The Chinese tech giant charges 4.5 percent surcharge on certain purchases in Hungary. The ministry commented on the matter.
There is no agreement, nor has there ever been, between the Hungarian state and Alibaba regarding the imposition of a “Hungary surcharge”, the national economy ministry said in a statement on Saturday, in reaction to recent media reports that Alibaba’s e-commerce platform charges a 4.5 percent surcharge on certain purchases in Hungary.
The ministry said the reports were misleading and no agreement existed between the Hungarian government and Alibaba authorising the collection or presentation of such a fee as a state-imposed charge.
“Any practice misleading consumers by presenting unilateral corporate fees as government-mandated taxes or regulatory requirements is unacceptable,” the statement said. “The Hungarian government will take decisive action to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in online commerce,” it added.
Immediate regulatory investigations will be launched to verify compliance with transparency and consumer protection laws, it added.
The national trade and consumer protection authority will examine whether Alibaba’s disclosure of the fee meets legal standards or constitutes deceptive practice, while the national tax and customs administration will also review the billing process to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, the ministry said.
Hungary’s 2025 retail tax expansion, applicable to platforms, was designed to ensure equal competition and prevent misrepresentation of fees as state levies, it said. “Consumers must receive clear, verifiable information about all charges,” the ministry said, demanding Alibaba cease the practice and clarify its communications to avoid implying government endorsement.
“The Hungarian government remains committed to fair market conditions and protecting consumers from misleading claims,” the statement said.
MTI
