184-105 Green Agreements Guidance: Guidance on the application of the Chapter 1 prohibition in the Competition Act 1998 to environmental sustainability agreements

Summary

The UK's "Green Agreements Guidance" clarifies competition rules for businesses partnering on sustainable initiatives. It highlights agreements unlikely to harm competition (e.g., sharing research on sustainable materials) and offers a flexible approach for climate change agreements. However, agreements restricting prices or sensitive information, while possible, require careful assessment to avoid potential antitrust issues.

Thumbnail image for The UK's "Green Agreements Guidance" clarifies competition rules for businesses partnering on sustainable initiatives. It highlights agreements unlikely to harm competition (e.g., sharing research on sustainable materials) and offers a flexible approach for climate change agreements. However, agreements restricting prices or sensitive information, while possible, require careful assessment to avoid potential antitrust issues.

Issuer

United Kingdom

Year

2023

Region

Europe

Issuer (type)

Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) (Government)

Policy Type

Other sustainability policy

Geographical scope

National

Mandatory or voluntary

Voluntary

Main industries targeted

Manufacturing
Information
Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction
Public administration

Restrictiveness

High

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals