The Spanish Competition authority (the "CNMC") has made available a special mailbox for complaints and queries related to the application of competition rules in the context of the health crisis created by COVID-19.
During these exceptional circumstances, this mailbox is intended to resolve current doubts and uncertainties raised about potential cooperation agreements between competing companies known as "crisis cartels".
The CNMC has announced that this kind of agreements might be allowed as long as they consist of temporary collaboration with the only aim of supplying essential goods or services and for the benefit of consumers. However, the CNMC has stressed the extreme importance of vigilance to prevent potential abuses or restrictive practices that could hinder the supply or raise the prices of those products especially needed, such as groceries or health care equipment.
In addition, ongoing proceedings have been temporarily suspended until further notice, except for those where suspension could seriously jeopardize the rights and legitimate interests of the parties concerned.
The CNMC will maintain its on-site registry closed, but the e-services portal remains fully operational for all communications.
