United Kingdom: Trade Regulation & Practices

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has transformed consumer enforcement in its first year under new powers, moving with unprecedented speed to impose millions in fines and order substantial refunds across multiple sectors. From drip pricing in driving schools to hidden fees on ticket platforms and unfair parking charges, the CMA is demonstrating that consumer protection violations now carry serious financial consequences—with liability extending beyond consumer-facing subsidiaries to parent co

The European Commission has completed its first statutory review of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, three years after the regime entered into force. While declaring the FSR "fit for purpose," the Commission acknowledges that notification procedures impose disproportionate burdens on businesses and signals targeted procedural adjustments for 2027. The review examines enforcement activity across mergers, public procurement, and ex-officio investigations, revealing compliance challenges and stakeholder conce

The Competition and Markets Authority has dramatically increased its enforcement activity, imposing over £5.7M in fines in early 2026 and accelerating investigation timelines under new statutory duties. Businesses face heightened scrutiny across consumer protection practices, from advertising to commercial operations, requiring immediate attention to compliance frameworks and rapid-response capabilities.

Over in the business water retail market, in March this year Ofwat made refinements to the process for applying for a self-supply licence.

In a decision that could have implications for many different products, the Scotch Whisky Association has won an important battle geographical indicators before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The presumption that rebates granted by dominant companies in exchange for customers buying all or most of their requirements from the dominant company ...

The Conservatives' 2015 election manifesto committed to hold a referendum by 2017 on whether or not the UK should stay in or leave the European Union.

The first year of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) was a busy one for banks – and for supervisors.

In a case regarding Post Danmark's rebate structure, the European Court provided further guidance on the legality of rebates and discounts offered by dominant firms.