Moldova: A New Competition Act

As of 14 September 2012 Moldova has adopted new competition legislation. The Competition Act No. 183/2012 (Act No. 183) transposes the EU competition acquis and, thus, introduces supplementary rules meant to enforce the competition environment in Moldova. In particular, Act No. 183 implements a new approach with regard to what practices contravene the requirements of a normal competition environment, attributions of the Competition Council (CC), and procedures for examining and sanctioning infringements. Also, the new act regards central and local public authorities as possible subjects that can participate in the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition. Act No. 183 is meant to operate in parallel with the State Aid Act No.139/2012, which shall enter into force as of 1 September 2013.