Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2010 (No. 24 of 2010)

1. Short title and commencement

2. Interpretation

3. Application PART II THE COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMISSION

4. Continuation and re-naming of Zambia Competition Commission

5. Functions of Commission

6. Executive Director and other staff

7. Inspectors PART III RESTRICTIVE BUSINESS AND ANTI-COMPETITIVE TRADE PRACTICES

8. Prohibition of anti-competitive practice, agreement or decision

9. Horizontal agreements prohibited per se

10. Vertical agreements prohibited per se

11. Severability

12. Other horizontal and vertical agreements

13. Inter-connected bodies corporate

14. Share or supply threshold for authorisation of restrictive agreements

15. Share of supply threshold for establishing existence of dominant position

16. Prohibition of abuse of dominant position

17. Determination of relevant product market

18. Application for exemption

19. Determination of application for exemption

20. Amendment of exemption Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer, P.O. Box 30136, 10101 Lusaka. Price K26,000 each 316 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection

21. Revocation of exemption

22. Exemption in respect of professional rules

23. Publicat ion of grant or revocation of exemption PART IV MERGERS

24. Definition of merger

25. Reviewable mergers

26. Threshold for authorisation of proposed merger

27. Other mergers subject to review

28. Negative clearance

29. Market assessment

30. Competition assessment

31. Public interest assessment

32. Period allowed for assessment

33. Undertakings on proposed merger

34. Determination of proposed merger

35. Revocation of merger

36. Compliance with other laws

37. Offences relating to mergers PART V MARKET INQUIRIES

38. Initiation of market inquiry

39. Purpose of market inquiry

40. Powers of investigation in connection with market inquiry

41. Action to be taken following market inquiry PART VI SECTOR REGULATED ACTIVITIES

42. Application of Act to sector regulated activities

43. Memorandum of understanding with sector regulators

44. Market inquiry into regulated sector Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 317 Protection PART VII CONSUMER PROTECTION

45. Definition of unfair trading practice

46. Prohibition of unfair trading practice

47. False or misleading representation

48. Display of disclaimers prohibited

49. Prohibition of supply of defective and unsuitable goods and services

50. Product labelling

51. Price display

52. Consumer product safety

53. Unfair contract term

54. Complaints on unfair contract term or trading practices, defective goods, misrepresentations, e.t.c. PART VIII INVESTIGATIONS AND DETERMINATION BY COMMISSION

55. Investigations by Commission

56. Decision not to investigate

57. Consent agreement and undertaking

58. Directions relating to restrictive agreements

59. Directions relating to distortion, prevention or restriction of competition

60. Appeals

61. Remedies in merger control

62. Interim measures

63. Review of directions and undertakings

64. Enforcement of directions and undertakings

65. Enforcement of competition law at request of foreign competition authority

66. Regulations relating to investigations 318 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection PART IX THE COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION TRIBUNAL

67. Establishment of Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal

68. Functions of Tribunal

69. Secretariat of Tribunal

70. Proceedings of Tribunal

71. Powers of Tribunal

72. False evidence

73. Determination of Tribunal in respect of mergers

74. Costs

75. Appeal to High Court

76. Expenses of Tribunal

77. Allowances of members and secretariat 78, Rules PART X GENERAL PROVISIONS

79. Leniency programme

80. Jurisdiction over acts committed outside Zambia

81. No execution on property of Commission

82. General penalty

83. Offences by body corporate or unincorporate body

84. Commission to issue guidelines

85. Dissemination of information

86. Fines

87. Regulations

88. Repeal of Act No. 18 of 1994 FIRST SCHEDULE SECOND SCHEDULE Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 319 Protection GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA ACT No. 24 of 2010 Date of Assent: 14th August, 2010 An Act to continue the existence of the Zambia Competition Commission and re-name it as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; safeguard and promote competition; protect consumers against unfair trade practices; provide for the establishment of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal; repeal and replace the Competition and Fair Trading Act, 1994; and provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing. [16th August, 2010 ENACTED by the Parliament of Zambia. Enactment PART I PRELIMINARY

1. This Act may be cited as the Competition and Consumer Short title Protection Act, 2010, and shall come into operation on such date as and commence- the Minister may, by statutory instrument, appoint. ment

2. (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— Interpreta- tion “ acquired ” means acquired by take over, purchase of shares or assets, or any other means through which an enterprise obtains, secures or gains a legal interest in another independent enterprise; “ agreement ” means any form of agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, between enterprises which is implemented or intended to be implemented in Zambia and includes an oral agreement or a decision by a trade association or an association of enterprises; “ assets ” in relation to an enterprise, includes physical assets, businesses, shares and other financial securities, brands and intangible assets including goodwill, intellectual property rights and knowhow; 320 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection “ bid rigging ” means a horizontal agreement between enterprises where— (a) one or more parties to the agreement agrees not to submit a bid in response to a call for bids; or (b) the parties to the agreement agree upon the price, terms or conditions of a bid to be submitted in response to a call for bids; “ Board ” means the Board of the Commission constituted under paragraph 1 of the First Schedule; “ Chairperson ” means the person appointed as Chairperson of the Board under paragraph 1 of the First Schedule; “ Commission ” means the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission referred to under section four; “ company ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Cap. 388 Companies Act; “ concerted practice ” means a practice which involves some form of communication or coordination between competitors falling short of an actual agreement but which replaces their independent action and restricts or lessens competition between them; “ confidential information ” means trade, business, commercial or industrial information that belongs to an enterprise, has a particular economic value and is not generally available to, or known by, others; “ consumer ” means— (a) for the purposes of Part III, any person who purchases or offers to purchase goods or services supplied by an enterprise in the course of business, and includes a business person who uses the product or service supplied as an input to its own business, a wholesaler, a retailer and a final consumer; and (b) for the purposes of the other Parts of this Act, other than Part III, any person who purchases or offers to purchase goods or services otherwise than for the purpose of re-sale, but does not include a person who purchases goods or services for the purpose of using the goods or services in the production and manufacture of any other goods for sale, or the provision of another service for remuneration; Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 321 Protection “ distribution ” means any act by which goods are sold or services supplied for consideration; “ dominant position ” means a situation where an enterprise or a group of enterprises possesses such economic strength in a market as to make it possible for it to operate in that market, and to adjust prices or output, without effective constraint from competitors or potential competitors; “ enterprise ” means a firm, partnership, joint- venture, corporation, company, association and other juridical persons, which engage in commercial activities, and includes their branches, subsidiaries, affiliates or other entities, directly or indirectly, controlled by them; “ essential facility ” means an infrastructure or resource that cannot reasonably be duplicated, without access to which competitors cannot reasonably provide goods or services to their customers; “ Executive Director ” means the person appointed as Executive Director under section six; “ former Commission ” means the Zambia Competition Commission established under the repealed Act; Cap. 417 “goods or products” includes services, buildings and other structures; “ group ” in relation to an enterprise that is a company, means that company, any other company that is its holding company or subsidiary and any other company that is a subsidiary of the holding company or a single economic entity; “ horizontal agreement ” means an agreement between enterprises each of which operates, for the purpose of the agreement, at the same level of the market and would normally be actual or potential competitors in that market; “ inter connected ” in relation to bodies corporate, has the meaning assigned to it under subsection (2); “ inspector ” means a person appointed as inspector under section seven; “ irreparable injury ” means injury which is substantial and can never be adequately remedied or atoned for by damages; 322 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection “ market ” in relation to any goods or services, includes a market for those goods or services and other goods or services that are substitutable for, or otherwise competitive with, the goods or services; “ merger ” has the meaning assigned to it in section twenty- four; “ micro business enterprise ” has the meaning assigned to in Act No. 11 the Zambia Development Agency Act, 2006; of 2006 “ negative clearance ” means the certification by the Commission that an otherwise anti-competitive conduct can be allowed under conditions specified by the Commission; “ per se ” in relation to a prohibited practice, means a practice which is prohibited in all circumstances so that it is not necessary for the Commission to demonstrate that it has anticompetitive effects; “ price ” means a charge of any description; “ professional association ” means the controlling body established by, or registered under, any law, or recognised by the Commission as fulfilling similar functions on behalf of its members, in respect of a profession; “ re-sale price maintenance ” means an agreement between a supplier and a dealer whose object or effect is, directly or indirectly, to fix a minimum selling price to be used by the dealer when re-selling goods to customers; “ regulator ” means a regulatory body or agency, or a Government department that exercises functions of prudential, technical or economic regulation on the basis of statutory powers; Cap. 417 “ repealed Act ” means the Competition and Fair Trading Act, 1994; “ sale ” includes an agreement to sell or offer for sale, the furnishing of a quotation, whether verbally or in writing, and any other act or notification by which willingness to enter into any transaction for sale is expressed; “ service ” includes the sale of goods, where the goods are sold in conjunction with the rendering of a service; “ services ” includes the carrying out and performance on a commercial basis of any engagement, whether professional Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 323 Protection or not, other than the supply of goods, but does not include the rendering of any services under a contract of employment; “ small claims court ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Small Claims Courts Act; Cap. 47 “ small business enterprise ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Zambia Development Agency Act, 2006; Act No. 11 of 2006 “ statutory monopoly ” means a commercial undertaking or an activity conducted by an entity, whether or not owned wholly or partly by the State, on the basis of statutory provisions that preclude other entities from conducting the same activity; “ subsidiary ” has the meaning assigned to it in the Companies Cap. 388 Act; “ supply ” includes, in relation to — (a) goods, the supply, including resupply, by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire or hirepurchase of the goods; and (b) services, the provision by way of sale, grant or conferment of the services; “ Tribunal ” means the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal established under section sixty-seven; “ turnover ” means the latest audited gross sales of an enterprise; “ undertaking ” means a commitment, promise or other future conduct that a person or enterprise provides to the Commission in order to address any concern raised by the Commission; “ vertical agreement ” means an agreement between enterprises each of which operates, for the purposes of the agreement, at a different level of the production or distribution chain and relates to the conditions under which the parties may purchase, sell or resell certain goods or services; “ Vice-Chairperson ” means the person appointed as Vice- Chairperson of the Board under paragraph 1 of the First Schedule; and “ Zambia Bureau of Standards ” means the Zambia Bureau of Standards established under the Standards Act. Cap. 416 324 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (2) Any two or more bodies corporate are to be treated as interconnected if one or more of them is a subsidiary or are subsidiaries of the other, or if all of them are subsidiaries of the same body corporate. Application 3. (1) Except as otherwise provided for in this Act, this Act applies to all economic activity within, or having an effect within, Zambia. (2) This Act binds the State insofar as the State or an enterprise owned, wholly or in part, by the State engages in trade or business for the production, supply, or distribution of goods or the provision of any service within a market that is open to participation by other enterprises. (3) This Act shall not apply to— (a) an agreement or conduct insofar as it relates to intellectual property rights including the protection, licensing or assignment of rights under, or existing by virtue of, a law relating to copyright, design rights, patents or trade marks; (b) activities of employers or an agreement to which employers are party, insofar as it relates to the remuneration, terms or conditions of employment of the employees; (c) activities of trade unions and other associations directed at advancing the terms and conditions of employment of their members; (d) concerted conduct designed to achieve a non-commercial socio-economic objective or similar purpose; and (e) the business of any enterprise exercising a statutory monopoly which precludes the entry of another enterprise into the relevant market in Zambia: Provided that— (i) the enterprise does not enter into an agreement that has the purpose of restricting competition; (ii) the conduct of the enterprise does not, in itself or in conjunction with another enterprise,amount to an abuse of a dominant position; or (iii) the enterprise, if it wishes to enter into a merger transaction, is in compliance with the provisions of this Act relating to mergers. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 325 Protection (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of subsection (3), the Commission may apply the provisions of this Act to an agreement or conduct, where it has reasonable grounds to believe that the agreement or conduct involves a practice that (a) is prohibited under subsection (1) of section nine or subsection (1) of section ten or (b) disproportionately restricts or prevents competition. PART II THE COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMISSION

