Competition Amendment Bill [B23-2018]

The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development invites the public to submit written comments on the Competition Amendment Bill [B23-2018].

Find here:  Media Statement
                  Remarks at the introduction of the COMPETITION AMENDMENT BILL, 2018, at the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, 17 July 2018
 

The Competition Amendment Bill [B23-2018] seeks to to amend the Competition Act, 1998, so as to:
▪ introduce provisions that clarify and improve the determination of prohibited practices relating to restrictive horizontal and vertical practices, abuse of dominance and price discrimination and to strengthen the penalty regime; to introduce greater flexibility in the granting of exemptions which promote transformation and growth;
▪ strengthen the role of market inquiries and merger processes in the promotion of competition and economic transformation through addressing the structures and de-concentration of markets;
▪ protect and stimulate the growth of small and medium businesses and firms owned and controlled by historically disadvantaged persons while at the same time protecting and promoting employment, employment security and worker ownership;
▪ facilitate the effective participation of the National Executive within proceedings contemplated in the Act, including making provision for the National Executive intervention in respect of mergers that affect the national security interests of the Republic;
▪ mandate the Competition Commission to act in accordance with the results of a market inquiry;
▪ amend the process by which market inquiries are initiated and promote greater efficiency regarding the conduct of market inquiries;
▪ clarify and foster greater certainty regarding the determination of confidential information and access to confidential information;
▪ provide the Competition Commission with the powers to conduct impact studies on prior decisions;
▪ promote the administrative efficiency of the Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Comments can be emailed to Mr Peter-Paul Mbele at [email protected] by no later than Friday, 17 August 2018

Interested persons wishing to make oral submissions must contact indicate so.

Public hearings will be held in Parliament on Tuesday, 28 and Wednesday, 29 August 2018.

For any enquiries please contact Mr Peter-Paul Mbele on tel (021) 403 8072 or cell 083 412 1577