Competition Law at Finland
Competition Law in Finland
Finland’s competition law framework is closely aligned with the European Union competition rules since Finland is an EU member state. The primary national legislation governing competition is the Act on the Competition Restrictions (948/2011), which complements EU law. The enforcement authority is the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA).
Key Features of Competition Law in Finland:
Prohibition of Anti-Competitive Agreements
Agreements or concerted practices that restrict competition are prohibited. These include:
Price fixing
Market sharing
Output limitation
This mirrors Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and applies to both horizontal and vertical agreements.
Abuse of Dominant Position
Companies holding a dominant position are prohibited from abusing it through:
Predatory pricing
Unfair trading conditions
Discriminatory practices
This corresponds to Article 102 of the TFEU.
Merger Control
The FCCA reviews mergers and acquisitions that meet certain thresholds before they can be completed.
The objective is to prevent concentrations that significantly impede effective competition.
Enforcement and Sanctions
The FCCA has investigatory powers, including dawn raids and information requests.
Fines can be imposed up to 10% of the company’s worldwide turnover.
Decisions can be appealed in administrative courts.
Leniency Program
Finland offers leniency to cartel participants who voluntarily disclose their involvement to the FCCA, reducing or eliminating fines.
Cooperation with EU
The FCCA cooperates with the European Commission and other EU competition authorities, ensuring consistent enforcement across the EU.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Finland Competition Law Highlights |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Act on the Competition Restrictions (2011) |
| Enforcement Authority | Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) |
| Anti-Competitive Agreements | Prohibited (price fixing, market sharing, etc.) |
| Abuse of Dominance | Prohibited (predatory pricing, discrimination, etc.) |
| Merger Control | Mandatory notification and review for qualifying deals |
| Penalties | Fines up to 10% of worldwide turnover |
| EU Law Alignment | Fully harmonized with EU competition law |
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