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Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

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  1. Introductory Text

  2. Part 1 Digital Markets

    1. Chapter 1 Overview

      1. 1.Overview

    2. Chapter 2 Strategic Market Status

      1. Power to designate undertaking as having SMS

        1. 2.Designation of undertaking

        2. 3.Digital activities

        3. 4.Link to the United Kingdom

        4. 5.Substantial and entrenched market power

        5. 6.Position of strategic significance

        6. 7.The turnover condition

        7. 8.Turnover of an undertaking

      2. Procedure

        1. 9.Initial SMS investigations

        2. 10.Further SMS investigations

        3. 11.Procedure relating to SMS investigations

        4. 12.Closing an initial SMS investigation without a decision

        5. 13.Consultation on proposed decision

        6. 14.Outcome of SMS investigations

        7. 15.Notice requirements: decisions about whether to designate

        8. 16.Notice requirements: decisions to revoke a designation

        9. 17.Existing obligations

        10. 18.Designation period

    3. Chapter 3 Conduct requirements

      1. Imposition of conduct requirements

        1. 19.Power to impose conduct requirements

        2. 20.Permitted types of conduct requirement

        3. 21.Content of notice imposing a conduct requirement

        4. 22.Revocation of conduct requirements

        5. 23.Transitional provision relating to conduct requirements etc

        6. 24.Consultation in relation to a conduct requirement

        7. 25.Duty to keep conduct requirements under review

      2. Enforcement of conduct requirements

        1. 26.Power to begin a conduct investigation

        2. 27.Consideration of representations

        3. 28.Closing a conduct investigation without making a finding

        4. 29.Countervailing benefits exemption

        5. 30.Notice of findings

        6. 31.Enforcement orders

        7. 32.Interim enforcement orders

        8. 33.Duration of enforcement orders

        9. 34.Revocation of enforcement orders

        10. 35.Duty to keep enforcement orders under review

      3. Commitments relating to conduct requirements

        1. 36.Commitments

        2. 37.Duty to keep commitments under review

      4. Final offer mechanism

        1. 38.Power to adopt final offer mechanism

        2. 39.Collective submissions

        3. 40.Final offer mechanism

        4. 41.Final offers: outcome

        5. 42.Final offer orders: supplementary

        6. 43.Decision not to make final offer order

        7. 44.Duration and revocation of final offer orders

        8. 45.Duty to keep final offer orders under review

    4. Chapter 4 Pro-competition interventions

      1. 46.Power to make pro-competition interventions

      2. 47.Power to begin a PCI investigation etc

      3. 48.Procedure relating to PCI investigations

      4. 49.Consultation on proposed PCI decision

      5. 50.PCI decision

      6. 51.Pro-competition orders

      7. 52.Replacement of pro-competition orders

      8. 53.Duration and revocation etc of pro-competition orders

      9. 54.Consultation

      10. 55.Duty to review pro-competition orders etc

      11. 56.Commitments

    5. Chapter 5 Mergers

      1. 57.Duty to report possible mergers etc

      2. 58.Qualifying status

      3. 59.Value of consideration

      4. 60.Content of report etc

      5. 61.Application of the duty to report etc

      6. 62.Acceptance of report

      7. 63.Delay to possible mergers etc

      8. 64.Timing of a reportable event

      9. 65.Authorisation for one person to act for another

      10. 66.Applications for review of decisions relating to mergers

      11. 67.Regulations about duty to report

      12. 68.Duty to keep compliance under review

    6. Chapter 6 Investigatory powers etc and compliance reports

      1. Investigatory powers etc

        1. 69.Power to require information

        2. 70.Requirement to name a senior manager

        3. 71.Power of access

        4. 72.Power to interview

        5. 73.Use of interview statements in prosecution

        6. 74.Power to enter business premises without a warrant

        7. 75.Power to enter premises under a warrant

        8. 76.Power to enter premises under a warrant: supplementary

        9. 77.Amendments to the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001

        10. 78.Application for a warrant

        11. 79.Reports by skilled persons

        12. 80.Duty to preserve information

        13. 81.Privileged communications

        14. 82.Power of CMA to publish notice of investigative assistance

      2. Compliance reports etc

        1. 83.Nominated officer

        2. 84.Compliance reports

    7. Chapter 7 Enforcement and appeals

      1. Civil penalties

        1. 85.Penalties for failure to comply with competition requirements

        2. 86.Amount of penalties under section 85

        3. 87.Penalties for failure to comply with investigative requirements

        4. 88.Amount of penalties under section 87

        5. 89.Procedure and appeals etc

        6. 90.Calculation of daily rates and turnover

        7. 91.Statement of policy on penalties

        8. 92.Monetary penalties: criminal proceedings and convictions

      2. Offences

        1. 93.Destroying or falsifying information

        2. 94.False or misleading information

        3. 95.Obstructing an officer

        4. 96.Offences by officers of a body corporate etc

        5. 97.Offences: limits on extra-territorial jurisdiction

        6. 98.Sentences

      3. Further enforcement provisions etc

        1. 99.Director disqualification

        2. 100.Enforcement of requirements

        3. 101.Rights to enforce requirements of this Part

        4. 102.Treatment of CMA breach decisions etc

      4. Applications for review

        1. 103.Applications for review etc

    8. Chapter 8 Administration etc

      1. Administration

        1. 104.Extension etc of periods

        2. 105.Extensions: supplementary

        3. 106.Exercise and delegation of functions

      2. Regulatory coordination and information sharing

        1. 107.Coordination with relevant regulators

        2. 108.Recommendations to the CMA

        3. 109.Information sharing

      3. Miscellaneous

        1. 110.Power to charge levy

        2. 111.Extra-territorial application

        3. 112.Defamation

        4. 113.Consultation and publication of documents

        5. 114.Guidance

        6. 115.Protected disclosures

        7. 116.Restriction on disclosure orders

      4. Interpretation

        1. 117.Groups

        2. 118.General interpretation

  3. Part 2 Competition

    1. Chapter 1 Anti-trust

      1. The Chapter 1 and 2 prohibitions

        1. 119.Removal of requirement for agreements etc to be implemented in the UK

        2. 120.Repeal of exclusions relating to the European Coal and Steel Community

      2. Investigations

        1. 121.Duty to preserve documents relevant to investigations

        2. 122.Production of information authorised by warrant

        3. 123.Additional powers of seizure from domestic premises

      3. Proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal

        1. 124.Standard of review on appeals against interim measures directions

        2. 125.Declaratory relief

        3. 126.Exemplary damages

    2. Chapter 2 Mergers

      1. 127.Relevant merger situations and special merger situations

      2. 128.Fast-track references under sections 22 and 33 of EA 2002

      3. 129.Mergers of energy network enterprises

      4. 130.Mergers involving newspaper enterprises and foreign powers

      5. 131.Mutual agreements to extend time-limits: duty to make reference cases

      6. 132.Mutual agreements to extend time-limits: public interest cases

      7. 133.Publication of merger notices online

    3. Chapter 3 Markets

      1. 134.Market studies: removal of time-limit on pre-reference consultation

      2. 135.Power to make a reference after previously deciding not to do so

      3. 136.Scope of market investigations

      4. 137.Acceptance of undertakings at any stage of a market study or investigation

