Shopping in Macedonia

The main shopping channels in North Macedonia are physical retail, local markets, domestic online stores, social-commerce offers and foreign e-commerce platforms. Groceries are sold through supermarkets, neighbourhood shops, markets and delivery services. Personal and household care products are available through shops, pharmacies and e-shops. Clothing, shoes and accessories are widely bought online; about 74% of online buyers purchased such items in 2024. Technology is sold through electronics shops and e-shops, while availability, delivery and return practices depend on the seller and location. The domestic currency is MKD/денар. Cash and card acceptance varies by seller, and online card payments usually use a virtual POS, meaning an online card-payment interface. Some sellers offer COD, or payment on delivery. Mobile and online banking are growing, while the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia recorded 189.8 million domestic card transactions in 2024. Request and keep the фискална сметка, or fiscal receipt, because it records the purchase and supports complaints, repairs, replacements and other claims. A trader should communicate the price, main characteristics, composition or use, quality, minimum guarantee, sales conditions and relevant environmental or health effects. For an online purchase, check the legal name, registered address, contact details, tax or company information, terms, privacy rules, delivery time, total price, stock status, return conditions and complaint process. Marketplaces should show whether the seller is a registered trader or a private non-trader. Consumer-law rights may not apply in the same way to a purchase from a non-trader. Social-media-only offers and unregistered sellers can create greater payment, product-safety and enforcement risks. The Verified E-Seller badge, Верификуван е-трговец, is a private AETM trust mark, not a government licence or guarantee. Distance contracts and outside-premises contracts generally give the consumer 14 days to withdraw without giving a reason. For goods, the period normally begins when the consumer receives physical possession. The consumer sends a withdrawal form or another clear statement before the deadline. The seller generally refunds the payment, including standard delivery charges, within 14 days, using the original payment method, but may wait until the goods or proof of return arrives. The consumer normally pays direct return costs only when the seller gave that information in advance. Exceptions include perishable goods, customised goods, opened sealed hygiene or health products, opened software or audio-visual media, fully performed services started with express consent, and digital content started with consent and a waiver of the withdrawal right. An ordinary in-store purchase does not automatically receive a 14-day preference return; the seller's policy may provide more. A product that does not conform to the contract can qualify for free repair or replacement. For technology, the seller generally bears transport or collection costs, and the repair or replacement period should be reasonable and no longer than 30 days. If the problem remains unresolved, a proportional price reduction or termination of the contract may become available. Seller liability for goods generally lasts two years from delivery; for used goods, the contract may reduce this period to at least one year. Keep the receipt, model and serial number, warranty or service record and photographs of the defect. A complaint may be made orally, by phone, in writing, by email or online. Ask for a dated receipt or confirmation. The trader should respond within 15 days with acceptance or rejection, reasons and a concrete proposal. An accepted proposal should normally be implemented within one month, with one additional period of up to eight days when there is an objective reason. If the matter remains unresolved, contact the State Market Inspectorate, ДПИ, use mediation, seek help from a consumer association such as OPM, or consider civil proceedings. The State Market Inspectorate accepts reports online and by phone at 02 3220 547 or 02/191. The responsible authority depends on the product. The Food and Veterinary Agency, АХВ, handles food safety complaints, including spoiled, expired or suspected unsafe food; its Consumer Protection Unit can be reached through 0800 3 2222, info@fva.gov.mk and its web form. Check expiry dates, packaging integrity, origin and labels, storage conditions and required local-language information. The State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate, ДСЗИ, handles cosmetics, toys and general-use products. MALMED handles medicines and medical devices. The State Market Inspectorate handles general price, guarantee and sales-practice issues. Foreign commercial parcels may involve customs and VAT, and the foreign advertised price is not necessarily the final landed cost. The current published customs information reports a customs-duty exemption up to EUR 90 for certain commercial consignments while VAT may still be payable, subject to category and other exceptions. Check the Customs Administration's current rule before ordering because thresholds and exemptions can change. Lower-waste shopping starts with avoiding unnecessary packaging, choosing reusable bags, refill systems, repair and second-hand goods where available, and arranging recycling or e-waste disposal before purchase. North Macedonia's packaging collection targets are 70% for 2025, 75% for 2026, 80% for 2027 and 85% for 2028. A biodegradable carry bag costs 15 денар including VAT under the cited ministry notice. Municipal collection remains uneven, especially in rural areas, so disposal options depend on the municipality and seller.