United Kingdom: Trade Regulation & Practices

The Competition and Markets Authority has issued its first infringement decision under the UK's new consumer enforcement regime, fining the AA £4.2 million for misleading pricing practices and requiring substantial consumer refunds. This landmark case signals a fundamental shift in UK consumer protection enforcement, with businesses now facing significantly tougher penalties including fines up to 10% of turnover and mandatory consumer redress schemes.

On 28 March 2017, the FCA announced that Tesco plc and Tesco Stores Limited ("Tesco") had agreed to committing market abuse in relation to a trading update published on 29 August 2014.

On 11 September 2015, the European Commission released an updated version of its Explanatory Note on Inspections pursuant to Article 20(4) of Council Regulation N° 1/2003.