The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) published Regulations in Government Notice No. 44869 on 16 July 2021 to provide for block exemptions for a category of agreements or practices amongst firms in the supply chain for essential goods, from sections 4 and 5 of the Competition Act, 1998 (Act No. 89 of 1998) in response to disruptions to the supply chains of essential goods within the country. The purpose is to:
- Prevent critical shortages of essential goods within the country; and
- Promote the equitable distribution of scarce essential goods across the country to consumers, especially poorer households, and customers including small businesses.
Details are available in the Regulations published on 16 July 2021.
The Minister’s exemptions apply where, amongst other criteria, the essential goods suppliers have notified the dtic and the Competition Commission of actual or anticipated shortages and the need to engage in the practices exempted.
Notification to the dtic and the Competition Commission should be sent to the following three email addresses:
exemption@thedtic.gov.za ; and
exemption.conditions@compcom.co.za ;and
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