      5. 138.Final undertakings and orders: power to conduct trials

      6. 139.Duty of CMA to monitor undertakings and orders

      7. 140.Taking action in relation to regulated markets

    4. Chapter 4 Cartels

      1. 141.Production of information authorised by warrant

    5. Chapter 5 Miscellaneous

      1. 142.Attendance of witnesses etc

      2. 143.Civil penalties etc in connection with competition matters

      3. 144.Service and extra-territoriality of notices under CA 1998 and EA 2002

      4. 145.Orders and regulations under CA 1998 and EA 2002

      5. 146.Meaning of “working day” in Parts 3 and 4 of EA 2002

  4. Part 3 Enforcement of consumer protection law

    1. Chapter 1 Overview

      1. 147.Overview

    2. Chapter 2 Relevant infringements

      1. 148.Relevant infringements

      2. 149.The UK connection condition

      3. 150.The specified prohibition condition

    3. Chapter 3 Consumer protection orders and undertakings

      1. Enforcers for purposes of Chapter

        1. 151.Enforcers

        2. 152.Designation criteria

      2. Applications for enforcement orders and interim enforcement orders

        1. 153.Applications

        2. 154.CMA directions to other enforcers

        3. 155.Consultation

      3. Powers of court on application under section 153

        1. 156.Enforcement orders and undertakings

        2. 157.Enforcement orders and undertakings: enhanced consumer measures

        3. 158.Enforcement orders: requirement to pay monetary penalty

        4. 159.Interim enforcement orders and undertakings

      4. Online interface orders and interim online interface orders

        1. 160.Applications

        2. 161.Online interface orders

        3. 162.Interim online interface orders

      5. Undertakings and further proceedings

        1. 163.Acceptance of undertakings by enforcers

        2. 164.Undertakings under section 163: enhanced consumer measures

        3. 165.Undertakings under section 163: procedural requirements

        4. 166.Consumer protection orders or undertakings to court: further proceedings

        5. 167.Undertakings to public designated enforcers: further proceedings

        6. 168.Monetary penalties under sections 166 and 167: amount

      6. Notification of CMA

        1. 169.Notification requirements: applications

        2. 170.Notification requirements: undertakings

        3. 171.Notification requirements: proceedings

        4. 172.Notification requirements: convictions and judgments

      7. Jurisdiction etc

        1. 173.Appropriate court

        2. 174.Effect of orders in other parts of the United Kingdom

        3. 175.Evidence

      8. Miscellaneous

        1. 176.Interconnected bodies corporate

        2. 177.Enhanced consumer measures: private designated enforcers

        3. 178.Substantiation of claims

        4. 179.Crown application

    4. Chapter 4 Direct enforcement powers of CMA

      1. Investigations

        1. 180.Power of CMA to investigate suspected infringements

      2. Infringement notices and penalties

        1. 181.Provisional infringement notice

        2. 182.Final infringement notice

        3. 183.Final infringement notice: directions to take enhanced consumer measures

      3. Online interface notices

        1. 184.Online interface notices

      4. Undertakings

        1. 185.Undertakings

        2. 186.Effect of undertakings under section 185

        3. 187.Undertakings under section 185: procedural requirements

        4. 188.Provisional breach of undertakings enforcement notice

        5. 189.Final breach of undertakings enforcement notice

        6. 190.Monetary penalties under section 189: amount

      5. Directions

        1. 191.Provisional breach of directions enforcement notice

        2. 192.Final breach of directions enforcement notice

        3. 193.Monetary penalties under section 192: amount

        4. 194.Powers of court to enforce directions

        5. 195.Substantiation of claims

        6. 196.Variation or revocation of directions

      6. False or misleading information

        1. 197.Provisional false information enforcement notice

        2. 198.Final false information enforcement notice

      7. Miscellaneous and appeals

        1. 199.Statement of policy in relation to monetary penalties

        2. 200.Interconnected bodies corporate

        3. 201.Record-keeping and reporting requirements

        4. 202.Appeals

    5. Chapter 5 Monetary penalties: general provisions

      1. 203.Information to accompany orders or notices imposing monetary penalties

      2. 204.Determination of turnover

      3. 205.Power to amend amounts

      4. 206.Recovery of monetary penalties

      5. 207.Monetary penalties: further provision

    6. Chapter 6 Investigatory powers

      1. 208.Investigatory powers of enforcers

    7. Chapter 7 Miscellaneous

      1. 209.Powers to amend Schedule 15 and Schedule 16

      2. 210.Rules

      3. 211.Procedural requirements for making of rules

      4. 212.Guidance

      5. 213.Defamation

      6. 214.Minor and consequential amendments relating to this Part

      7. 215.Transitional and saving provision relating to this Part

      8. 216.Enforcement of requirements relating to secondary ticketing

