Will the new rules apply to an old agreement?

Application over time is governed by transitional rules. As a principle an agreement is judged under the regime in force when it was concluded, unless the law expressly provides otherwise.

Where is the final text followed?

In the State Gazette for the Bulgarian act and on EUR-Lex for the directive. This page is general information and does not replace the official text.

What changes for consumer credit from 20 November 2026

Short answer

Directive (EU) 2023/2225 replaces the previous consumer credit framework and its rules apply from 20 November 2026, with the scope widened to credit products that until now fell outside the law.

A wider scope

The new framework covers credit products the current law does not — among them smaller loans and forms of deferred payment that appeared with online commerce. The practical effect is that requirements which applied only to “classic” consumer credit now reach them too.

Dates that are often confused

The directive was adopted in 2023, member states transpose it into national law, and the rules themselves apply from 20 November 2026. Until that date the existing regime applies — so an agreement concluded today is judged under today’s law.

What does not change

The core logic stays: price is compared by APR, pre-contractual information is mandatory, and the rights of withdrawal and early repayment remain part of consumer protection. The change is in scope and detail, not in direction.

Frequently asked questions

Will the new rules apply to an old agreement?: Application over time is governed by transitional rules. As a principle an agreement is judged under the regime in force when it was concluded, unless the law expressly provides otherwise.
Where is the final text followed?: In the State Gazette for the Bulgarian act and on EUR-Lex for the directive. This page is general information and does not replace the official text.

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