4. (1) The Zambia Competition Commission established Continuation and re- under the repealed Act shall continue to exist as if established under naming of this Act and is for purposes of this Act hereby re-named the Zambia Competition Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Commission Cap.417 (2) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name and with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to do all such acts and things as a body corporate may, by law, do or perform. (3) The provisions of the First Schedule apply to the Commission.

5. The functions of the Commission are to— Functions of Commission (a) review the operation of markets in Zambia and the conditions of competition in those markets; (b) review the trading practices pursued by enterprises doing business in Zambia; (c) investigate and assess restrictive agreements, abuse of dominant positions and mergers; (d) investigate unfair trading practices and unfair contract terms and impose such sanctions as may be necessary; (e) undertake and publish general studies on the effectiveness of competition in individual sectors of the economy in Zambia and on matters of concern to consumers; (f) act as a primary advocate for competition and effective consumer protection in Zambia; (g) advise Government on laws affecting competition and consumer protection; (h) provide information for the guidance of consumers regarding their rights under this Act; 326 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (i) liaise and exchange information, knowledge and expertise with competition and consumer protection authorities in other countries; (j) advise the Minister on agreements relevant to competition and consumer protection and on any other matter relating to competition and consumer protection; (k) co operate with and assist any association or body of persons to develop and promote the observance of standards of conduct for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Act; and (l) do all such acts and things as are necessary, incidental or conducive to the better carrying out of its functions under this Act. Executive 6. (1) The Board shall appoint an Executive Director on such Director and terms and conditions as the Board may determine. other staff (2) The Executive Director shall be the chief executive officer of the Commission and shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for the daytoday administration of the Commission. (3) The Executive Director shall be an ex-officio member of the Board. (4) The Board may appoint, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, such other staff as it considers necessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions under this Act. Inspectors 7. (1) The Board may appoint any suitable person to be an inspector for the purposes of ensuring compliance with this Act, on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine. (2) The Board shall provide an inspector with a certificate of appointment in the prescribed form which shall be prima facie evidence of the inspector’s appointment as such. (3) An inspector shall, in performing any function under this Act— (a) be in possession of the certificate of appointment referred to under subsection (2); and (b) show the certificate of appointment to any person who requests to see it or is subject to an investigation under this Act. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 327 Protection (4) An inspector may, with a warrant, at any reasonable time — (a) enter and search any premises occupied by an enterprise or any other premises, including a private dwelling, where information or documents which may be relevant to an investigation may be kept; (b) search any person on the premises if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person has personal possession of any document or article that has a bearing on the investigation: Provided that a person shall only be searched by a person of the same sex; (c) examine any document or article found on the premises that has a bearing on the investigation; (d) require information to be given about any document or article by — (i) the owner of the premises; (ii) the person in control of the premises; (iii) any person who has control of the document or article; or (iv) any other person who may have the information; (e) take extracts from, or make copies of, any book or document found on the premises that has a bearing on the investigation; (f) use any computer system on the premises, or require assistance of any person on the premises to use that computer system, to— (i) search any data contained in, or available to the computer system; (ii) reproduce any record from the data; or (iii) seize any output from the computer for examination and copying; and (g) attach and, if necessary, remove from the premises for examination and safeguarding any document or article that appears to have a bearing on the investigation. (5) An inspector who removes any document or article from any premises under paragraph (g) of subsection (4) shall— (a) issue a receipt for the document or article to the owner of, or person in control of, the premises; and (b) return the document or article as soon as practicable after achieving the purpose for which it was removed. 328 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (6) A person who— (a) delays or obstructs an inspector in the performance of the inspector’s functions; (b) refuses to give an inspector such reasonable assistance as the inspector may require for the purpose of exercising the inspector’s powers; or (c) gives an inspector false or misleading information in answer to an inquiry made by the inspector; commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both. (7) An inspector shall furnish the Commission with a written report and any other information relating to an inspection, as the Commission may require. (8) Nothing in this section requires a person to disclose or produce information or a document, if the person would in an action in a court be entitled to refuse to disclose or produce the information or document. PART III RESTRICTIVE BUSINESS AND ANTI-COMPETITIVE TRADE PRACTICES Prohibition 8. Any category of agreement, decision or concerted practice of anti- which has as its object or effect, the prevention, restriction or competitive practice, distortion of competition to an appreciable extent in Zambia is agreement or anti-competitive and prohibited. decision Horizontal 9. (1) A horizontal agreement between enterprises is agreements prohibited per se, and void, if the agreement— prohibited per se (a) fixes, directly or indirectly, a purchase or selling price or any other trading conditions; (b) divides markets by allocating customers, suppliers or territories specific types of goods or services; (c) involves bid rigging, unless the person requesting the bid is informed of the terms of the agreement prior to the making of the bid; (d) sets production quotas; or (e) provides for collective refusal to deal in, or supply, goods or services. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 329 Protection (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or to both. (3) An enterprise that contravenes subsection (1) is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of its annual turnover.

10. (1) A vertical agreement between enterprises is prohibited Vertical per se, and void, to the extent that it involves re-sale price agreements prohibited maintenance. per se (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a supplier or producer may recommend a minimum re-sale price to the re-seller of a good or a service if— (a) the supplier or producer makes it clear to the re-seller that the recommendation is not binding; and (b) the product has a price stated on it and the words “recommended price” appear next to the stated price. (3) An enterprise that contravenes subsection (1) is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of its annual turnover.

11. If an agreement prohibited under section nine or ten Severability contains any provisions that are not prohibited, the provisions shall continue to have effect to the extent that they can be effected without the prohibited provisions.

