The Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has written to retailers nationwide reminding them of their legal obligation to display the prices of paper shopping bags and similar products. The reminder follows consumer helpline contacts reporting that prices were not shown in stores or near checkout areas.

Under consumer law, prices must be unambiguous, easily identifiable, clearly legible, and displayed on or near the product. The CCPC says consumers should be able to see the price before deciding to buy, rather than being told at the till or noticing it later on a receipt.

If it detects breaches, the CCPC may take steps to secure compliance and ensure consumers are properly informed. Possible measures include fixed payment notices, compliance notices, and prosecution in court. The authority’s Director of Communications and Consumer Information said the helpline reports raised concerns about retailers’ price-display practices.