right to return any product within 14 days of purchase for free."

In 2024, the business and labor ministry filed 45 fines during Black Friday, four more than in 2023. Of the 28 started processes, 21 were formally penalized, totaling €175,560.