12. Subject to sections eight, nine and ten, an agreement Other horizontal between enterprises is prohibited if the Commission determines and vertical that— agreements (a) the agreement has the effect of preventing, distorting or restricting competition or substantially lessening competition in a market for any goods or services in Zambia; and (b) the agreement is not exempted under this Part.

13. Sections eight, nine, ten and twelve do not apply to an Intercon- agreement to which all the parties involved are interconnected nected bodies bodies corporate falling under a single economic unit. corporate 330 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Share of 14. (1) Where the parties to— supply threshold for (a) a horizontal agreement, together supply or acquire thirty authorisation percent or more of goods or services of any description of restrictive agreements in a relevant market in Zambia; or (b) a vertical agreement, individually supply or acquire, at either one of the two levels of the market that are linked by the agreement, fifteen percent or more of goods or services of any description in a relevant market in Zambia; the parties shall apply to the Commission for authorisation of the agreement in the prescribed manner and form. (2) The Commission shall, upon receipt of an application under subsection (1), carry out an investigation to determine whether the agreement is prohibited under this Act. (3) The Commission may, upon the conclusion of an investigation under subsection (2), approve or reject the application. (4) The Commission shall where it rejects an application under subsection (3), inform the applicant accordingly and give the reasons therefor. Share of 15. A dominant position exists in relation to the supply of goods supply or services in Zambia, if— threshold for establishing (a) thirty percent or more of those goods or services are existence of dominant supplied or acquired by one enterprise; or position (b) sixty percent or more of those goods or services are supplied or acquired by not more than three enterprises. Prohibition 16. (1) An enterprise shall refrain from any act or conduct if, of abuse of through abuse or acquisition of a dominant position of market power, dominant position the act or conduct limits access to markets or otherwise unduly restrains competition, or has or is likely to have adverse effect on trade or the economy in general. (2) For purposes of this Part, “ abuse of a dominant position ” includes— (a) imposing, directly or indirectly, unfair purchase or selling prices or other unfair trading conditions; (b) limiting or restricting production, market outlets or market access, investment, technical development or technological progress in a manner that affects competition; Competition and Consumer [ No. 24 of 2010 331 Protection (c) applying dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties; (d) making the conclusion of contracts subject to acceptance by other parties of supplementary conditions which by their nature or according to commercial usage have no connection with the subject matter of the contracts; (e) denying any person access to an essential facility; (f) charging an excessive price to the detriment of consumers; or (g) selling goods below their marginal or variable cost. (3) An enterprise that contravenes this section is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of its annual turnover.

17. The Minister may, on the advice of the Commission, Determina- tion of prescribe the procedure for determining the relevant product market relevant within which the share of supply or acquisition thresholds are to be product market met under subsection (1) of sections fourteen and fifteen.

18. (1) Subject to subsection (2), an enterprise that wishes to Application for be exempted from a prohibition under section twelve may apply to exemption the Commission for exemption in the prescribed manner and form upon payment of the prescribed fee. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an agreement that is prohibited per se under this Act.

19. (1) The Commission may, after receipt of an application Determination of under section eighteen— application for (a) grant the exemption; or exemption (b) refuse to grant the exemption. (2) The Commission shall grant an exemption to an agreement that contributes to, or is likely to contribute to, or result in— (a) maintaining or promoting exports from Zambia; (b) promoting or maintaining the efficient production, distribution or provision of goods and services; (c) promoting technical or economic progress in the production, distribution or provision of goods and services; 332 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (d) maintaining lower prices, higher quality or greater choice of goods and services for consumers; (e) promoting the competitiveness of micro and small business enterprises in Zambia; or (f) obtaining a benefit for the public which outweighs or would outweigh the lessening in competition that would result, or is likely to result, from the agreement. (3) The Commission may grant an exemption under subsection (2), subject to such conditions and for such period as it considers appropriate. (4) The Commission shall, where it refuses to grant an exemption under subsection (1), inform the applicant accordingly and give the reasons therefor. Amendment 20. The Commission may amend an exemption granted under of exemption section nineteen, if— (a) some other enterprise has succeeded to the interest in the enterprise exempted, by substituting the name of the enterprise with the name of the successor; (b) the name of the enterprise has changed, by substituting the name so changed; or (c) there has been a change in market circumstances since the exemption was granted. Revocation 21. (1) The Commission may revoke an exemption, if— of exemption (a) the exemption was granted on materially incorrect or misleading information; (b) there has been a material change of circumstances since the exemption was granted; or (c) the enterprise exempted fails to comply with any condition upon which the exemption was granted. (2) The Commission shall, where it proposes to revoke an exemption under subsection (1), give notice, in writing, of the proposed action to the enterprise to which the exemption was granted and request the enterprise to submit to the Commission, within seven days of the receipt of the notice, any representation which the enterprise may wish to make on the proposed action. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), an enterprise that does not comply with a condition of an exemption is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of its annual turnover. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 333 Protection

22. (1) A professional association whose rules contain a Exemption restriction that has the effect of lessening competition in a market in respect of professional may apply to the Commission for an exemption of a prohibition rules under section twelve in the prescribed manner and form upon payment of the prescribed fee. (2) Upon receipt of an application under subsection (1), the Commission shall— (a) publish in a daily newspaper of general circulation in Zambia, a notice of the application; and (b) give interested parties, fourteen days from the date of that notice, to make representations concerning the application. (3) After considering an application and any representations received in relation to the application, the Commission may— (a) grant an exemption; or (b) refuse to grant an exemption. (4) The Commission shall publish a notice of its decision under subsection (3), in such manner and form as it considers appropriate. (5) The Commission may exempt all, or part, of the rules of a professional association from the provisions of section twelve if, having regard to internationally applied norms, any restriction contained in those rules that has the effect of preventing or substantially lessening competition in a market is reasonably required to maintain— (a) professional standards; or (b) the ordinary function of the professional association. (6) The Commission shall, where it refuses to grant an exemption under subsection (3), inform the applicant accordingly and give the reasons therefor. (7) The Commission may, where it considers that any rules of a professional association, either wholly or in part, should no longer be exempt under this section, revoke the exemption in respect of such rules or the relevant part of the rules, at any time after it has— (a) given the professional association notice of the proposed revocation; and (b) given interested parties fourteen days, from the date of that notice, to make representations concerning the revocation. 334 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (8) The exemption of a rule of a professional association or the revocation of an exemption therefor, shall take effect from such date as may be specified by the Commission. Publication 23. The Commission shall, as soon as is practicable, publish in of grant or revocation of a daily newspaper of general circulation in Zambia, a notice of exemption every exemption granted, and of every exemption revoked. PART IV MERGERS Definition of 24. (1) For purposes of this Part, a merger occurs where an merger enterprise, directly or indirectly, acquires or establishes, direct or indirect, control over the whole or part of the business of another enterprise, or when two or more enterprises mutually agree to adopt arrangements for common ownership or control over the whole or part of their respective businesses. (2) A merger contemplated in subsection (1) may be achieved in the following circumstances: (a) where an enterprise purchases shares or leases assets in, or acquires an interest in, any shares or assets belonging to another enterprise; (b) where an enterprise amalgamates or combines with another enterprise; or (c) where a joint venture occurs between two or more independent enterprises. (3) For purposes of subsection (1), a person controls an enterprise if that person— (a) beneficially owns more than one half of the issued share capital of the enterprise; (b) is entitled to vote a majority of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting of the enterprise, or has the ability to control the voting of a majority of those votes, either directly or through a controlled entity of that enterprise; (c) is able to appoint or to veto the appointment of a majority of the directors of the enterprise; (d) is a holding company and the enterprise is a subsidiary of that company; (e) in the case of an enterprise which is a trust, has the ability to control the majority of the votes of the trustees, to appoint the majority of the trustees or to appoint or change the majority of the beneficiaries of the trust; Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 335 Protection (f) has the ability to materially influence the policy of the enterprise in a manner comparable to a person who, in ordinary commercial practice, can exercise the element of control referred to in paragraphs (a) to (e); or (g) has the ability to veto strategic decisions of the enterprise such as the appointment of directors, and other strategic decisions which may affect the operations of the enterprise.

25. (1) A merger is subject to the provisions of this Part if it is Reviewable reviewable by the Commission. mergers (2) The Commission shall review a merger if— (a) the merger is subject to prior authorisation in accordance with section twenty-six; or (b) the Commission elects to review the merger in accordance with section twenty-seven.

26. (1) Parties to a merger transactionthat meets the Threshold prescribed threshold under subsection (5) shall apply to the for authorisation Commission for authorisation of the proposed merger in the of proposed prescribed manner and form. merger (2) The Commission may, upon receipt of an application under subsection (1), approve or reject the application. (3) The Commission shall, where it rejects an application under subsection (2), inform the applicant accordingly and give the reasons therefor. (4) A merger that meets the prescribed threshold under subsection (5) and is implemented without the Commission’s authorisation is void. (5) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, on the recommendation of the Commission, prescribe the threshold to be applied for the purposes of subsection (1).

