Belgian-Macedonian Business Club

Language can be tricky, and not only with the name of our country.

Main Provisions of the Law

The Law on the Use of Macedonian Language mandates businesses operating within the Republic of North Macedonia to comply with specific language requirements to ensure legal standards are met. Central provisions include the necessity for proofreading of documents and materials integral to business operations. Key areas of focus are documentation and public communication, product names, declarations, and instructions, invoices and financial documents, and business registration and names of the Companies. The law also outlines inspection and enforcement procedures, designating the Ministry of Culture and Inspectorate for the Use of the Macedonian Standard Language as the competent authorities responsible for ensuring compliance.

Who the law applies to

The law applies to all businesses operating within the Republic of North Macedonia. The requirements are relevant for businesses across various sectors, encompassing media content, publications, advertising materials, product-related documents, financial documents, and business registration processes.

How It Affects Your Business

The law impacts businesses by imposing rigorous language standards that necessitate the proofreading of multiple types of documents and materials in the Macedonian standard language and its Cyrillic script. Businesses must ensure that media content, publications, advertising materials, product names, packaging, instructions, declarations, certificates, invoices, payment slips, receipts, and other financial documents are accurately proofread before distribution or display. Non-compliance can lead to inspections resulting in warnings, fines, and other enforcement measures. Therefore, businesses need to adopt proactive measures to align with the language standards to avoid legal repercussions and ensure smooth operations within the regulatory framework of North Macedonia.

Editor’s comment: The effects of the law are to be seen. Written language appears everywhere, from communication with business partners to product documentation.

Legal information is provided via Apostolska Aleksandrovski & Partners, member of SELA South East Legal Alliance. To receive this information automatically, you can subscribe to their newsletter here.
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