International treaty

UK-New Zealand FTA Chapter 18: Competition

Text of chapter 18 of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and New Zealand.

Documents

Chapter 18: Competition (PDF version)

Chapter 18: Competition (web version)

Details

The chapter ensures both Parties promote open and fair competition.

The chapter contains provisions ensuring both nations have comprehensive competition regimes, as part of a transparent regulatory environment. This helps lead to open and fair competition in markets, which benefits consumers.

The chapter includes provisions to maintain national competition law that proscribes anticompetitive (i) agreements, and (ii) practices by enterprises with substantial market power. Additionally, the chapter includes provisions to maintain national competition law that effectively addresses mergers with substantial anticompetitive effects.

It locks in procedural rights for people and businesses under investigation by competition authorities, such as ensuring they have the right to be legally represented. The chapter promotes cooperation between UK and New Zealand competition authorities.

Published 28 February 2022