    8. Chapter 8 Interpretation of Part

      1. 217.Supply of goods or digital content

      2. 218.Supply of services

      3. 219.Accessories

      4. 220.Special relationships

      5. 221.Enhanced consumer measures

      6. 222.Other interpretative provisions

      7. 223.Index of defined expressions

  5. Part 4 Consumer rights and disputes

    1. Chapter 1 Protection from unfair trading

      1. Introduction

        1. 224.Overview

      2. Prohibition of unfair commercial practices

        1. 225.Prohibition of unfair commercial practices

        2. 226.Misleading actions

        3. 227.Misleading omissions

        4. 228.Aggressive practices

        5. 229.Contravention of the requirements of professional diligence

        6. 230.Omission of material information from invitation to purchase

      3. Public enforcement

        1. 231.Public enforcement

      4. Consumers’ rights of redress relating to unfair commercial practices

        1. 232.Rights of redress

        2. 233.Rights of redress: further provision

        3. 234.Enforcement of rights of redress

        4. 235.Relationship between rights of redress and other claims relating to prohibited practices

      5. Inertia selling

        1. 236.Inertia selling

      6. Offences relating to unfair commercial practices

        1. 237.Offences

        2. 238.Defence of due diligence and innocent publication

        3. 239.Offences: criminal liability of others

        4. 240.Penalty for offences

        5. 241.Time limit for prosecution

      7. Miscellaneous

        1. 242.Powers to amend this Chapter

        2. 243.Crown application

        3. 244.Validity of agreements

      8. Interpretation

        1. 245.Meaning of “transactional decision”

        2. 246.Meaning of “average consumer”: general

        3. 247.Meaning of “average consumer”: vulnerable persons

        4. 248.Meaning of “product”

        5. 249.General interpretation

        6. 250.Index of defined terms

      9. Consequential amendments and transitional provision

        1. 251.Consequential amendments relating to this Chapter

        2. 252.Transitional and saving provision relating to this Chapter

    2. Chapter 2 Subscription contracts

      1. Introduction

        1. 253.Overview

        2. 254.Meaning of “subscription contract”

        3. 255.Excluded contracts

      2. Duties of traders

        1. 256.Pre-contract information

        2. 257.Pre-contract information: additional requirements

        3. 258.Reminder notices

        4. 259.Content and timing etc of reminder notices

        5. 260.Arrangements for consumers to exercise right to end contract

        6. 261.Duties of trader on cancellation or end of subscription contract

      3. Rights of consumers to cancel contract for breach

        1. 262.Terms implied into contracts

        2. 263.Right to cancel for breach of implied term

      4. Cooling-off rights

        1. 264.Right to cancel during cooling-off periods

        2. 265.Meaning of “initial cooling-off period” and “renewal cooling-off period”

        3. 266.Cooling-off notice

      5. Cancellation of contracts under this Chapter: further provision

        1. 267.Cancellation of subscription contract: further provision

      6. Offence of failing to provide information about cooling-off rights

        1. 268.Offence of failing to provide information about initial cooling-off rights

        2. 269.Defence of due diligence

        3. 270.Offences by officers of a body corporate etc

        4. 271.Penalty for offence and enforcement

      7. General and miscellaneous provision

        1. 272.Information and notices: timing and burden of proof

        2. 273.Terms of a subscription contract which are of no effect

        3. 274.Other remedies for breach by trader

        4. 275.Application of this Chapter

        5. 276.Crown application

        6. 277.Power to make further provision in connection with this Chapter

      8. Consequential amendments

        1. 278.Consequential amendments to the Consumer Rights Act 2015

        2. 279.Other consequential amendments

      9. General interpretation

        1. 280.Interpretation

        2. 281.Index of defined expressions

    3. Chapter 3 Consumer Savings Schemes

      1. 282.Meaning of “consumer savings scheme contract”

      2. 283.Other defined terms

      3. 284.Excluded arrangements

      4. 285.Insolvency protection requirement

      5. 286.Insurance arrangements

      6. 287.Trust arrangements

      7. 288.Information requirements

      8. 289.Consequential amendments

      9. 290.Interpretation

    4. Chapter 4 Alternative dispute resolution for consumer contract disputes

      1. Interpretation of Chapter 4

        1. 291.Meaning of “ADR” and related terms

        2. 292.Other definitions

      2. Prohibition on acting as ADR provider without accreditation etc

        1. 293.Prohibitions relating to acting as ADR provider

        2. 294.Prohibitions relating to charging fees to consumers

      3. Exempt ADR providers

        1. 295.Exempt ADR providers

      4. Accreditation: procedure etc

        1. 296.Applications for accreditation or variation of accreditation

        2. 297.Determination of applications for accreditation or variation of accreditation

