Guidance

Leniency and no-action applications in cartel cases

Guidance on the principles and process of applying for leniency and no-action in cartel cases.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 1 July 2013
• Last updated: 28 October 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Applications for leniency and no-action in cartel cases

Ref: CMA210

PDF, 1.01 MB, 146 pages

Short guide to cartels and leniency for businesses

HTML

Short guide to cartels and leniency for businesses

PDF, 246 KB, 16 pages

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Short guide to cartels and leniency for individuals

HTML

Short guide to cartels and leniency for individuals

PDF, 257 KB, 18 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

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Details

The CMA operates a leniency policy under which businesses and individuals that provide evidence of cartel activity and co-operate with the CMA’s investigation can benefit from a reduction in or, in some circumstances, complete immunity from penalties.

The guidance on ‘applications for leniency and no-action in cartel cases’ sets out how the CMA will handle applications for leniency from both businesses and individuals.

The ‘short guide to cartels and leniency for businesses’ explains that businesses that have engaged in cartel activity and their directors and employees can benefit from reporting and providing evidence of a cartel.

The ‘short guide to cartels and leniency for individuals’ provides an overview of how an individual involved in cartel activity might be able to obtain immunity from director disqualification and/or immunity from prosecution from the cartel offence.

Published 1 July 2013

Last updated 28 October 2025 + show all updates

1. 28 October 2025

   Guidance updated to reflect changes to the CMA's leniency policy and processes.

2. 24 September 2020

   Addendum to OFT1495 published.

3. 3 November 2017

   Note on arrangements for leniency applications in the regulated sectors added.

4. 1 July 2013

   First published.