Trade policies as a tool for preventing antitrust risks: pros and cons

Competition & Antitrust - Russia

Over the past few years, the legal obligation to develop a trade policy, as proposed by the Federal Antitrust Service (FAS), has triggered much discussion. Although this proposal was not included in the final edition of the fourth antitrust package (for further details please see "Government approves fourth antitrust package"), debate on whether the development of trade policies is necessary and practical is still in full swing.

Several dozen companies in various industries are now actively developing and implementing trade policies on their own initiative. These trade policies come in many different formats, with a range of titles and content.

However, the question remains as to whether companies really need a trade policy. What benefits does it provide and which problems can it solve? What provisions should such a policy contain? Are there any adverse consequences in having a trade policy? This update weighs the pros and cons.

Read full article