Competition Act 1998, Section 10 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 05 March 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
[F3(A1)An agreement is exempt from the Chapter I prohibition if it falls within a category of agreements specified as exempt in [F4an assimilated] block exemption regulation.]
F5(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F6(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)An exemption from the Chapter I prohibition under this section is referred to in this Part as [F7an assimilated] [F8exemption].
(4)[F9An assimilated] [F10exemption]—
F11(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)ceases to have effect—
(i)if the relevant [F12[F13assimilated] block exemption regulation] ceases to have effect; or
(ii)on being cancelled by virtue of subsection (5) or (7).
(5)In such circumstances and manner as may be specified in rules made under section 51, the [F14CMA] may—
(a)impose conditions or obligations subject to which [F15an assimilated] [F16exemption] is to have effect [F17in respect of an agreement];
(b)vary or remove any such condition or obligation;
(c)impose one or more additional conditions or obligations;
(d)cancel the exemption [F18in respect of an agreement].
(6)In such circumstances as may be specified in rules made under section 51, the date from which cancellation of an exemption is to take effect may be earlier than the date on which notice of cancellation is given.
(7)Breach of a condition imposed by the [F19CMA] has the effect of cancelling the exemption.
(8)In exercising [F20its] powers under this section, the [F21CMA] may require any person who is a party to the agreement in question to give [F20it] such information as [F20it] may require.
F22(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F22(10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F22(11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F23(12) In this Part, “ [F24assimilated] block exemption regulation” means the following regulations as amended from time to time—
(a)Council Regulation (EC) 169/2009 applying rules of competition to transport by rail, road and inland waterway;
(b)Commission Regulation (EC) 906/2009 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to certain categories of agreements, decisions and concerted practices between liner shipping companies (consortia);
(c)Commission Regulation (EU) 330/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices;
(d)Commission Regulation (EU) 461/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices in the motor vehicle sector;
(e)Commission Regulation (EU) 1217/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to certain categories of research and development agreements;
(f)Commission Regulation (EU) 1218/2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to certain categories of specialisation agreements;
(g)Commission Regulation (EU) 316/2014 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to categories of technology transfer agreements.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 10 heading substituted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(2) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F2Word in s. 10 heading substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(2)(a)
F3S. 10(A1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(3) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F4Words in s. 10(A1) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(3)(a)
F5S. 10(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(4) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F6S. 10(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(4) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F7Words in s. 10(3) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(3)(a)
F8Words in s. 10(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(5) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F9Words in s. 10(4) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(3)(a)
F10Words in s. 10(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(6)(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F11S. 10(4)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(6)(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F12Words in s. 10(4)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(6)(c) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F13Word in s. 10(4)(b)(i) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(2)(a)
F14Word in s. 10(5) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 4 (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)
F15Words in s. 10(5)(a) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(3)(a)
F16Words in s. 10(5)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(7)(a)(i) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F17Words in s. 10(5)(a) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(7)(a)(ii) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F18Words in s. 10(5)(d) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(7)(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F19Word in s. 10(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 4 (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)
F20Words in s. 10(8) substituted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 38(8)(b); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)
F21Word in s. 10(8) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 4 (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)
F22S. 10(9)-(11) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(8) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F23S. 10(12) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 3(9) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F24Word in s. 10(12) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(2)(a)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 10 applied (31.10.2023) by The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/80), arts. 1(3), 22
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