The Competition Authority has today authorised cooperation between competitors in the import and distribution of medicines, which is necessary to respond to the public emergency posed by COVID-19. This is an exemption from the prohibition on anti-competitive practices and company consultations. The exemption request was received at the end of yesterday.
The collaboration is subject, among other things, to the condition that the Medicines Agency deems it necessary on each occasion. Furthermore, it is stipulated that the Medicines Agency must be a participant, or be given the opportunity to be a participant, in all communications relating to the collaboration.
The Competition Authority has consulted with the Medicines Agency on the implementation of the decision, and a report was also sought from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer. It is subsequently the task of the Medicines Agency and the relevant companies and organisations to develop an effective procedure for implementing the cooperation permitted by this exemption.
The decision is available here.
The Competition Authority has previously granted the Tourism Association an exemption to respond to the problem caused by COVID-19, see. Decision no. 9/2020. The supervisory authority has in recent days authorised communications between companies in various sectors, with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted operations and adequate supplies.
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