Competition Law at Mauritania
Here’s an overview of Competition Law in Mauritania:
Competition Law in Mauritania
1. Legal Framework:
Mauritania’s competition law framework is relatively recent and still developing.
The main reference is Law No. 2017-034 of December 26, 2017, on the Competition Regime.
This law establishes the legal foundation to regulate competition and prevent anti-competitive practices.
The law is enforced by the Competition Authority of Mauritania (Autorité de la Concurrence).
2. Objectives:
To promote and protect free and fair competition in the market.
To prevent monopolistic practices, cartels, and abuse of dominant position.
To protect consumer interests and encourage economic efficiency.
3. Key Provisions:
Anti-competitive Agreements:
Prohibition of agreements between enterprises that restrict competition, such as price-fixing, market sharing, and collusion.
Such agreements are declared null and void.
Abuse of Dominant Position:
Companies with significant market power cannot abuse this position.
Examples of abuse include predatory pricing, discriminatory practices, and refusal to deal.
Merger Control:
Certain mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures that exceed thresholds must be notified to and approved by the Competition Authority.
The Authority can block or impose conditions on transactions that would substantially lessen competition.
Unfair Competition:
The law prohibits unfair business practices such as misleading advertising, false information, or unfair commercial behavior.
4. Enforcement:
The Competition Authority investigates suspected violations, conducts inspections, and can impose fines and sanctions.
It issues decisions, which can be appealed in courts.
The Authority promotes competition advocacy and awareness among businesses and consumers.
5. Challenges and Development:
As a developing competition regime, enforcement capacity and awareness are still growing.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen institutional frameworks and align with international standards.
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