27. (1) Notwithstanding section twenty-six, the Commission Other may, where it has reasonable grounds to believe that a merger falls mergers subject to below the prescribed threshold, review the merger if— review (a) the merger is likely to create a position of dominance in a localised product or geographical market; (b) the merger is likely to contribute to the creation of a dominant position through a series of acquisitions which are not individually subject to prior notification; 336 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (c) the merger may substantially prevent or lessen competition; (d) the merger is concluded outside Zambia and has consequences in Zambia that require further consideration; or (e) as a result of the merger, there is, or is likely to be, competition and public interest factors which require to be considered. (2) The Commission may, where it determines that a merger is reviewable by the Commission under subsection (1), request any party to the merger to submit to it any information on the transaction for its verification. (3) The Commission may, within seven days of receiving and verifying the information under subsection (2), request the parties to the merger to apply to the Commission for authorisation of the merger in accordance with section twenty-six. Negative 28. (1) Any party to a merger transaction seeking clarification clearance as to whether the proposed merger requires the authorisation of the Commission under section twenty-six or is subject to review by the Commission under section twenty-seven, may apply to the Commission for negative clearance in the prescribed manner and form upon payment of the prescribed fee. (2) Negative clearance, if given, does not commit the Commission if new information becomes available showing that such clearance is not appropriate. Market 29. The Commission shall, upon receipt of a proposed merger assessment notification, carry out a market assessment of the proposed merger to determine the likely effects of the proposed merger in the relevant market, on trade and the economy in general. Competition 30. (1) The Commission shall, in considering a proposed assessment merger, assess whether the merger is likely to prevent or substantially lessen competition in a market in Zambia. (2) Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (1), the Commission shall in considering a proposed merger, take into account the likely and actual factors that affect competition in a defined market, including (a) the levels of concentration of players in the relevant market; (b) the creation or strengthening of barriers to market entry; (c) the level of imports in the relevant market; (d) the extent to which there is countervailing buyer or supplier power in the relevant market; Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 337 Protection (e) the availability of substitute products in the relevant market; (f) the likelihood of the merger removing from the market an existing effective and vigorous competitor; (g) the dynamic characteristics of the market including growth, innovation, pricing and other inherent market characteristics; and (h) the risk that a position of dominance may be abused.

31. The Commission may, in considering a proposed merger, Public interest take into account any factor which bears upon the public interest in assessment the proposed merger, including— (a) the extent to which the proposed merger is likely to result in a benefit to the public which would outweigh any detriment attributable to a substantial lessening of competition; (b) the extent to which the proposed merger would, or is likely to, promote technical or economic progress and the transfer of skills, or otherwise improve the production or distribution of goods or the provision of services in Zambia; (c) the saving of a failing firm; (d) the extent to which the proposed merger shall maintain or promote exports from Zambia or employment in Zambia; (e) the extent to which the proposed merger may enhance the competitiveness, or advance or protect the interests, of micro and small business enterprises in Zambia; (f) the extent to which the proposed merger may affect the ability of national industries to compete in international markets; (g) socioeconomic factors as may be appropriate; and (h) any other factor that bears upon the public interest.

32. (1) The Commission shall complete its assessment of a Period proposed merger and issue its determination within a period of ninety allowed for assessment days from the date of the application for authorisation of the proposed merger, unless a party to the proposed merger fails to provide the Commission, during the period of assessment, information that is required for the completion of the assessment. (2) Where the Commission does not issue its determination regarding a proposed merger, within the period specified in subsection (1), the proposed merger shall be deemed to be approved. 338 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (3) The Commission may extend the assessment period referred to in subsection (1), by a period not exceeding thirty days. (4) The Commission shall, where it extends the assessment period under subsection (3), give notice to the parties at least fourteen days before the expiry of the ninety days. Undertakings 33. The Commission may consider any undertakings offered on proposed merger by a party to a proposed merger, in order to address any concern relating to the proposed merger that has arisen, or may be expected to arise, during the assessment of the proposed merger. Determination 34. (1) The Commission may, after the completion of an of proposed merger assessment and consideration of any representations on a proposed merger— (a) approve the proposed merger without any conditions; (b) approve the proposed merger with conditions or undertakings given by the parties to address competition and other concerns that may have arisen during the assessment of the proposed merger; or (c) reject the proposed merger. (2) The Commission shall, where it rejects a proposed merger, inform the parties accordingly and give the reasons therefor. Revocation of 35. (1) The Commission may, at any time, revoke an approved merger merger if— (a) a party to the merger submitted materially incorrect or misleading information in support of the merger; or (b) a party to the merger fails to comply with any condition of an approval of the merger. (2) The Commission shall, where it proposes to revoke an approved merger under subsection (1), give notice, in writing, of the proposed action to every party to the merger, and to any other person who is likely to have an interest in the matter, and call upon such party or person to submit to the Commission, within thirty days of the receipt of the notice, any representations which they may wish to make on the proposed revocation. Compliance 36. An approval of a merger by the Commission under this with other laws Part shall not relieve an enterprise from complying with any other applicable laws. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 339 Protection

37. An enterprise which intentionally or negligently— Offences relating to (a) implements a merger that is reviewable by the mergers Commissionwithout the approval of the Commission; (b) implements a merger that is rejected by the Commission; or (c) fails to comply with conditions stated in a determination or with undertakings given as a condition of a merger approval; commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding ten percent of its annual turnover. PART V MARKET INQUIRIES

38. The Commission may initiate a market inquiry where it Initiation of has reasonable grounds to suspect that a restriction or distortion of market inquiry competition is occurring— (a) within a particular sector of the economy; or (b) within a particular type of agreement occurring across various sectors.

39. The purpose of a market inquiry is to determine— Purpose of market (a) whether any feature, or combination of features, of each inquiry relevant sector and each type of agreement has the effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition in connection with the supply or acquisition of any goods or services in Zambia; and (b) whether any of the circumstances referred to in subsection (2) of section nineteen, apply to the sector or type of agreement on the same basis as they would have applied to any matter arising under section sixteen.

40. For the purposes of a market inquiry under this Part, the Powers of investigation Commission may invite interested parties to submit information to in connection it and may exercise, in relation to any enterprise that it considers to with market inquiry be involved in the matters covered by the inquiry, its powers of investigation under this Act.

41. (1) The Commission shall, at the conclusion of a market Action to be taken inquiry, publish its findings in a daily newspaper of general circulation following in Zambia. market inquiry 340 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (2) The Commission shall, where it finds as a result of an inquiry that the adverse effects for competition specified in paragraph (a) of section thirty-nine exist in relation to a sector or a type of agreement and that paragraph (b) of section thirty-nine does not apply, or applies to a limited extent — (a) insofar as particular practices identified by the inquiry are capable of being addressed as matters falling within section eight subsection (1) of section nine, subsection (1) of section ten or subsection (1) of section sixteen, deal with them in accordance with the provisions of this Act relating to such matters; or (b) insofar as the adverse effects for competition cannot be remedied under this Act, or are the result of other applicable laws, make recommendations to the Minister for such further action, including amendments to applicable laws as is required to provide an effective remedy. PART VI SECTOR REGULATED ACTIVITIES Application 42. Subject to section three, the economic activities of an of Act to sector enterprise in a sector where a regulator exercises statutory powers regulated is subject to the requirements of Part III. activities Memoran- 43. The Commission shall, for the purpose of coordinating and dum of harmonising matters relating to competition in other sectors of the understand- ing with economy, enter into a memorandum of understanding with any sector regulator in that sector, in the prescribed manner and form. regulators Market 44. The Commission may, where it determines that a regulated inquiry into sector is unduly restrictive of competition, conduct a market inquiry regulated sector into the sector, in accordance with Part V. PART VII CONSUMER PROTECTION Definition of 45. A trading practice is unfair if— unfair (a) it misleads consumers; trading practice (b) it compromises the standard of honesty and good faith which an enterprise can reasonably be expected to meet; or (c) it places pressure on consumers by use of harassment or coercion; and thereby distorts, or is likely to distort, the purchasing decisions of consumers. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 341 Protection

46. (1) A person or an enterprise shall not practice any Prohibition of unfair unfair trading. trading (2) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes practice subsection (1) is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover or one hundred and fifty thousand penalty units, whichever is higher.

47. A person who, or an enterprise which— False or misleading (a) falsely represents that— representa- tions (i) any goods are of a particular standard, quality, value, grade, composition, style or model or have a particular history or previous use; (ii) any services are of a particular standard, quality, value or grade; (iii) any goods are new; (iv) a particular person has agreed to acquire goods or services; or (v) any goods or services have sponsorship, approval, affiliation, performance characteristics, accessories, uses or benefits that they do not have; or (b) makes a false or misleading representation concerning— (i) the price of any goods or services; (ii) the availability of facilities for the repair of any goods or of spare parts for goods; (iii) the place of origin of any goods; (iv) the need for any goods or services; or (v) the existence, exclusion or effect of any condition, warranty, guarantee, right or remedy; is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover or one hundred and fifty thousand penalty units, whichever is higher.

