Policy rule ACM’s oversight on sustainability agreements

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has drawn up new rules on sustainability agreements between businesses.

ACM does not want competition rules to stand in the way of agreements that contribute towards a more sustainable society. This policy rule is in line with recently revised European rules, and replaces previous draft guidelines of ACM on sustainability agreements between businesses.

The policy rule follows the approach to sustainability agreements that the European Commission explains in its Guidelines regarding horizontal cooperation agreements. The policy rule also explains that ACM will not take enforcement action in two additional situations if all conditions are met. This provides businesses with more opportunities to collaborate.