These guidelines set out a streamlined process developed by the Commission that will enable the Commission to make a decision on straightforward authorisation applications as quickly as possible.
The Commerce Commission may grant authorisations for restrictive trade practices or business acquisitions that may otherwise breach certain provisions of the Commerce Act 1986 (Commerce Act), on application by a person or business involved in such a practice or acquisition. In general, the Commission is empowered to grant an authorisation for a practice or acquisition if it is satisfied that the public benefit of the practice or acquisition outweighs the detriment arising from the loss of competition. Part 5 of the Commerce Act sets out some procedural requirements for the consideration of authorisation applications.
May 2009