        3. 298.Revocation or suspension of accreditations etc

        4. 299.Fees payable by accredited ADR providers

        5. 300.ADR fees regulations

        6. 301.Accreditation criteria

      5. Enforcement of prohibitions etc

        1. 302.Enforcement notices

      6. Provision of Information etc

        1. 303.ADR information regulations

        2. 304.ADR information directions

        3. 305.Disclosure of ADR information by the Secretary of State

        4. 306.Meaning of “ADR information” and other terms in sections 303 to 305

      7. Involvement of other bodies in the regulation of ADR providers

        1. 307.Power to provide for other persons to have accreditation functions etc

      8. Complaints by consumers to traders

        1. 308.Duty of trader to notify consumer of ADR arrangements etc

      9. Consequential amendments etc and transitional provision

        1. 309.Consequential amendments etc relating to this Chapter

        2. 310.Transitional provision relating to this Chapter

  6. Part 5 Miscellaneous

    1. Chapter 1 Competition in connection with motor fuel

      1. 311.Provision of information about competition in connection with motor fuel

      2. 312.Penalties for failure to comply with notices under section 311

      3. 313.Procedure and appeals

      4. 314.Statement of policy on penalties

      5. 315.Offences etc

      6. 316.Penalties under section 312 and offences under section 315

      7. 317.Information sharing

      8. 318.Expiry of this Chapter

    2. Chapter 2 Provision of investigative assistance to overseas regulators

      1. 319.Provision of investigative assistance to overseas regulators

      2. 320.Requests for investigative assistance

      3. 321.The appropriateness of providing investigative assistance

      4. 322.Authorisation of the provision of investigative assistance

      5. 323.Notifications in respect of requests for investigative assistance

      6. 324.Guidance in connection with investigative assistance

      7. 325.Amendments to other legislation

    3. Chapter 3 Miscellaneous

      1. 326.Disclosing information overseas

      2. 327.Duty of expedition on the CMA and sectoral regulators

      3. 328.Offenders assisting investigations and prosecutions: powers of the CMA

      4. 329.Removal of limit on the tenure of a chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal

  7. Part 6 General

    1. 330.Interpretation

    2. 331.Data protection

    3. 332.Notices

    4. 333.Consultation

    5. 334.Financial provision

    6. 335.Minor and consequential amendments

    7. 336.Power to make further consequential provision

    8. 337.Regulations

    9. 338.Extent

    10. 339.Commencement

    11. 340.Short title

  8. Schedules

    1. Schedule 1

      Procedure relating to commitments

      1. 1.Application of Schedule

      2. 2.Procedure for accepting a commitment or requested variation

      3. 3.(1) Before accepting a modification of a commitment or requested...

      4. 4.The CMA must publish notice of its decision on whether...

      5. 5.The requirements of paragraphs 2 and 3 do not apply...

      6. 6.Procedure for releasing an undertaking from a commitment

      7. 7.The CMA must publish a notice of its decision on...

    2. Schedule 2

      Mergers: holding of interests and rights

      1. 1.Joint interests

      2. 2.Joint arrangements

      3. 3.Interests held by nominees

      4. 4.Rights treated as held by person who controls their exercise

      5. 5.Rights exercisable only in certain circumstances etc

      6. 6.Rights attached to shares held by way of security

      7. 7.Arrangements

    3. Schedule 3

      Power of Competition Appeal Tribunal to grant declaratory relief

      1. 1.Chapter 4 of Part 1 of CA 1998 (appeals before...

      2. 2.In the italic heading before section 47A, after “damage” insert...

      3. 3.In section 47A (proceedings before the Tribunal: claims for damages...

      4. 4.After section 47D insert— Proceedings under section 47A or collective...

      5. 5.In the italic heading before section 47F, after “damage” insert...

      6. 6.(1) Section 47F (further provision about claims in respect of...

      7. 7.(1) In section 49 (further appeals from the Tribunal), subsection...

      8. 8.(1) Schedule 8A (further provision about claims in respect of...

      9. 9.In Schedule 4 to EA 2002 (Competition Appeal Tribunal: procedure),...

    4. Schedule 4

      Relevant and special merger situations

      1. 1.Chapter 1 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers: duty...

      2. 2.(1) Section 23 (relevant merger situations) is amended as follows....

      3. 3.(1) Section 28 (turnover test) is amended as follows.

      4. 4.In Chapter 2 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers:...

      5. 5.Chapter 3 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers: other...

      6. 6.(1) Section 59 (intervention by Secretary of State in special...

      7. 7.(1) Schedule 5A (energy network mergers affecting comparative regulation: modifications...

      8. 8.Chapter 5 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers: supplementary)...

      9. 9.(1) Section 123 (power to alter share of supply test)...

      10. 10.In section 130 (index of defined expressions), in the appropriate...

    5. Schedule 5

      Mergers: fast-track references under sections 22 and 33 of EA 2002

      1. 1.Chapter 1 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers: duty...

      2. 2.(1) Section 22 (duty to make references in relation to...

      3. 3.(1) Section 33 (duty to make references in relation to...

      4. 4.(1) Section 34ZA (time-limits for decisions about references) is amended...

      5. 5.In section 34ZB (extension of time-limits), in subsection (1), for...

      6. 6.In section 34ZC (sections 34ZA and 34ZB: supplementary), in subsection...

      7. 7.After section 34ZC (sections 34ZA and 34ZB: supplementary) insert— Fast-track...

      8. 8.(1) Section 39 (time-limits for investigations and reports) is amended...

      9. 9.(1) Section 40 (section 39: supplementary) is amended as follows....

      10. 10.(1) In Chapter 3 of Part 3 of EA 2002...

      11. 11.(1) In Chapter 4 of Part 3 of EA 2002...

      12. 12.Chapter 5 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers: supplementary)...

      13. 13.In section 104 (certain duties of relevant authorities to consult),...

      14. 14.(1) Section 107 (further publicity requirements) is amended as follows....

      15. 15.In section 130 (interpretation), in the appropriate place insert— Fast-track...

    6. Schedule 6

      Mergers of energy network enterprises

      1. 1.Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers) is amended as follows....

      2. 2.(1) Section 22 (duty to make references in relation to...

      3. 3.In section 33(3) (circumstances in which references in relation to...

      4. 4.In section 68B (further duty to make references in relation...

      5. 5.In section 68C (further duty to make references in relation...

      6. 6.(1) In section 72 (initial enforcement orders: completed or anticipated...

      7. 7.(1) Section 73 (undertakings in lieu of references under section...

      8. 8.In section 73A (time-limits for consideration of undertakings), in subsection...

      9. 9.(1) Section 74 (effect of undertakings under section 73) is...

      10. 10.(1) Section 75 (order-making power where undertakings under section 73...

      11. 11.(1) Section 79 (sections 77 and 78: further interpretative provisions)...

      12. 12.(1) Schedule 5A (energy network mergers affecting comparative regulation: modifications...

