THE UK's competition regulator is considering aligning with its European Commission counterpart in letting the antitrust immunity for container shipping expire when the regulation concludes in April next year, reports New York's Journal of Commerce
THE UK's competition regulator is considering aligning with its European Commission counterpart in letting the antitrust immunity for container shipping expire when the regulation concludes in April next year, reports New York's Journal of Commerce. The final decision from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority is pending, awaiting feedback from the industry, which will be considered in a public consultation closing on December 15.
In a statement, the agency expressed its view that the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER) should expire on its scheduled date of April 25, 2024, without replacement.
This stance contrasts with the previous retention of the EU's block exemption regulations in UK law following the country's exit from the European Union.
The unexpected announcement by the European Commission last month, declaring the CBER 'no longer fit for purpose' and confirming its non-renewal next year, caught many in the container shipping industry off guard.
Merely a month later, the CMA has tentatively concluded that there is no longer any industry benefit in maintaining the exemption of carriers from UK competition law.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) welcomed the move, with BIFA director general Steve Parker calling it a 'sensible conclusion to the ongoing consultation.'
'We are pleased that the CMA has effectively reached the same conclusion as the European Commission,' said Mr Parker.
'There is no room for complacency,' Mr Parker said. 'Given the possibility that the shipping lines will make new submissions to the CMA, BIFA will be working with our members to provide further argument that supports the decision to let the CBER lapse.'
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