Don't Mess With The Competition Council

The Competition Act No. 183/2012 (Act No. 183) (which transposes the EU competition acquis in Moldova) entered into force in 2012, and its last provisions came into force at the beginning of 2015. At first glance, one would think that this period would suffice for local players to start playing by the rules. In practice, however, some decide to learn the hard way.

Two recent investigations by the Competition Council showed how one should not react when investigated, as fines can start pouring in faster than you realise if you do not abide by the rules. Things definitely get more interesting when such cases are brought to court.

Outset

Through the Competition Council's Plenum Decision No. 7 dated 4 March 2015, an investigation into the market of consumer electronics (household appliances) was initiated. As a result, two physical investigations took place at undertakings operating under the trademarks "Alina Electronic" and "Bomba". On the same day the