Anti-competitive sales activities by public entities

When municipal authorities, county councils or the central government are engaged in business operations in a competitive market, this may result in competition being restricted.

The rule for sales activities carried on by public entities in competition with private undertakings applies from 1 January 2010. This means that the Swedish Competition Authority has recourse to Stockholm City Court to order to request the prohibition of sales activities by public entities that are considered to distort or impede competition. 

Stockholm City Court will decide on whether to prohibit the activity or conduct. A prohibition may be imposed under penalty of fine for default.