Cyprus’s consumer protection authorities are in a critical phase as they push to launch the “e-kalathi” price comparison tool, with just one week remaining until the planned December 20 release date aimed at helping holiday shoppers.
Sources say stakeholders are working round the clock to meet the deadline, with the Consumer Protection Service, supermarkets, and suppliers all striving to complete their technical requirements and upload product information to the system.
The entire process has reached a critical point, with all parties operating under extreme pressure.
The Consumer Protection Service, which oversees the project, will conduct a demonstration of the system on Wednesday in collaboration with the software contractor.
Supermarkets will attend to observe the operational process firsthand. Officials remain hopeful that no major issues will arise to prevent the planned launch on Friday, December 20.
However, supermarket operators have expressed strong dissatisfaction about the tight timeline, noting they have only days remaining before the launch without having seen a demonstration to verify smooth operation.
They point out that even their technical departments have not reviewed the system. Consequently, several supermarkets indicate they will opt out of the trial period, with one source stating: “We will not risk any errors that could cost the company and confuse consumers”.
This stance contrasts with the Consumer Protection Service’s expectation of widespread participation in the trial period.
The Consumer Protection Service acknowledges the compressed timeline but emphasises that what typically requires a year has been accomplished in mere months.
They note that the project’s complexity involves multiple parameters, including product code and image uploads, integration between supermarkets and the contractor’s software, security considerations, and various other factors.
The service stresses the importance of cooperation among all parties to complete the initiative.
The e-kalathi will initially feature 480 products, with plans for gradual expansion.
Regarding supermarkets’ three main concerns, the barcode issue appears resolved. However, supermarkets maintain that listed products should be available across all participating stores, which seems unlikely to be achieved.
On the matter of requiring a decree to ensure fair competition, the Consumer Protection Service states that the first two months will operate on a voluntary trial basis, therefore eliminating concerns about unfair competition.