      13. 13.(1) Schedule 16 to the Energy Act 2023 (mergers of...

    7. Schedule 7

      Mergers involving newspaper enterprises and foreign powers

      1. 1.Introduction

      2. 2.Prohibition on newspaper enterprise mergers involving foreign powers

      3. 3.After Schedule 6 insert— Schedule 6A Determination of when a...

      4. 4.Further amendments

    8. Schedule 8

      Acceptance of undertakings at any stage of a market study or investigation

      1. 1.Part 4 of EA 2002 (market studies and market investigations)...

      2. 2.(1) Section 131B (market studies and the making of decisions...

      3. 3.(1) Section 133A (functions to be exercised by CMA groups)...

      4. 4.In section 136 (investigations and reports on market investigation references),...

      5. 5.(1) Section 139 (public interest intervention by the Secretary of...

      6. 6.(1) Section 140 (intervention notices under section 139(1)) is amended...

      7. 7.In section 150 (power of veto of Secretary of State),...

      8. 8.For section 154 (and the italic heading immediately before it)...

      9. 9.(1) Section 155 (undertakings in lieu: procedural requirements) is amended...

      10. 10.(1) Section 156 (effect of undertakings under section 154) is...

      11. 11.After section 156 insert— Interim undertakings and orders .

      12. 12.After section 158 insert— Final undertakings and orders .

      13. 13.(1) Section 162 (duty of CMA to monitor the carrying...

      14. 14.In section 169(6) (certain duties of relevant authorities to consult:...

      15. 15.(1) Section 174C (section 174B: supplementary provision) is amended as...

      16. 16.In section 183 (interpretation: Part 4), in subsection (3), in...

      17. 17.In Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act...

    9. Schedule 9

      Final undertakings and orders: power to conduct trials

      1. 1.Part 4 of EA 2002 (market studies and market investigations)...

      2. 2.(1) Section 133A (functions to be exercised by CMA groups)...

      3. 3.(1) Section 138A (time-limits for discharging duty under section 138)...

      4. 4.After section 161A (acceptance of enforcement undertakings: Part 4) (inserted...

      5. 5.After section 162A (inserted by section 139(4)) insert— Power to...

      6. 6.In section 165 (procedural requirements for certain undertakings and orders:...

      7. 7.(1) Section 167 (rights to enforce undertakings and orders under...

      8. 8.(1) Section 167A (enforcement of enforcement undertakings and orders: imposition...

      9. 9.(1) In section 167B (penalties under section 167A: amount) (inserted...

      10. 10.(1) In section 169 (certain duties of relevant authorities to...

      11. 11.In section 172 (further publicity requirements: Part 4), in subsection...

    10. Schedule 10

      Civil penalties etc in connection with competition investigations

      1. Part 1 Investigations under Part 1 of CA 1998 (competition)

        1. 1.In Part 1 of CA 1998 (competition), Chapter 3 (investigation...

        2. 2.(1) In section 26 (investigations: powers to require documents and...

        3. 3.(1) In section 26A (investigations: power to ask questions), subsection...

        4. 4.In section 27 (power to enter business premises without a...

        5. 5.(1) In section 29 (entry of premises under warrant: supplementary),...

        6. 6.(1) In section 40ZD (information relating to transferred EU anti-trust...

        7. 7.For the italic heading before section 40A substitute— Civil sanctions:...

        8. 8.Before section 40A (but after the italic heading substituted by...

        9. 9.(1) Section 40A (penalties: failure to comply with requirements) is...

        10. 10.(1) Section 40B (statement of policy on penalties) is amended...

        11. 11.(1) Section 42 (offences) is amended as follows.

        12. 12.In section 43 (destroying or falsifying documents), after subsection (1)...

        13. 13.In section 44 (false or misleading information), after subsection (2)...

      2. Part 2 Investigations under Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers)

        1. 14.In Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers), Chapter 5 (supplementary:...

        2. 15.(1) Section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general)...

        3. 16.(1) Section 110A (restriction on powers to impose penalties under...

        4. 17.(1) Section 111 (penalties) is amended as follows.

        5. 18.(1) Section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements) is amended as...

        6. 19.(1) Section 113 (payment and interest by instalments) is amended...

        7. 20.(1) Section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties) is amended...

        8. 21.(1) Section 115 (recovery of penalties) is amended as follows....

        9. 22.(1) Section 116 (statement of policy) is amended as follows....

        10. 23.After section 116 insert— Intentional destruction etc of documents (1) A person (“P”) commits an offence if the person...

        11. 24.(1) Section 117 (false or misleading information) is amended as...

        12. 25.In section 120 (review of decisions under Part 3), in...

      3. Part 3 Investigations under Part 4 of EA 2002 (market studies and market investigations)

        1. 26.In Part 4 of EA 2002 (market studies and market...

        2. 27.(1) Section 174A (enforcement of powers under section 174: general)...

        3. 28.(1) Section 174B (restriction on powers to impose penalties under...

        4. 29.(1) Section 174D (penalties) is amended as follows.

        5. 30.(1) Section 174E (statement of policy on penalties) is amended...

        6. 31.In section 179 (review of decisions under Part 4), in...

        7. 32.(1) Section 180 (offences) is amended as follows.

        8. 33.In section 183 (interpretation: Part 4), in subsection (1), at...

        9. 34.In section 184 (index of defined expressions: Part 4), at...

    11. Schedule 11

      Civil penalties etc in connection with breaches of remedies

      1. Part 1 Commitments and directions under Part 1 of CA 1998 (competition)

        1. 1.In Part 1 of CA 1998 (competition), Chapter 3 (investigation...

        2. 2.In section 31A (commitments), after subsection (2) insert—

        3. 3.In section 31E (enforcement of commitments), after subsection (3) insert—...

        4. 4.In the italic heading before section 32, at the end...

        5. 5.In section 34 (enforcement of directions), after subsection (3) insert—...

