Distance food sales in Bulgaria: a brief guide*

Classification and registration

A company must be registered as a "food business operator" or as a "service provider operating means of distance communication" (i.e. an online food marketplace), depending on whether it operates an online platform plus physical site or only an online platform. The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) oversees registration. The application must include the business operator's name and address, a description of the distance food trade method, details of contracted food business operators, information on vehicles used for food transport or delivery, and a declaration of the food traceability plan.

Vehicle registration

Vehicles transporting food within the scope of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004, as well as flour, bread, bakery and confectionery products, must be registered with the BFSA. Registered vehicles are marked and listed in a public register. Vehicles transporting other food categories must be notified to the BFSA.

Food safety compliance

Food distribution under Bulgarian law includes the transportation or delivery of food. It is considered part of the distribution process and must comply with food safety regulations, such as maintaining the cold chain for perishable and frozen products. Continuous temperature control is required and authorities may place orders to check product temperatures upon delivery.

Traceability

A food traceability plan is required to track food through all distribution stages. This plan must be available for inspection by the BFSA.

Courier and vehicle management

Couriers must use vehicles that are either registered or notified, depending on the distributed food category. The responsibility for vehicle registration or notification lies with the food business operators.

Liability and compliance

Companies must comply with the Consumer Protection Act, e-commerce regulations, waste management rules and the Bulgarian Foodstuff Act. Advertising must not be misleading.

Data protection and cybersecurity

Companies must implement robust data protection and cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer and courier information.

authors: Elena Todorova, Alexandra Minioti