48. (1) An owner or occupier of a shop or other trading Display of premises shall not cause to be displayed any sign or notice that disclaimer prohibited purports to disclaim any liability or deny any right that a consumer has under this Act or any other written law. (2) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (1) is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover. 342 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Prohibition 49. (1) A person or an enterprise shall not supply a consumer of supply of defective and with goods that are defective, not fit for the purpose for which they unsuitable are normally used or for the purpose that the consumer indicated goods and services to the person or the enterprise. (2) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction— (a) to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty units; and (b) to pay the Commission, in addition to the penalty stipulated under paragraph (a), a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover. (3) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (1), shall (a) within seven days of the supply of the goods concerned, refund the consumer the price paid for the goods; or (b) if practicable and if the consumer so chooses, replace the goods with goods which are free from defect and are fit for the purpose for which they are normally used or the purpose that the consumer indicated to the person or the enterprise. (4) The Commission may, in addition to the penalty stipulated under subsections (2) and (3)— (a) recall the product from the market; or (b) order the person or enterprise concerned, to pay a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover or three hundred thousand penalty units, whichever is higher, where the recalled product re- appears on the market. (5) A person or an enterprise shall supply a service to a consumer with reasonable care and skill or within a reasonable time or, if a specific time was agreed, within a reasonable period around the agreed time. (6) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (5) is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover. (7) In addition to the penalty stipulated under subsection (6), the person or the enterprise shall— Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 343 Protection (a) within seven days of the provision of the service concerned, refund to the consumer the price paid for the service; or (b) if practicable and if the consumer so chooses, perform the service again to a reasonable standard.

50. (1) A product that is sold in Zambia shall have a label to Product labelling clearly indicate the product name, the ingredients used in the product, the date of manufacture and expiry of the product, the manufacturer’s name, the physical location of the manufacturer, the telephone number and any other contact details of the manufacturer. (2) A person or an enterprise shall not sell any goods to consumers unless the goods conform to the mandatory consumer product information standard for the class of goods set by the Zambia Bureau of Standards or other relevant competent body. (3) A person who, or an enterprise which, sells, exposes for sale, imports, displays or deals with a product in any manner contrary to subsection (1) or (2), commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or to both. (4) The Commission may, in addition to the penalty stipulated under subsection (3)— (a) recall the product from the market; or (b) order the person or enterprise to pay a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover or three hundred thousand penalty units, whichever is higher, where the recalled product re- appears on the market. (5) A person who, or an enterprise which, fails to comply with an order under subsection (4), commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both.

51. (1) A person or an enterprise shall not charge a consumer Price display more than the price indicated or displayed on a product or service. (2) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (1) is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover. 344 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Consumer 52. (1) A person or an enterprise shall not sell any goods to product consumers unless the goods conform to the mandatory safety safety standard for the class of goods set by the Zambia Bureau of Standards or other relevant competent body. (2) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction— (a) to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or to both; and (b) to pay the Commission, in addition to the penalty stipulated under paragraph (a), a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or enterprise’s annual turnover. (3) A person or an enterprise shall, in addition to the penalty stipulated under subsection (2), be liable for any loss or damage, including any indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising as a result of— (a) the lack of conformity of the goods with the relevant standard; or (b) the defect or dangerous characteristic on account of which the goods have been declared unsafe. (4) The Commission may, where it has reasonable grounds to believe that a person or an enterprise is selling goods which are unsafe, after consulting the Zambia Bureau of Standards and such other relevant competent body as it considers appropriate, apply to the Tribunal for an order that— (a) goods of a certain description are unsafe and that the sale of such goods to any consumer is prohibited; or (b) goods of a certain description already sold to consumers are unsafe and should be recalled from the market by the supplier, who shall meet any expenses of the recall as well as paying compensation to the consumer from whom the goods are recalled. Unfair 53. (1) In a contract between an enterprise and a consumer, contract term the contract or a term of the contract shall be regarded as unfair if it causes a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations arising under the contract, to the detriment of the consumer. (2) An unfair contract or an unfair term of a contract between a consumer and an enterprise shall not be binding. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 345 Protection (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a contract shall bind the parties if it is capable of being enforced without the unfair term.

54. Any person who alleges that a person or an enterprise— Complaints on unfair (a) is practising any unfair trading; contract term or (b) has made a false or misleading representation in respect trading of any goods, services or facilities; practices, defective (c) has displayed a disclaimer at any trading premises con- goods, trary to the provisions of this Act; misrepresenta- tions, e.t.c. (d) has supplied defective or unsuitable goods or provided unsuitable services to that person; (e) is selling goods that do not conform with the mandatory safety standards for the class of goods; (f) has concluded or is enforcing an unfair contract or term of contract to the detriment of that person; or (g) has contravened any other provision of this Act relating to consumer protection or has failed to comply with a requirement under this Act, to the detriment of that per- son; may lodge a complaint with the Commission in the prescribed manner and form. PART VIII INVESTIGATIONS AND DETERMINATION BY COMMISSION

55. (1) Subject to subsection (4), the Commission may, at its Investiga- tions by own initiative or on a complaint made by any person, undertake an Commission investigation if it has reasonable grounds to believe that there is, or is likely to be, a contravention of any provision of this Act. (2) The Commission may, where it undertakes an investiga- tion pursuant to subsection (1), carry out public consultations on the subject of the investigation in such manner as it considers appropriate. (3) The Commission shall, upon opening an investigation, as soon as practicable, give written notice of the investigation to the person who is the subject of the investigation or to an enterprise which is suspected to be a party to the matter to be investigated and shall indicate in the notice, the subject matter and the purpose of the investigation. 346 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (4) For the purpose of an investigation under this section, the Commission may, by notice in writing served on any person, require that person to— (a) furnish to the Commission, in a statement signed by that person or, in the case of a body corporate, by a director or member or other competent officer, employee or agent of the body corporate, within the time and in the manner specified in the notice, any information pertaining to any matter specified in the notice which the Commission considers relevant to the investigation; (b) produce to the Commission, or to a person specified in the notice, any document or article, as specified in the notice, which relates to any matter which the Commission considers relevant to theinvestigation; or (c) appear before the Commission, or before a person specified in the notice, at a time and place specified in the notice, to give evidence or to produce any document or article specified in the notice. (5) A person who, or an enterprise which, contravenes subsection (4) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both. (6) The Commission may, where it has reasonable grounds to believe that the giving of a written notice under subsections (3) and (4) may materially prejudice its investigation, defer the giving of such notice until after the investigation is concluded. (7) Notwithstanding subsection (6), the Commission may receive from any person any statement, document, information or article that may assist with its investigation. (8) The Commission may, upon giving notice under subsections (3) and (4), invite comments from any party with an interest in the matter under investigation. (9) Nothing in this section compels a person to supply any document or information which the person would be entitled to refuse to produce or give in civil proceedings before any court. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 347 Protection (10) The Commission shall, at the conclusion of an investigation under this section, publish a report of the inquiry and its conclusions in such manner and form as it considers appropriate. (11) The Commission shall not investigate a matter that is before the Tribunal unless the Tribunal directs otherwise.

56. (1) The Commission shall, where it receives a request Decision not from any person to investigate a matter and determines that a request to investigate is frivolous or vexatious, dismiss the request and inform, in writing, that person of its decision and the reasons therefor. (2) The Commission may refer a request received from a person or an enterprise to another regulatory authority and shall inform the person or the enterprise of the reasons for its decision.