        6. 6.After section 35 insert— Civil sanctions: breaches of commitments, directions...

      2. Part 2 Undertakings and orders under Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers)

        1. 7.In Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers), Chapter 4 (enforcement)...

        2. 8.(1) Section 34C (functions to be exercised by CMA groups)...

        3. 9.(1) Section 89 (subject-matter of undertakings) is amended as follows....

        4. 10.In section 94 (rights to enforce undertakings and orders), after...

        5. 11.For section 94A substitute— Enforcement of undertakings and orders: imposition...

        6. 12.(1) Section 94B (statement of policy in relation to powers...

        7. 13.In section 120 (review of decisions under Part 3), in...

      3. Part 3 Undertakings and orders under Part 4 of EA 2002 (market studies and market investigations)

        1. 14.In Part 4 of EA 2002 (market studies and market...

        2. 15.(1) Section 133A (functions to be exercised by CMA groups)...

        3. 16.After section 161 insert— Acceptance of enforcement undertakings: Part 4...

        4. 17.In section 167 (rights to enforce undertakings and orders under...

        5. 18.After section 167 insert— Enforcement of undertakings and orders: imposition...

        6. 19.In section 179 (review of decisions under Part 4), in...

    12. Schedule 12

      Civil penalties: amendments relating to sectoral regulators

      1. 1.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

      2. 2.(1) Section 60 (functions of the CAA under Part 4...

      3. 3.In section 61 (functions of the CAA under Part 4...

      4. 4.(1) Section 62 (functions of the CAA under CA 1998)...

      5. 5.In section 63 (functions of the CAA under CA 1998:...

      6. 6.(1) Section 86 of the Transport Act 2000 (functions of...

      7. 7.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

      8. 8.(1) Section 234I (functions of the FCA under Part 4...

      9. 9.(1) Section 234J (functions of the FCA under CA 1998)...

      10. 10.The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation

      11. 11.(1) Article 23 of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996...

      12. 12.(1) Article 46 of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992...

      13. 13.The Office of Communications (OFCOM)

      14. 14.(1) Section 370 (functions of OFCOM under Part 4 of...

      15. 15.(1) Section 371 (functions of OFCOM under CA 1998) is...

      16. 16.(1) Section 392 (penalties imposed by OFCOM) is amended as...

      17. 17.The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)

      18. 18.(1) Section 36A of the Gas Act 1986 (functions of...

      19. 19.The Office of Rail and Road (ORR)

      20. 20.The Payment Systems Regulator

      21. 21.(1) Section 59 (functions of the Payment Systems Regulator under...

      22. 22.(1) Section 61 (functions of the Payment Systems Regulator under...

      23. 23.The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)

    13. Schedule 13

      Service and extra-territoriality of notices under CA 1998 and EA 2002

      1. 1.Service of documents etc

      2. 2.In Part 1 of CA 1998, in Chapter 3 (investigation...

      3. 3.In section 61(4) of the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act...

      4. 4.In section 62(4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2012 (functions...

      5. 5.In section 371(3) of the Communications Act 2002 (functions of...

      6. 6.In section 86(4)(b) of the Transport Act 2000 (functions of...

      7. 7.In section 234J(4) of the Financial Services and Markets Act...

      8. 8.In section 67(3A) of the Railways Act 1993 (functions of...

      9. 9.In section 31(4A) of the Water Industry Act 1991 (functions...

      10. 10.In section 43(3A) of the Electricity Act 1989 (functions of...

      11. 11.In section 36A(3A) of the Gas Act 1986 (functions of...

      12. 12.In Article 29(5) of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern...

      13. 13.In Article 23(3A) of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996...

      14. 14.In Article 46(3A) of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992...

      15. 15.Extra-territoriality of notices under CA 1998 and EA 2002

      16. 16.In Chapter 5 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers:...

      17. 17.In Chapter 4 of Part 4 of EA 2002 (market...

    14. Schedule 14

      Orders and regulations under CA 1998 and EA 2002

      1. 1.Orders and regulations under CA 1998

      2. 2.Orders and regulations under Part 3 of EA 2002

      3. 3.Orders and regulations under Part 4 of EA 2002

    15. Schedule 15

      Consumer protection enactments

      1. Part 1 Enactments

      2. Part 2 Obligations and rules of law

    16. Schedule 16

      Direct enforcement enactments

    17. Schedule 17

      Investigatory powers

      1. 1.Introductory

      2. 2.Penalties for non-compliance with information notices

      3. 3.Extra-territorial application in relation to notices

      4. 4.Means of giving notices

      5. 5.Access to documents

      6. 6.Meaning of “firm”

    18. Schedule 18

      Part 3: minor and consequential amendments

      1. 1.Estate Agents Act 1979

      2. 2.Companies Act 1985

      3. 3.Enterprise Act 2002

      4. 4.Omit Part 8 (including Schedule 13).

      5. 5.In section 238 (information), in subsection (1), in paragraph (a)...

      6. 6.In section 243 (overseas disclosures), in subsection (3)(a) for the...

      7. 7.In Schedule 14 (provisions about disclosure of information) at the...

      8. 8.In Schedule 15 (enactments conferring functions) at the appropriate place...

      9. 9.Companies Act 2006

      10. 10.Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008

      11. 11.Consumer Rights Act 2015

    19. Schedule 19

      Part 3: transitional and saving provisions

      1. 1.Interpretation

      2. 2.General rules

      3. 3.Rules applicable to continuing conduct

      4. 4.Rules applicable to undertakings given to enforcers under the old law

      5. 5.Information notices under Schedule 5 to CRA 2015

      6. 6.Further provision

    20. Schedule 20

      Commercial practices which are in all circumstances considered unfair

      1. 1.Claiming to be a signatory to a code of conduct...

      2. 2.Claiming that a code of conduct has an endorsement from...

      3. 3.Displaying a trust mark, quality mark or equivalent without having...

      4. 4.Claiming that a trader, a trader’s commercial practice, or a...

