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New regulations governing certain practices in the commercial relationships between suppliers, wholesalers and retailers of food and drink are due to commence on 30 April 2016. The Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Grocery Good Undertakings) Regulations 2016(“Regulations”) were signed into law by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on 1 February 2016. The Regulations provide for certain conditions in contracts between affected parties and will apply to any contrac...
New regulations governing certain practices in the commercial relationships between suppliers, wholesalers and retailers of food and drink are due to commence on 30 April 2016. The Consumer Protection Act 2007 (Grocery Good Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (“Regulations”) were signed into law by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on 1 February 2016. The Regulations provide for certain conditions in contracts between affected parties and will apply to any contracts entered into or renewed after 30 April 2016. The Regulations also limit certain practices, such as suppliers being required to pay for stocking/listing of goods, for promotion and marketing.
When commenced, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the “Commission”) will be responsible for enforcing compliance with the new regulations, and will have certain powers enabling it to do so, including the ability to issue substantial penalties. The Commission will liaise with affected businesses and provide guidance in relation to putting compliance structures in place.
According to the Department for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the regulations are aimed at rebalancing relationships between different players in the grocery goods sector, and ensuring that dealings are fair, sustainable and operate in the interests of jobs, consumers and sustainable safe food.
The Department has also published guidelines to be read in conjunction with the regulations, available here.
Author: Deirdre Duffy