Brussels – 9 June 2022 – AIM, the European Brands Association, welcomes the new EU competition rules for vertical agreements (“the new rules”) that the European Commission published on 10th May 2022. Overall well-grounded and substantiated, the new rules are the product of considerable work and consultation with external stakeholders since 2018, and AIM commends the European Commission for this successful outcome. Notably revised to reflect current market realities, in particular the recent developments in e-commerce, the new rules provide more flexibility for, and better protection of, a wide range of distribution systems, which will allow suppliers to adapt more quickly to ever-changing consumer needs.
Important changes were brought to the rules governing dual distribution, online sales restrictions, territorial and customer restrictions, and resale price maintenance. Brands particularly welcome that:
Brands however regret:
While the new rules bring greater flexibility as well as greater complexity, AIM is hopeful that the guidance on key concepts will help ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement, reducing the risk of diverging interpretations by national courts and competition authorities, which brands saw all too often in the past.
AIM welcomes the one-year transitional period until 31st May 2023 granted by the EC, which will allow brands to align existing agreements with the new rules.
Contact
For further information, please contact: Laurent Cenatiempo
Tel: +32 2 736 03 05 • Email: laurent.cenatiempo@aim.be
About AIM
AIM (Association des Industries de Marque) is the European Brands Association, which represents manufacturers of branded consumer goods in Europe on key issues that affect their ability to design, distribute and market their brands. AIM’s membership comprises 2500 businesses ranging from SMEs to multinationals, directly or indirectly through its corporate and national association members.
More information: www.aim.be