57. (1) The Commission may, at any time, during or after an Consent agreement investigation under this Part, enter into a consent agreement with and under- an enterprise under investigation or request the enterprise to give taking an undertaking in the prescribed manner and form. (2) The Commission shall, upon entering into a consent agreement with an enterprise, or receiving an undertaking from an enterprise under subsection (1), submit the consent agreement or undertaking, as the case may be, to the Tribunal for confirmation. (3) The Tribunal may, upon receipt of the consent agreement or undertaking under subsection (2)— (a) give or withhold its confirmation; or (b) return the matter to the Commission with an indication of any changes that need to be made to the consent agreement or undertaking before the Tribunal confirms it. (4) An undertaking confirmed by the Tribunal shall— (a) be published by the Commission in the form of a decision of the Commission; and (b) have effect as if it were a direction of the Commission under section fifty-nine. (5) A person who, or an enterprise which, fails to comply with any conditions stated in a consent agreement or with any undertaking given by the person or the enterprise is liable to pay the Commission a fine not exceeding ten percent of that person’s or an enterprise’s annual turnover. 348 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Directions 58. (1) The Commission may, where a restrictive agreement relating to falls within the scope of sections eight, nine, ten and twelve, give restrictive agreements an enterprise such directions, in writing, as the Commission considers appropriate to ensure that the enterprise ceases to be a party to the restrictive agreement. (2) A direction under subsection (1) may, in particular, require an enterprise to terminate or modify the restrictive agreement concerned within such period as may be specified by the Commission. (3) The Commission may, in relation to a restrictive agreement referred to under subsection (1), in addition to, or instead of, giving a direction, make an order imposing a financial penalty on the enterprise not exceeding ten percent of that enterprise’s annual turnover during the period of the breach of the prohibition up to a maximum period of five years. (4) The Commission shall not impose a financial penalty unless it is satisfied that the breach of the prohibition was committed intentionally or negligently. (5) An order imposing a penalty under subsection (3) shall be in writing and shall specify the date by which the penalty is required to be paid. (6) The date specified under subsection (5) shall not be earlier than the end of the period within which an appeal against the order may be brought under section sixty-one. (7) Where a penalty has not been paid within the specified date and— (a) an appeal against the order is not made under section sixty; or (b) an appeal was made but dismissed or withdrawn; the Commission may apply to the Tribunal for a mandatory order to enforce the payment of the penalty against the enterprise concerned. Directions 59. (1) Where the Commission determines, after review, that relating to an enterprise is a party to a restrictive agreement referred to under distortion, prevention section eight, nine, ten or twelve or that it is a party to a dominant or restriction position within the terms of section sixteen, and that— of competition Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 349 Protection (a) in relation to the restrictive agreement, the agreement has the object or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition; or (b) in relation to the dominant position, any conduct of the enterprise— (i) has the object or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition; or (ii) in any other way, constitutes exploitation of the monopoly situation, the Commission may give the enterprise such directions as it considers necessary, reasonable and practicable to— (A) remedy, mitigate or prevent the adverse effects on competition that the Commission has identified; or (B) remedy, mitigate or prevent any detrimental effects on users and consumers so far as they have resulted from, or are likely to result from, the adverse effects on, or the absence of, competition. (2) The Commission shall, in determining, in any particular case, the remedial measures required to be taken, have regard to the extent to which any of the offsetting benefits specified in subsection (2) of section nineteen are present in that case. (3) Subject to subsections (1) and (2), a direction under this section may include a requirement that the enterprise to which it is given shall— (a) terminate or amend an agreement; (b) cease or amend a practice or course of conduct, including conduct in relation to prices; (c) supply goods or services, or grant access to facilities; (d) separate or divest itself of any enterprise or assets; or (e) provide the Commission with specified information on a continuing basis. (4) A direction given under this section shall be in writing.

60. A person who, or an enterprise which, is aggrieved with Appeals an order or direction of the Commission under this Part may, within thirty days of receiving the order or direction, appeal to the Tribunal. 350 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Remedies in 61. (1) The Commission may, where it determines after an merger investigation that an enterprise is a party to a merger and the creation control of a merger has resulted, or is likely to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within a market for goods or services, give the enterprise such directions as it considers necessary, reasonable and practicable to— (a) remedy, mitigate or prevent the substantial lessening of competition; and (b) remedy, mitigate or prevent any adverse effects that have resulted from, or are likely to result from, the substantial lessening of competition. (2) The Commission may, in the case of a prospective merger, require an enterprise to— (a) desist from completion or implementation of the merger insofar as it relates to a market in Zambia; (b) divest such assets as are specified in a direction within the period so specified in the direction, before the merger can be completed or implemented; or (c) adopt, or desist from, such conduct, including conduct in relation to prices, as is specified in a direction as a condition of proceeding with the merger. (3) The Commission may, in the case of a completed merger, require an enterprise to— (a) divest itself of such assets as are specified in a direction within the period so specified in the direction; or (b) adopt, or to desist from, such conduct, including conduct in relation to prices, as is specified in the direction as a condition of maintaining or proceeding with the merger. Interim 62. (1) Where— measures (a) the Commission has reasonable grounds to suspect that an enterprise is a party to a prohibited agreement and has not completed its examination of the matter, but believes that there is the risk of serious or irreparable injury to a particular person as a consequence of the agreement; (b) an enterprise is a party to an agreement which is subject to review, to a monopoly situation or to a merger, on which the Commission has opened but not completed an investigation, and the Commission is satisfied that— Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 351 Protection (i) there is prima facie evidence that competition is being prevented, restricted, distorted or substantially lessened and that, in consequence, serious or irreparably damage may be caused to a particular person; or (ii) the enterprise is taking steps that would effectively pre-empt remedial action being taken that would restore the conditions of competition existing prior to the investigation; the Commission may, in writing, give such directions as it considers appropriate if, as a matter of urgency, it considers it is necessary to do so to— (A) prevent serious or irreparable injury to a particular person or category of persons; (B) protect the public interest; or (C) prevent or pre-empt action being taken by the enterprise under investigation. (2) The Commission shall give an enterprise to which it intends to give a direction under this section an opportunity to make representations before the direction is given.

63. (1) The Commission shall keep under review the Review of compliance with directions given by it and the performance of directions and undertakings given by an enterprise. undertakings (2) The Commission may, where it is satisfied that there has been a material change of circumstance— (a) agree to vary or terminate a direction; or (b) accept a variation to an undertaking, or release an enterprise from an undertaking.

64. (1) Where the Commission determines that an enterprise Enforcement of directions has failed, without reasonable cause, to comply with a direction or and undertaking, it may, subject to subsection (2), apply to the Tribunal undertakings for a mandatory order requiring the enterprise to make good the default within a time specified in the order. (2) The Commission shall consider any representations an enterprise wishes to make before making an application under subsection (1). (3) The Tribunal may provide in the order that all the costs of, or incidental to, the application shall be borne by the enterprise in default. 352 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Enforcement 65. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), a foreign of competition competition authority may, where it has reasonable grounds to law at believe that anti-competitive practices in Zambia are damaging request of foreign competition in the country of the authority, request the Commission competition to investigate and make an appropriate determination. authority (2) Subsection (1) applies— (a) to requests from other members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa or of the Southern African Development Community by virtue of the obligations assumed by Zambia towards these organisations; and (b) where the Minister has certified by order, in the Gazette, that Zambia has entered into an agreement with one or more States or organisations whereby, on a basis of reciprocity, each party to the agreement shall exercise the principle of comity on the basis described in subsection (1) in investigating and determining cases falling within its jurisdiction. Regulations 66. The Minister may, by statutory instrument, on the relating to recommendation of the Commission, make regulations to provide investigations for the manner in which investigations under this Part shall be carried out. PART IX THE COMPETITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION TRIBUNAL Establishment 67. (1) There is hereby established the Competition and Con- of sumer Protection Tribunal which shall consist of the following part- Competition and time members appointed by the Minister: Consumer Protection (a) a legal practitioner of not less than ten years legal experi- Tribunal ence, who shall be the Chairperson; (b) a representative of the Attorney-General, who shall be the Vice-Chairperson; and (c) three other members who shall be experts, with not less than five years experience and knowledge, in matters relevant to this Act. (2) Subject to subsection (5), a member of the Tribunal shall hold office for a period of four years from the date of appointment and may be re-appointed for a further term of four years. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 353 Protection (3) The Minister may appoint alternate members of the Tribunal referred to in paragraph (c) who shall have, and may perform, the functions of a member during a member’s absence. (4) A person shall not be appointed as a member of the Tribunal if the person— (a) is an undischarged bankrupt; (b) is insane or of unsound mind; (c) is in lawful custody or the person’s freedom of movement is restricted under any law in force within or outside Zambia; or (d) has been convicted of an offence under any law. (5) The office of a member of the Tribunal shall become vacant— (a) upon the member’s death; (b) if a member is absent without reasonable excuse from three consecutive sittings of the Tribunal of which the member had notice; (c) if the member is removed by the Minister; (d) if the member is adjudged bankrupt; (e) if the member becomes mentally or physically incapable of performing the duties of a member; (f) if the member is convicted of an offence under any law and sentenced therefor to imprisonment for a period exceeding six months; or (g) in the case of a member referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1), if that member ceases to practise as a legal practitioner on disciplinary grounds confirmed by the Law Association of Zambia. (6) If a vacancy occurs in accordance with subsection (5), the Minister may appoint a new member in accordance with subsection (1), but the member shall hold office only for the unexpired period of the term.

