Competition Law at Réunion (France)
Here’s an overview of Competition Law in Réunion (France):
Competition Law in Réunion: Overview
Réunion is an overseas department and region of France, so French law, including competition law, applies directly there.
Key Features of Competition Law in Réunion
Legal Framework:
Réunion is fully subject to French competition law, primarily governed by:
The French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), especially Book IV on competition.
European Union competition law rules, since Réunion is part of France and the EU.
Regulatory Authority:
The Autorité de la Concurrence (French Competition Authority) oversees competition law enforcement across France, including Réunion.
For EU-level issues, the European Commission has jurisdiction, but most local cases are handled by the Autorité de la Concurrence.
Scope of the Law:
French and EU competition law prohibit:
Cartels and anti-competitive agreements
Abuse of dominant position
Merger control for transactions exceeding thresholds
Unfair competition and deceptive commercial practices
Enforcement and Sanctions:
The Autorité de la Concurrence investigates violations, imposes fines, orders corrective measures, and may refer cases to French courts.
Sanctions can be substantial, including heavy fines.
Application in Réunion:
While the market in Réunion is smaller and more isolated than mainland France, the same competition rules apply. The Autorité may consider the specific economic context when assessing cases from Réunion.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Law | French Competition Law + EU Competition Law |
| Regulatory Body | Autorité de la Concurrence (French Competition Authority) |
| Main Prohibitions | Cartels, abuse of dominance, merger control |
| Enforcement | Investigations, fines, corrective orders |
Additional Notes
Businesses operating in Réunion must comply with the same rigorous competition rules as in mainland France.
The Autorité de la Concurrence issues decisions that are binding throughout France, including overseas regions like Réunion.
EU competition rules complement national rules, especially regarding cross-border matters.
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