      5. 5.(1) Making an invitation to purchase products at a specified...

      6. 6.Making an invitation to purchase products at a specified price...

      7. 7.Falsely stating that a product will only be available for...

      8. 8.Undertaking to provide an after-sales service to consumers and then...

      9. 9.Falsely claiming or creating the false impression that an after-sales...

      10. 10.Stating or otherwise creating the impression that a product can...

      11. 11.Presenting rights given to consumers by law as a distinctive...

      12. 12.Using editorial content in the media to promote a product...

      13. 13.(1) Submitting, or commissioning another person to submit or write—...

      14. 14.Making a materially inaccurate claim concerning the nature and extent...

      15. 15.Promoting a product similar to a product made by a...

      16. 16.(1) Establishing, operating or promoting a pyramid promotional scheme.

      17. 17.Claiming that the trader is about to cease trading or...

      18. 18.Claiming that products are able to facilitate winning in games...

      19. 19.(1) Falsely claiming that a product is able to—

      20. 20.Providing (including passing on) materially inaccurate information about market conditions...

      21. 21.Claiming to offer a competition or prize promotion without awarding...

      22. 22.Creating the false impression that the consumer has already won,...

      23. 23.Describing a product as “gratis”, “free”, “without charge” or similar...

      24. 24.Including in marketing material an invoice or similar document seeking...

      25. 25.Falsely claiming or creating the false impression that the trader...

      26. 26.Creating the impression that the consumer cannot leave the premises...

      27. 27.Ignoring a request from a consumer to leave or not...

      28. 28.Making persistent and unwanted solicitations by any means, other than...

      29. 29.Requiring a consumer who wishes to claim on an insurance...

      30. 30.Including in an advertisement a direct appeal to children to...

      31. 31.Supplying products to a consumer that have not been requested...

      32. 32.Explicitly telling a consumer that if the consumer does not...

    21. Schedule 21

      Chapter 1 of Part 4: consequential amendments

      1. 1.Administration of Justice Act 1970 (c. 31)

      2. 2.Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c. 29)

      3. 3.Hallmarking Act 1973 (c. 43)

      4. 4.Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 52)

      5. 5.Companies Act 1985 (c. 6)

      6. 6.Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48)

      7. 7.Trade Marks Act 1994 (c. 26)

      8. 8.Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40)

      9. 9.Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17)

      10. 10.Companies Act 2006 (c. 46)

      11. 11.Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 (c. 13)

      12. 12.Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15)

      13. 13.Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50)

    22. Schedule 22

      Excluded contracts

      1. 1.Utilities

      2. 2.Insurance and financial services

      3. 3.Medical prescriptions etc.

      4. 4.(1) A contract for the supply of goods, services or...

      5. 5.Contracts regulated by OFCOM

      6. 6.(1) A contract for the supply of a premium rate...

      7. 7.In paragraphs 5 and 6, “OFCOM” means the Office of...

      8. 8.Rent of residential accommodation

      9. 9.Delivery of foodstuffs etc. by micro-entity

      10. 10.Package holidays etc

      11. 11.Timeshares etc

      12. 12.Childcare (including school age education)

      13. 13.Gambling contracts

    23. Schedule 23

      Pre-contract information and reminder notices

      1. Part 1 Key pre-contract information

        1. 1.The information referred to in section 256(1)(a) is as follows....

        2. 2.If section 254(2) applies to the contract—

        3. 3.If section 254(3) applies to the contract—

        4. 4.The frequency with which the consumer will become liable for...

        5. 5.If different to the information referred to in paragraph 4,...

        6. 6.The minimum total amount for which the consumer will become...

        7. 7.Whether the contract provides for— (a) any changes to the...

        8. 8.The steps that the consumer must take to bring the...

        9. 9.The amount of notice that the consumer must give to...

        10. 10.The period within which reminder notices in relation to the...

        11. 11.A summary of— (a) the consumer’s right to cancel the...

      2. Part 2 Full pre-contract information

        1. 12.The information referred to in section 256(1)(b) is as follows....

        2. 13.The information set out in Part 1 of this Schedule....

        3. 14.The main characteristics of the goods, services or digital content,...

        4. 15.(1) The identity of the trader and the identity of...

        5. 16.(1) The business address and, if different, the service address...

        6. 17.In relation to any other person on whose behalf the...

        7. 18.All additional delivery charges and any other costs or, where...

        8. 19.The arrangements for payment, delivery, performance, and the time by...

        9. 20.The trader’s complaint handling policy.

        10. 21.The following information about the consumer’s right to cancel the...

        11. 22.The following information about any right the consumer has to...

        12. 23.A reminder of the statutory rights of the consumer under...

        13. 24.(1) The existence and conditions of after-sale customer assistance, after-sales...

        14. 25.(1) The existence of relevant codes of conduct and how...

        15. 26.The existence and the conditions of deposits or other financial...

        16. 27.(1) The functionality, including applicable technical protection measures, of digital...

        17. 28.The possibility of having recourse to an out-of-court complaint and...

      3. Part 3 Reminder notices

        1. 29.The information referred to in section 259(1)(a) (information that must...

        2. 30.That the consumer will become liable for the renewal payment...

        3. 31.The date (“the renewal date”) on which the consumer will...

        4. 32.The amount of the previous renewal payment for which the...

        5. 33.If the renewal payment to which the notice relates is...

        6. 34.If, having not brought the contract to an end before...

        7. 35.The amount of any payments equivalent to those mentioned in...

        8. 36.If the payments mentioned in paragraph 34 are (or may...

        9. 37.The minimum total amount for which the consumer will become...

        10. 38.The date on which the consumer will become liable for...

        11. 39.The steps that the consumer may take to bring the...

    24. Schedule 24

      Excluded arrangements

      1. 1.Regulated financial services activity

      2. 2.Arrangements for the supply of utilities

      3. 3.Contracts regulated by OFCOM

      4. 4.Contracts for prepaid passenger transport services

      5. 5.Small businesses

      6. 6.Childcare voucher schemes

      7. 7.Package holidays etc.

