E-commerce is an essential distribution channel with specific features to which the competition authorities had to adapt. Reflections on the impact of e-commerce has never been more relevant than today, as the global COVID-19 health crisis has boosted online sales.
In this context, the French Competition Authority (FCA)’s study entitled “Competition & e-commerce” constitutes a reference guide for companies active in the e-commerce sector as it provides:
In conclusion of its study, the FCA states that its current analytical framework is flexible enough to capture behaviours that are specific to the e-commerce sector. However, it stresses the need to develop further technical, legal and economic expertise in this area, in particular through the creation of dedicated units within competition authorities. In this respect, the FCA has set up a Digital Economy Unit in early 2020.
For more information, the FCA’s press release is available here (in English) and the full study here (in English).
For more information contact Florence Leroux or Eliott Costet.