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Guidance

7 Golden Rules

Published 5 October 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/7-golden-rules/7-golden-rules

Background

In January 2022, the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) published the 7 Golden Rules in response to increased numbers of cost prices being negotiated across the groceries sector.

The 7 Golden Rules ensure that Cost Price Increase (CPI) negotiations are conducted fairly and cover clear communication, fair use of information and Retailer support for buyers. The outcome of cost price negotiations is a commercial matter rather than a Code issue.

The GCA monitors CPI issues through its annual survey and engagement with suppliers.

The GCA also expects the principles of the 7 Golden Rules to apply to Cost Price Decrease (CPD) discussions.

The 7 Golden Rules

  1. Clear communication from the outset by Retailers about the process and how long it will take;
  2. Awareness, and prioritisation, of the possible greater impact on smaller suppliers;
  3. Support for buyers from colleagues who have experience of dealing with CPI requests;
  4. Only asking for the specific information from suppliers that is needed to make a CPI decision;
  5. Clear communication of the outcome, so there can be no grey areas;
  6. No automatic delists or fixed delist notice periods following CPI negotiations;
  7. Reminding buyers about abiding by competition law e.g. never asking suppliers about other Retailers’ plans or retail prices.
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