Commerce Commission authorises a restriction on the sale of refrigerants to safety certified customers only
Media Release November 2011
The Commerce Commission has authorised a proposal for refrigerant wholesalers to enter into a voluntary agreement which contains an exclusionary provision.
The Refrigerant License Trust Board applied for an authorisation because it considered that the agreement would exclude the supply of refrigerants to those parties who were not properly trained and certified. It also considered that the agreement might lessen competition in the refrigerants market.
“The Commission agrees that the proposed agreement contains an exclusionary provision which might lessen competition in the refrigerants market. However, the exclusionary provision is likely to lead to increased compliance with safety regulations, so the public benefits outweigh any detriments. Therefore, the Commission was required to grant authorisation,” said Dr Mark Berry, Commerce Commission Chair.
You can view the final decision shortly on the Commission’s website at: www.comcom.govt.nz/anti-competitive-practices-authorisations-register
