How Can You Prepare Your SME for an Unexpected Inspection by the FPS Economy?
October 2026 - An inspection by the FPS Economy usually comes unexpectedly. Still, as an SME owner, you don’t need to lose sleep over it. If you regularly review your prices, business information, and website, you’re already well on your way.
It’s Not Just Large Companies That Are Inspected
Do you think an inspection by the FPS Economy is mainly something that applies to large companies? If so, you’re mistaken. The rules regarding price transparency and mandatory information also apply to self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and smaller SMEs. Furthermore, both your physical business location and your website can be inspected.
The goal is clear: customers must know in advance who they’re doing business with and how much a product or service costs. Those who fail to provide this information clearly enough may face more than just a warning. Administrative fines and criminal penalties are also possible.
Are your prices clear enough?
One of the first things to consider is how you communicate your prices. If you sell products, customers should be able to see the price easily. A price that only becomes visible at checkout isn’t enough.
Even if you offer services, you need to be sufficiently transparent. Make sure your customer knows in advance how much a service costs or how the price is calculated. Simply stating that the price is “upon request” isn’t enough.
So take a critical look at your price lists, quotes, posters, and other marketing materials. Are the rates clear? Can a customer estimate what they’ll pay without having to ask additional questions?
Don’t forget your business information
In addition to prices, the FPS Economy also reviews the information your business makes available. On your business website, customers must be able to easily find your business name, business registration number, and address, among other things. Your terms and conditions must also be available for review.
For certain regulated professions, there are additional requirements. Think, for example, of doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and physical therapists. In those cases, the official professional title must be correctly stated, as well as the country where the degree was earned.
Your website is also part of the inspection
A common mistake is to focus primarily on the physical store or business premises. But your website must also be legally compliant.
Therefore, check to make sure your website includes at least the following information:
your business name and business registration number
your business address
clear contact information, including email and phone number
your professional title, if required for your line of work
any information regarding regulatory oversight or a code of conduct, if applicable to your industry
terms and conditions that are easily accessible
So don’t just assume your website is in order because it looks professional. Legal information and commercial presentation are two different matters.
Special Attention for Retailers and Service Providers
Certain businesses are more vulnerable to inspections regarding pricing and information requirements. For retailers, for example, problems often arise due to missing or insufficiently visible price tags. Service providers, on the other hand, run the risk of their rates not being clearly displayed anywhere.
Those who practice a regulated profession would also be wise to regularly check their websites and price listings. After all, a minor administrative oversight can lead to a bigger problem.
What should you do when an inspector is standing in front of you?
An unannounced inspection can be stressful, but panicking won’t help you. First, ask to see the inspector’s identification, and then cooperate fully and transparently.
During the inspection, it’s wise to:
provide the requested documents
answer questions honestly and completely
keep track of what is being inspected
take careful notes of any findings
ask by when any deficiencies must be corrected
Did you receive a warning or are you required to make certain changes? Don’t ignore them. Make the necessary corrections as soon as possible and communicate about them when asked.
Conduct a check today
You don’t have to wait for the FPS Economy to come knocking. For example, schedule a brief annual review of your business and website. Check prices, company information, terms and conditions, and any industry-specific requirements.
It takes very little time and can save you a lot of trouble. After all, the FPS Economy can conduct unannounced inspections. Moreover, a warning isn’t always issued first: depending on the violation found, a penalty may be imposed immediately. A regular compliance check is therefore not unnecessary paperwork, but a simple way to keep your business ready for an inspection.
