The Competition Commission (the Commission) is committed to promoting a competitive environment that is conducive to free flow of trade, efficiency and innovation that brings more choices and better quality and prices of goods and services to consumers. The Commission is an independent statutory body established under the Competition Ordinance (Cap. 619) (the Ordinance) which was enacted in June 2012. The objective of the Ordinance is to prohibit conduct that prevents, restricts or distorts competition, and to prohibit mergers that substantially lessen competition in Hong Kong. The scope of the application of the merger rule is limited to carrier licences issued under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106).
The Commission is tasked with the following functions :
– To investigate conduct that may contravene the competition rules of the Ordinance and enforce the provisions of the Ordinance;
– To promote public understanding of the value of competition and how the Ordinance promotes competition;
– To promote the adoption by undertakings carrying on business in Hong Kong of appropriate internal controls and risk management systems and to ensure their compliance with the Ordinance;
– To advise the Government on competition matters in Hong Kong and outside Hong Kong;
– To conduct market studies into matters affecting competition in markets in Hong Kong; and
– To promote research into and the development of skills in relation to the legal, economic and policy aspects of competition law in Hong Kong.
67
Competition Commission concludes investigation into proposed Joint Business Agreement between two major airlines* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has decided to close the investigation into a proposed joint business agreement between two airlines, namely Cathay Pacific Airways (...)
98
Competition Commission conducts surprise visit to New Territories (Shatin) Forensic Medicine Centre* The Competition Commission (Commission) conducted a surprise visit this morning (15 August 2023) to the New Territories (Shatin) Forensic Medicine Centre (the reprovisioned Fu Shan Public (...)
60
Competition Commission signs MoU with Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation to strengthen cooperation on competition issues in the Greater Bay Area* The Competition Commission (Commission) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guangdong Administration for Market (...)
75
Competition Commission welcomes rectification by Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association on taxi rental fee recommendations* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (12 July 2023) welcomes the issuance of an internal notice by the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association (...)
126
Competition Commission conducts another search regarding fish wholesale case in Aberdeen and invites fishery industry to provide information* The Competition Commission (Commission) conducted another round of operation in its ongoing investigation codenamed “White Whale” on the morning of 20 (...)
105
Competition Commission welcomes Tribunal’s orders in mail inserter cartel case* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) welcomes the orders granted by the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) in proceedings against three undertakings for their participation in cartel conduct regarding the (...)
256
Competition Commission launches educational campaign on Resale Price Maintenance* The Competition Commission (Commission) launches a citywide educational campaign (Campaign) today to enhance public awareness and understanding of resale price maintenance (RPM) and its potential harm as well (...)
105
Competition Commission consults on proposal to accept commitments offered by Foodpanda and Deliveroo* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today commenced a consultation on the proposed commitments offered under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) by two leading online (...)
99
Competition Commission commences second set of proceedings concerning air-conditioning works in Competition Tribunal* As foreshadowed in the filing of a set of legal proceedings on 16 June 2022 in relation to suspected cartel conduct in the supply of air-conditioning works in Hong Kong (...)
82
Competition Commission takes first cartel case relating to government subsidy scheme to Competition Tribunal* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has today commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) against four undertakings and three individuals, namely: Multisoft (...)
167
Competition Commission enhances model “Non-collusion Clauses” to strengthen protection for procurers against attempts to undermine competition* The Competition Commission (Commission) today published a revised set of model “Non-collusion Clauses” for procurers to incorporate in their (...)
73
Model “Non-collusion Clauses” enhanced to further protect procurement processes* The Commission has published a revised set of model “Non-collusion Clauses” in January 2023 for procurers to incorporate in their invitation to bid documents and contracts. The newly added clauses require (...)
51
Statement by the Competition Commission regarding estate agencies’ internal memos on commission for first-hand property transactions* In response to recent media reports about four real estate agencies’ internal memos regarding commission for first-hand property transactions, the (...)
83
Competition Commission conducts search regarding fish wholesale case in Aberdeen* The Competition Commission (Commission), assisted by the Hong Kong Police Force, executed search warrants this morning at a number of premises, including a vessel, at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market (Fish (...)
