A block exemption exempts a category of agreements from the section 34 prohibition on anti-competitive agreements, decisions and practices. The Minister for Trade and Industry may make such an order on CCS’ recommendation if a particular category of agreements contributes to improving production or distribution, or promoting technical or economic progress, without imposing undue restrictions, or possibly eliminating competition in respect of a substantial part of the goods or services in question.

There is currently one Block Exemption Order in force, namely the Block Exemption Order for Liner Shipping Agreements, which is valid until 31 December 2015. Click here for more information.