68. The functions of the Tribunal are to— Functions of Tribunal (a) hear any appeal made to it under this Act; and (b) perform such other functions as are assigned to it under this Act or any other law. 354 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Secretariat of 69. The Ministry responsible for commerce shall provide the Tribunal necessary secretarial and accounting services to the Tribunal to perform its functions under this Act. Proceedings 70. (1) Three members of the Tribunal shall form a quorum. of Tribunal (2) Any question at a sitting or meeting of the Tribunal shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the members of the Tribunal at the sitting or meeting and in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the sitting or meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to that person’s deliberative vote. (3) A party to a hearing of the Tribunal may be represented by a legal practitioner or, if the party so elects, by any other person or in person. (4) A decision of the Tribunal shall be in the form of a reasoned judgment and a copy thereof shall be supplied to each party to the proceedings and to every person affected by the decision. (5) If a person is present at a meeting of the Tribunal at which any matter is the subject of consideration, and in which matter the person or that person’s spouse is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity, that person shall, as soon as is practicable after the commencement of the meeting, disclose the interest and shall not, unless the Tribunal otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or discussion of, or vote on, any question relating to that matter. (6) A disclosure of interest made under this section shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which it is made. (7) The Tribunal may, for the purpose of any proceedings, use such assessors or experts as the Tribunal may determine. (8) The Tribunal shall cause to be kept a record of its proceedings. Powers of 71. (1) The Tribunal may— Tribunal (a) order the parties or either of them to produce to the Tribunal such information as the Tribunal considers necessary for purposes of the proceedings; or (b) take any other course which may lead to the just, speedy and inexpensive settlement of any matter before the Tribunal. (2) The Tribunal may summon witnesses, call for the production of, or inspection of, books, documents and other things, and examine witnesses on oath, and for those purposes, the Chairperson is hereby authorised to administer oaths. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 355 Protection (3) A summons for the attendance of any witness or the production of any book, document or other thing shall be signed by the Chairperson and served in the prescribed manner.

72. A person who knowingly gives false evidence regarding False evidence any matter which is material to a question in any proceedings before the Tribunal commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both.

73. (1) The Tribunal may, if a merger is implemented in Determina- tion of contravention of this Act— Tribunal in respect of (a) order a party to the merger to sell any shares, interest or mergers other assets it has acquired pursuant to the merger; or (b) declare void any provision of an agreement to which the merger was subject. (2) The Tribunal may, in addition to or in lieu of making an order under subsection (1), direct any firm, or any other person, to sell any shares, interest or assets of the firm if the prohibited practice — (a) cannot adequately be remedied in terms of another provision of this Act; or (b) is substantially conduct by that firm previously found by the Tribunal to have been a prohibited practice. (3) An order made in terms of subsection (1) or (2) may set a time for compliance and any other terms that the Tribunal considers appropriate, having regard to the commercial interests of the party concerned.

74. (1) The Tribunal may make an order as to costs as it may Costs consider just having regard to the merits of the matter. (2) Subject to subsection (1) the costs and charges in connection with proceedings before the Tribunal shall be the costs reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the proceedings or such part of those costs as is determined by the Tribunal.

75. A person aggrieved with a decision of the Tribunal may Appeal to High Court appeal to the High Court within thirty days of the determination.

76. The expenses and costs of the Tribunal shall be paid out Expenses of of funds appropriated by Parliament for the performance of the Tribunal Tribunal’s functions under this Act. 356 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Allowances 77. There shall be paid to the members and the secretariat of of members the Tribunal such allowances as the Minister may determine. and secretariat Rules 78. (1) The Chief Justice may, by statutory instrument, make rules relating to— (a) the manner and form for lodging of appeals under this Part; (b) the mode of summoning persons before the Tribunal; (c) the form and manner of service of a summons requiring the attendance of a witness before the Tribunal and the production of any book, record, document or thing; (d) the procedure to be followed and rules of evidence to be observed in proceedings before the Tribunal; and (e) the functions of the assessors and experts to the Tribunal. (2) Rules made under this section may, in particular, provide— (a) that before any matters are referred to the Tribunal they shall, in such manner as may be provided by the rules, have been brought before and investigated by the Commission in this respect; (b) for securing notices for the proceedings and specifying the time and manner of the proceedings; and (c) for securing that any party to the proceedings shall, if that person requires, be entitled to be heard by the Tribunal. PART X GENERAL PROVISIONS Leniency 79. (1) The Commission may operate a leniency programme programme where an enterprise that voluntarily discloses the existence of an agreement that is prohibited under this Act, and co-operates with the Commission in the investigation of the practice, may not be subject to all or part of a fine that could otherwise be imposed under this Act. (2) The details of a leniency programme under subsection (1), shall be set out in any guidelines of the Commission. Jurisdiction 80. (1) A court of competent jurisdiction shall have jurisdic- over acts tion over any person for any act committed outside Zambia which, committed outside if it had been committed in Zambia, would have been an offence Zambia under this Act. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 357 Protection (2) Any proceedings against a person under this section which would be a bar to subsequent proceedings against the person, for the same offence, if the offence had been committed in Zambia, shall be a bar to further proceedings against the person under any written law relating to the extradition of persons, in respect of the same offence outside Zambia. (3) The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act shall Cap. 98 apply to proceedings under this Act.

81. Notwithstanding anything contrary contained in any written No law, where a judgment or order has been obtained against the execution on property of Commission, no execution or attachment, or process of any nature, Commission shall be issued against the Commission or against the property of the Commission, but the Executive Director shall cause to be paid out of the revenue of the Commission such amounts as may, by the judgment or order, be awarded against the Commission to the person entitled to the amounts.

82. A person who contravenes a provision of this Act for which General penalty a specific penalty is not provided for under this Act, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both.

83. Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body Offences by body corporate or unincorporate body, every director or manager of the corporate or body corporate or unincorporate body shall be liable, upon conviction, unincorporate body as if the director or manager had personally committed the offence, unless the director or manager proves to the satisfaction of the court that the act constituting the offence was done without the knowledge, consent or connivance of the director or manager or that the director or manager took reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence.

84. (1) In the exercise of its functions under this Act, the Commission to issue Commission may make such guidelines as are necessary for the guidelines better carrying out of the provisions of this Act. (2) The Commission shall publish the guidelines issued under this Act in a daily newspaper of general circulation in Zambia, and the guidelines shall not take effect until they are so published. (3) The guidelines issued by the Commission under this Act shall bind all persons regulated under this Act. 358 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection Dissemination 85. The Commission may disseminate in such manner and form of information as it considers appropriate, information and advice concerning the operation of this Act. Fines 86. (1) A fine payable under this Act shall be a debt due to the State and shall be summarily recoverable as a civil debt. (2) Wherever in this Act a fine is required to be paid in relation to the annual turnover of a person or an enterprise, the percentage to be retained by the Commission shall be as may be prescribed in accordance with subsection (3). (3) The Minister responsible for finance may, by statutory instrument, prescribe the percentage of the turnover paid by a person or an enterprise that is to be retained by the Commission. Regulations 87. (1) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, on the recommendation of the Commission, make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), regulations under that subsection may make provision for — (a) the forms, fees payable and the procedure for applications to be made under this Act; (b) the information and documents to be submitted in support of applications to be made under this Act; (c) the form of an exemption and the conditions therefor; (d) the form of the negative clearance and the conditions under which it is issued; (e) the threshold for prior notification to the Commission of a merger transaction; (f) the manner and form of lodging appeals or reports with the Commission; (g) the manner and form of serving notices on any person; (h) the manner and form of service of a notice requiring the attendance of a person before the Commission and the production of any book, record, document or thing; (i) the manner in which the Commission shall carry out an investigation under this Act; (j) the manner and form in which the Commission shall insti- tute an inquiry under this Act; and (k) generally the carrying into effect of the purposes of this Act. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 359 Protection

88. (1) The Competition and Fair Trading Act, 1994, is hereby Repeal of Act repealed. No. 18 of 1994 (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the provisions of the Sec- ond Schedule shall apply in respect of the matters specified therein. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person who immediately before the commencement of this Act held office as a member of the Board of the former Commission shall hold office as a member of the Board for a period of three months after which the Minister shall appoint the members of the Board in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 360 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection

FIRST SCHEDULE (Section 4(3)) ADMINISTRATION OF COMMISSION PART I THE BOAD OF THE COMMISSION Composition 1. (1) There is hereby constituted a Board of the Commission of Board of which shall consist of the following members appointed by the Commission Minister: (a) a representative from the Ministry responsible for commerce; (b) a representative of the Attorney General; and (c) five other members, with experience and knowledge in matters relevant to this Act, appointed by the Minister. (2) The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson of the Board shall be appointed by the Minister from amongst the members of the Board. (3) A person shall not be eligible for appointment as a member of the Board if— (a) that person is under any written law, adjudged or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind; (b) that person is adjudged or declared bankrupt under any written law in Zambia; or (c) that person has been convicted of an offence under this Act or any other law. Seal of 2. (1) The seal of the Commission shall be such device as Commission may be determined by the Commission and shall be kept by the Executive Director. (2) The Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson, the Executive Director or any other person authorised by a resolution of the Commission to so act, shall authenticate the affixing of the seal. (3) Where a contract or instrument is not required to be under seal, the Executive Director or a person authorised by the Commission in that behalf, may execute the contract or instrument on behalf of the Commission without seal. (4) A document purporting to be a document under the seal of the Commission or issued on behalf of the Commission, shall be received in evidence and shall be executed or issued, as the case may be, without further proof, unless the contrary is proved. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 361 Protection 3. (1) A member of the Board shall, subject to the other Tenure of office and provisions of this Schedule, hold office for a term of four years and vacancy of may be reappointed for a further term of four years. member (2) Upon the expiration of the term for which a member is appointed, the member shall continue to hold office until another member is appointed, but in no case shall any extension of the period exceed three months. (3) The office of a member shall be vacated— (a) upon the member’s death; (b) if the member is adjudged bankrupt; (c) if the member is absent from three consecutive meetings of the Commission, of which the member has had notice, without the prior approval of the Commission; (d) upon the expiry of one month’s notice of the member’s intention to resign, given by the member in writing to the Minister; (e) if the member becomes mentally or physically incapable of performing duties as a member; (f) if the member is removed by the Minister; or (g) if the member is convicted of an offence under this Act or any other law. (4) Where there is a vacancy in the membership of the Board before the expiry of the term of office, the Minister shall appoint another person to replace the member who vacates office but that person shall only hold office for the remainder of the term. 4. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Board Proceedings of Board may regulate its own procedure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of its business at least once in every three months at such places and times as the Board may determine. (3) Upon giving notice of not less than fourteen days, a meeting of the Board may be called by the Chairperson and shall be called if not less than one third of the members so request in writing: Provided that if the urgency of aparticular matter does not permit the giving of any notice, a special meeting may be called upon giving a shorter notice. 362 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection (4) Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. (5) There shall preside at a meeting of the Board— (a) the Chairperson; (b) in the absence of the Chairperson, the ViceChairperson; or (c) in the absence of the Chairperson and the ViceChairperson, such member of the Board as the members present may elect from amongst themselves for the purpose of that meeting. (6) A decision of the Board on any question shall be by a majority of the members present and voting at the meeting and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall have, in addition to a deliberative vote, a casting vote. (7) Where a member is for any reason unable to attend any meeting of the Board, the member may, in writing, nominate another person from the same organisation to attend a meeting in that member’s stead and such person shall be deemed to be a member for the purpose of that meeting. (8) The Board may invite any person whose presence, in its opinion, is desirable to attend and participate in the deliberations of a meeting of the Board, but that person shall have no vote. (9) The validity of any proceedings, act or decision of the Board shall not be affected by any vacancy in the membership of the Board or any defect in the appointment of any member or by reason that any person not entitled to do so, took part in the proceedings. (10) The Board shall cause minutes to be kept of the proceedings of every meeting of the Board. Committees 5. (1) The Board may, for the purpose of performing its functions under this Act, constitute a committee and delegate to the committee such functions of the Board as it considers necessary. (2) The Board may appoint as members of a committee constituted under subparagraph (1), persons who are or are not members of the Board and such persons shall hold office for such period as the Board may determine. (3) Subject to any specific or general direction of the Board, any committee constituted under this paragraph may regulate its own procedure. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 363 Protection 6. A member of the Board or any committee of the Board Allowances thereof shall be paid such allowances as the Board may, with the approval of the Minister, determine. 7. (1) If any person is present at a meeting of the Board or a Disclosure committee of the Board at which any matter, in which that person of interest or any member of the person’s immediate family is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity, is the subject of consideration, that person shall, as soon as practicable after the commencement of the meeting, disclose that interest and shall not, unless the Board or the committee otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or discussion of, or vote on any question relating to that matter. (2) A disclosure of interest made under this paragraph shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which the disclosure is made. 8. (1) A person shall not, without the consent in writing given Prohibition by, or on behalf of, the Board, publish or disclose to any unauthorised of publica- tion of, or person, otherwise than in the course of that person’s duties, the disclosure of contents of any document, communication or information information to whatsoever, which relates to, or which has come to that person’s unauthorised knowledge in the course of that person’s duties under this Act. person (2) A person who contravenes subparagraph (1) commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both. (3) A person who, having information which to the knowledge of that person has been published or disclosed in contravention of subparagraph (1), unlawfully publishes or communicates the information to any other person, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand Immunity of penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two member and staff years, or to both. 9. An action or other proceedings shall not lie or be instituted against a member of the Board, a committee of the Board or a member of staff of the Commission, for or in respect of any act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or performance, or purported exercise or performance, of any of the powers, functions or duties conferred under this Act. 364 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection PART II FINANCIAL PROVISIONS Funds of 10. (1) The funds of the Commission shall consist of such Commission moneys as may — (a) be appropriated by Parliament; (b) be paid to the Commission by way of fees, levies, grants or donations; or (c) vest in or accrue to the Commission. (2) The Commission may— (a) accept moneys by way of grants or donations from any source in Zambia and, subject to the approval of the Minister, from any source outside Zambia; (b) raise by way of loans or otherwise, such moneys as the Commission may require for the discharge of the Commission’s functions; or (c) in accordance with the regulations made under this Act, charge and collect fees for services provided by the Commission. (3) There shall be paid from the funds of the Commission— (a) the salaries, allowances and loans of members of staff of the Commission; (b) reasonable travelling, transport and subsistence allowances for members of the Commission or members of any committee of the Commission when engaged in the business of the Commission, at such rates as the Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, determine; and (c) any other expenses incurred by the Commission in the performance of the Commission’s functions. (4) The Commission may invest, in such manner as the Commission thinks fit, funds that the Commission does not immediately require for the performance of the Commission’s functions. Financial 11. The financial year of the Commission shall be the period year of twelve months ending on 31st December in each year. Competition and Consumer [No. 24 of 2010 365 Protection 12. (1) The Commission shall cause to be kept proper books Accounts of accounts and other records relating to the Commission’s accounts. (2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Auditor-General or by auditors appointed by the Auditor-General. (3) The auditor’s fees shall be paid by the Commission. 13. (1) As soon as practicable, but not later than ninety days Annual report after the end of the financial year, the Commission shall submit to the Minister a report concerning its activities during the financial year. (2) The report referred to in subparagraph (1), shall include information on the financial affairs of the Commission and there shall be appended to the report— (a) an audited balance sheet; (b) an audited statement of income and expenditure; and (c) such other information as the Minister may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report referred to in subparagraph (1), lay the report before the National Assembly.

SECOND SCHEDULE (Section 88(2)) SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS 1. (1) For the avoidance of doubt, a person who, before the Staff of commencement of this Act, was an officer or employee of the Commission former Commission, shall continue to be an officer or employee of the Commission, as the case may be, as if appointed or employed under this Act. (2) The service of the persons referred to in subparagraph (1) shall be treated as continuous service. (3) Nothing in this Act affects the rights and liabilities of any person employed or appointed by the former Commission before the commencement of this Act. 2. (1) On or after the commencement of this Act, there shall Transfer of be transferred to, vest in and subsist against the Commission by assets and liabilities virtue of this Act and without further assurance, all assets, rights and obligations which immediately before that date were the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former Commission. (2) Subject to subparagraph (1), every deed, bond and agreement, other than an agreement for personnel service, to which the former Commission was a party immediately before the 366 No. 24 of 2010] Competition and Consumer Protection commencement of this Act whether or not of such a nature that rights, liabilities and obligations could be assigned, shall, unless its subject matter or terms make it impossible that it should have effect as modified, as provided under this paragraph, have effect as if— (a) the Commission had been party to it; (b) for any reference to the former Commission there was substituted, with respect to anything falling to be done on or after the commencement of this Act, a reference to the Commission; or (c) for any reference to any officer of the former Commission, not being a party to it and beneficially interested, there were substituted, as respects anything falling to be done on or after the commencement of this Act, a reference to such officer of the Commission as the Commission shall designate. (3) Where under this Act, any assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the former Commission are deemed to be transferred to the Commission in respect of which transfer a written law provides for registration, the Commission shall make an application in writing to the appropriate registration authority for registration of the transfer. (4) The registration authority, referred to in subparagraph (2), shall make such entries in the appropriate register as shall give effect to the transfer and, where applicable, issue to the transferee concerned a certificate of title in respect of the property or make necessary amendments to the register and shall endorse the deeds relating to the title, right or obligation concerned and no registration fees or other duties shall be payable in respect of the transaction. Legal 3. (1) Any legal proceedings or application of the former proceedings Commission pending immediately before the commencement of this Act by or against the former Commission may be continued by or against the Commission. (2) After the commencement of this Act, proceedings in respect of any right, liability or obligation which was vested in, held, enjoyed, incurred or suffered by the former Commission, may be instituted by or against the Commission.