93
Competition Commission and Government departments conduct joint operation at Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market* The Competition Commission (Commission), together with the Hong Kong Police, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the (...)
121
ATAL Building Services admits liability in air-conditioning works cartel cases and accepts cooperation terms including payment of a penalty of HK$150 million* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) on 16 June 2022 (“first (...)
171
Competition Commission accepts commitments offered by seven car distributors to remove car warranty restrictions* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today announced the acceptance of commitments offered under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) by seven car (...)
117
Competition Commission brings first case on resale price maintenance to Competition Tribunal* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) against The Tien Chu (Hong Kong) Company Limited (“Tien Chu”) for its engagement in (...)
79
Competition Commission revises leniency programme for cartel conduct* The Competition Commission (Commission) today published a revised Leniency Policy for Individuals Involved in Cartel Conduct (Leniency Policy for Individuals) to offer clearer guidance and enhanced incentives for (...)
130
Competition Commission advises on employers’ joint negotiations with employee bodies on employment matters* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today published an Advisory Bulletin to provide guidance on how the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) applies to the conduct of employers in (...)
71
Competition Commission consults on proposal to accept commitments offered by seven car distributors* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today commenced a consultation on its proposal under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) to accept legally-binding commitments (...)
85
Competition Commission welcomes Tribunal’s orders on travel services sector price-fixing case* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) welcomes the orders granted by the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) in proceedings concerning price-fixing in relation to the sales of tickets to tourist (...)
95
Competition Commission renews block exemption order for vessel sharing agreements in liner shipping industry* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today announced its decision to renew the block exemption order for vessel sharing agreements (“VSAs”) between liner shipping companies (...)
349
Competition Commission welcomes Court of Appeal ruling on pecuniary penalties* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) welcomes the judgment (“Judgment”) handed down by the Court of Appeal today (2 June) in relation to appeals lodged by the Commission against pecuniary penalties imposed by (...)
61
Competition Commission invites passenger car owners and independent car repair workshops to provide information in its investigation into warranty terms and conditions* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) is conducting an investigation under the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) into (...)
671
Competition Commission takes travel services sector price-fixing cartel case to Competition Tribunal* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has today commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) against four undertakings and one individual, namely: Gray Line Tours of (...)
288
Competition Commission and Hong Kong Police conduct joint operation on maintenance project of an industrial building in Tuen Mun* The Competition Commission (Commission) and the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) of the Hong Kong Police today conducted a joint operation which involved a (...)
202
Competition Commission takes inserter cartel case to Competition Tribunal* First case to be fully resolved under the Commission’s Cooperation and Settlement Policy The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has today commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) against (...)
261
Statement by the Competition Commission regarding Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China’s decision on membership* In response to media reports about Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China (VBAHK)’s decision on the membership status of its five members, the Competition Commission (...)
308
Response to the Transport Department’s Proposal to Issue New Franchises to Incumbent Bus Operators* Introduction and summary The Competition Commission (the Commission) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Transport Department’s (TD’s) consultation on “Franchises of Citybus Limited (...)
390
Competition Commission advises on Trade Associations’ membership admission rules* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (29 July) published an Advisory Bulletin to advise on the potential risks under the Competition Ordinance (Ordinance) related to the membership admission criteria (...)
1361
Competition Commission issues infringement notices to six hotel groups and a tour counter operator for facilitating a price-fixing cartel* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has issued infringement notices to seven entities, including six hotel groups and a tour counter operator (...)
215
Competition Commission brings first case on abuse of substantial market power to Competition Tribunal* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has today filed a case in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) against Linde HKO Limited (“Linde HKO”) and Linde GmbH (collectively referred to as (...)
129
Competition Commission signs MoU with Philippine Competition Commission to strengthen cooperation in the advancement of competition law and policy* The Competition Commission (Commission) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) today to (...)
319
Competition Commission welcomes judgment in IT cartel conduct case* The Competition Commission (Commission) welcomes the judgment handed down by the Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) today (3 November) in proceedings involving the exchange of competitively sensitive information in the IT (...)
242
Competition Commission accepts commitments from Hong Kong Seaport Alliance* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today announced the acceptance of commitments (“Commitments”) offered under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) by Modern Terminals Limited (“MTL”) and HPHT (...)
