Commission for Protection of Competition adopts guidelines on unfair trading practices

The Commission for Protection of Competition has adopted guidelines that regulate unfair trading practices in more detail.

The document specifies which practices are absolutely prohibited, including late payment by suppliers, unilateral changes to contracts, late cancellation of orders for perishable goods, and shifting business costs and risks to suppliers.

The guidelines also further elaborate on practices from the so-called “grey list,” which are permitted only under clearly prescribed conditions, such as charging storage fees, promotional activities, displaying products or being included in the sales assortment.

A separate part of the document refers to the prohibition of commercial retaliation against suppliers. Unfair practices will include, among others, reducing orders, removing products from the offer, or other forms of pressure on suppliers who exercise legal rights or refuse to accept unfair business conditions.

The aim of the instruction is to ensure uniform application of the Law on Protection against Unfair Trading Practices and contribute to more equal relations between large buyers and suppliers in the food supply chain.

Komisija za zaštitu konkurencije Srbije

Commission for Protection of Competition

Law on Protection against Unfair Trading Practices