The division head said the meeting examined the direct effect of the decision on supply inside the local market, and that the Chamber submitted a detailed memorandum carrying traders’ proposals on the timetable.
The ministry’s representative stressed that the new rules aim at transparency in the supply chain rather than at fixing prices, and that breaches will go to the Consumer Protection Agency.
How the decision came about
The meeting closed by forming a joint Chamber–ministry committee, meeting weekly to follow implementation and reporting monthly to the federation’s board.
The small trader is not asking for a subsidy. He is asking for one clear rule that does not change every three months.
Analysts expect no immediate effect on consumer prices: current stock covers market needs at least to the end of next quarter.
What it means for traders
- e-invoicing rules for retail among next quarter’s priorities
- A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
- A monthly report to the federation’s board
A number of importers argue that the proposed timetable needs a transition period of at least six months, so that small businesses can adapt their accounting systems.
Mostafa Abdel-Latif
Reem El-Qady
Mona Abdel-Hakim