273
Competition Commission cautions participants in anti-epidemic subsidy programmes to comply with Competition Ordinance* The Competition Commission (Commission) has noticed recent media reports on businesses suspected of engaging in collusive practices when procuring and supplying goods and (...)
205
Competition Commission consults on proposed commitments from Hong Kong Seaport Alliance* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today commenced a consultation on proposed commitments offered under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) by the Hong Kong Seaport Alliance (...)
297
Competition Commission publishes Policy on Recommended Pecuniary Penalties for anti-competitive conduct* The Competition Commission (Commission) today published a policy on recommended pecuniary penalties (Policy) for anti-competitive conduct. The Policy outlines the general principles and (...)
266
Competition Commission accepts commitments offered by online travel agents* The Competition Commission (Commission) today announced the acceptance of voluntary commitments offered under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (Ordinance) by three major online travel agents (OTAs), namely (...)
228
Competition Commission reminds businesses participating in anti-epidemic subsidy programmes to adhere to the Competition Ordinance* The Competition Commission (Commission) is aware that the Government has recently introduced various subsidy programmes to assist businesses and individuals (...)
125
Competition Commission welcomes first judgment on pecuniary penalties in Hong Kong competition law regime* The Competition Commission (Commission) welcomes the judgment (Judgment) handed down by the Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) today (29 April) on pecuniary penalties against ten (...)
103
Competition Commission revises leniency programme for cartel conduct* The Competition Commission (Commission) today published a revised Leniency Policy for Undertakings Engaged in Cartel Conduct and a new Leniency Policy for Individuals Involved in Cartel Conduct to enhance the effectiveness (...)
351
Competition Commission issues statement on application of Competition Ordinance during COVID-19 outbreak* The Competition Commission (Commission) is aware of the challenges which the outbreak of COVID-19 poses to business operations and the supply of critical goods and services in Hong Kong. (...)
579
Competition Commission takes Textbook cartel case to Competition Tribunal* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) has today commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) against three companies, namely T.H. Lee Book Company Limited, Commercial Press (Hong Kong) Limited (...)
328
The Commission has published a Cooperation and Settlement Policy for Undertakings Engaged in Cartel Conduct (Cooperation Policy) as a supplement to its existing Leniency Policy for Undertakings Engaged in Cartel Conduct (Leniency Policy) and Enforcement Policy. Under the Cooperation Policy, (...)
359
Competition Commission Publishes Handy Guide to Competition Ordinance for Public Sector* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (11 May) published a handy “Guide to Competition Ordinance” (Guide) for the public sector to assist personnel from the government, public bodies and law (...)
229
Notice issued under section 10 of the Competition Ordinance of an application for a decision in relation to the Code of Banking Practice* On 11 December 2017, the Competition Commission (“Commission”) received an application for a decision (“Application”) under section 9 of the Competition (...)
159
Competition Commission takes market sharing and price fixing case to Competition Tribunal* The Competition Commission (Commission) has today commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) against ten construction and engineering companies, namely W. Hing Construction Company (...)
191
Competition Commission issues block exemption order for vessel sharing agreements in the liner shipping industry* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (8 August 2017) issued a block exemption order (BEO) under section 15 of the Competition Ordinance (Ordinance) for vessel sharing (...)
160
Competition Commission announces findings of its study into Hong Kong’s auto-fuel market* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (4 May) released a report outlining the findings of its study into the auto-fuel market in Hong Kong. The report identifies a number of issues which the (...)
81
Competition Commission calls upon two professional associations to rectify practices which raise competition concerns* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (28 November 2016) published an advisory bulletin calling upon two professional associations, namely, the Hong Kong Institute (...)
97
Competition Commission welcomes quick rectification by Hong Kong Newspaper Hawker Association on retail price of branded cigarettes* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (31 May) welcomes the quick action by the Hong Kong Newspaper Hawker Association (Association) to withdraw the (...)
99
Competition Commission announces results of its study into aspects of the residential building renovation and maintenance market* The Competition Commission (Commission) today (24 May) released a report outlining the results of its study into certain aspects of the residential building (...)