    25. Schedule 25

      Exempt ADR providers

      1. Part 1 List of exempt persons

      2. Part 2 Exempt redress schemes

      3. Part 3 Supplementary

        1. 1.In this Schedule— “approved estate agents redress scheme” means an...

    26. Schedule 26

      Accreditation criteria

      1. Part 1 The criteria applicable to an accredited ADR provider

        1. 1.Criterion 1: information for consumers

        2. 2.Criterion 2: readiness to carry out ADR

        3. 3.Criterion 3: expertise

        4. 4.Criterion 4: facilities for consumers and traders to participate

        5. 5.Criterion 5: fair ADR procedures

        6. 6.Criterion 6: independence and impartiality

        7. 7.Criterion 7: information for parties

      2. Part 2 Supplementary

        1. 8.The following provisions have effect for the interpretation or application...

        2. 9.The accreditation criteria only apply to the ADR provider so...

        3. 10.“Procedures”, in relation to ADR, means any rules, requirements or...

        4. 11.“Dispute” means a consumer contract dispute.

    27. Schedule 27

      Chapter 4 of Part 4: consequential amendments etc

      1. 1.Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973

      2. 2.Limitation Act 1980

      3. 3.Foreign Limitation Periods Act 1984

      4. 4.Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/1339 (N.I. 11))

      5. 5.Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

      6. 6.Enterprise Act 2002

      7. 7.Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008

      8. 8.Equality Act 2010

      9. 9.Consumer Rights Act 2015

      10. 10.Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/542)

    28. Schedule 28

      Provision of investigative assistance to overseas regulators

      1. 1.Amendments to Part 3 of EA 2002

      2. 2.In section 110A (restriction on powers to impose penalties under...

      3. 3.In section 111 (penalties: amount) (as amended by paragraph 17...

      4. 4.(1) Section 120 (reviews of decisions under Part 3) is...

      5. 5.Amendment to Part 9 of EA 2002

      6. 6.In Schedule 14 to EA 2002 (specified functions), at the...

      7. 7.In Schedule 15 to EA 2002 (enactments conferring functions), at...

      8. 8.Amendments to CA 1998

      9. 9.(1) Section 25A (power of CMA to publish notice of...

      10. 10.(1) Section 25B (duty to preserve documents relevant to investigations)...

      11. 11.In section 40A (penalties: amount), in subsection (7), after paragraph...

    29. Schedule 29

      Duty of expedition on sectoral regulators in respect of their competition functions

      1. 1.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

      2. 2.In section 86 of the Transport Act 2000 (functions of...

      3. 3.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

      4. 4.The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation

      5. 5.In Article 23 of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996...

      6. 6.In Article 46 of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992...

      7. 7.The Office of Communications (OFCOM)

      8. 8.The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)

      9. 9.In section 43 of the Electricity Act 1989 (functions of...

      10. 10.The Office of Rail and Road (ORR)

      11. 11.The Payment Systems Regulator

      12. 12.The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)

    30. Schedule 30

      Minor and consequential amendments

      1. Part 1 Amendments to Acts of Parliament

        1. 1.Competition Act 1980 (c. 21)

        2. 2.In section 11B(1) (references under section 11: powers of investigation...

        3. 3.In section 11C(1) (references under section 11: further supplementary provisions),...

        4. 4.In section 11D(7) (interim orders), in paragraph (d), after “penalties)”...

        5. 5.Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12)

        6. 6.Companies Act 1985 (c. 6)

        7. 7.Airports Act 1986 (c. 31)

        8. 8.Gas Act 1986 (c. 44)

        9. 9.Water Act 1989 (c. 15)

        10. 10.Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29)

        11. 11.Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56)

        12. 12.(1) Section 14B (references under section 14: powers of investigation)...

        13. 13.(1) Section 16B (CMA’s power of veto following report: supplementary)...

        14. 14.(1) Section 17M (references under section 17K: powers of investigation)...

        15. 15.(1) Section 17Q (section 17P: supplementary) is amended as follows....

        16. 16.In Part 2 of Schedule 15 (enactments etc in respect...

        17. 17.Railways Act 1993 (c. 43)

        18. 18.(1) Section 13B (references under section 13: application of EA...

        19. 19.(1) Section 15C (sections 15A and 15B: supplementary) is amended...

        20. 20.In section 145 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), in...

        21. 21.Schedule 4A (review of access charges by the Office of...

        22. 22.(1) Paragraph 10A (references under paragraph 9: application of EA...

        23. 23.(1) Paragraph 15 (paragraphs 13 and 14: supplementary) is amended...

        24. 24.Coal Industry Act 1994 (c. 21)

        25. 25.Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29)

        26. 26.Utilities Act 2000 (c. 27)

        27. 27.Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)

        28. 28.Communications Act 2003 (c. 21)

        29. 29.Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36)

        30. 30.Companies Act 2006 (c. 46)

        31. 31.Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29)

        32. 32.Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5)

        33. 33.Civil Aviation Act 2012 (c. 19)

      2. Part 2 Amendments to other legislation

        1. 34.Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/419 (N.I. 6))

        2. 35.In Article 63 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), in...

        3. 36.(1) In Schedule 2 (orders altering licensable activities), paragraph 5...

        4. 37.Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3172)

        5. 38.(1) Article 5 (references: powers of investigation) is amended as...

        6. 39.(1) Article 10 (Article 9: supplementary) is amended as follows....

        7. 40.Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21))

        8. 41.(1) Article 23 (references under Article 21: powers of investigation)...

        9. 42.(1) Article 27 (CMA’s power of veto following report: supplementary)...

        10. 43.In Article 265 (restrictions on disclosure of information), in paragraph...

        11. 44.Postal Services (Appeals to the Competition Commission) (Investigations and Extension of Time Limits) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2749)

        12. 45.Postal Services Act 2011 (Disclosure of Information) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1128)

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