Respond to a Trading Standards investigation
- 2 steps
UK Act of Parliament
2002
United Kingdom
Enterprise Act 2002
At a glance
Enforced by
CMA, Ofgem, Trading Standards, Insolvency Service, Takeover Panel, GCA, Ofwat, WICS, UREGNI, PSR
What's here
66 compliance obligations, 5 practical guides across 2 topics · 2 journeys
Penalty landscape
6 of 66 obligations carry up to 2 years imprisonment. 6 carry different penalties and 54 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 14
- Director or Officer 1
Plus 51 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Start selling online - retail compliance
- 2 steps
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
1 guidesSupporting — topic alignment
1 guidesMentioned in related content
3 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 749 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 110 duties
- Licensing Act 2003 2003 105 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 97 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 86 duties
Directors and Officers also bound by 224 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 75 duties
- Companies Act 2006 2006 63 duties
- Insolvency Act 1986 1986 46 duties
- CCBSA 2014 2014 22 duties
- CAICEA 2004 2004 18 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part 1 — General functions of the CMA
Acquisition of information etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must gather and review information to perform its functions Statutory regulator
Browse 11 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.1
The Director General of Fair Trading
Annual plan
Annual and other reports
Provision of information etc. to the public
Provision of information and advice to Ministers etc.
Promoting good consumer practice
Exclusion of public consumer advice scheme
Repeal of certain powers of direction
Part 2 of the 1973 Act
Super-complaints to OFT
Part 2 — The Competition Appeal Tribunal
Browse 10 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
The Competition Appeal Tribunal
The Competition Service
Constitution of Tribunal for particular proceedings and its decisions
Tribunal rules
Transfers of certain proceedings to and from Tribunal
Third party appeals
Monetary claims
Claims on behalf of consumers
Findings of infringements
Amendment of 1998 Act relating to the Tribunal
Part 3 — Mergers
Duty to make references in relation to anticipated mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate mergers that may significantly reduce competition Statutory regulator
Duty of CMA where case referred by the European Commission
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate mergers referred by the European Commission Statutory regulator
Questions to be decided in relation to completed mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate if a merger harms competition Statutory regulator
Questions to be decided in relation to anticipated mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate and remedy competition concerns in anticipated mergers Statutory regulator
Investigations and reports on references under section 22 or 33
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate and publish reports on merger references Statutory regulator
Duty to remedy effects of completed or anticipated mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must remedy anti-competitive effects of mergers Statutory regulator
Questions to be decided on references under section 45
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must decide if mergers harm competition or the public interest Statutory regulator
Cases where references or certain questions need not be decided
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must cancel merger investigations if the deal is abandoned Statutory regulator
Investigations and reports on references under section 45
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate and report on merger or market references Statutory regulator
Restrictions on action where public interest considerations not finalised
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must cancel or limit public interest investigations if criteria are not met Statutory regulator
Duties of CMA and OFCOM to inform Secretary of State
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA and OFCOM must inform Secretary of State of public interest mergers Statutory regulator
Questions to be decided on references under section 62
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate and report on referred special merger situations Statutory regulator
Investigations and reports on references under section 62
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate and report on public interest merger references Statutory regulator
Further duty to make references in relation to completed mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate energy network mergers that may harm competition Statutory regulator
Further duty to make references in relation to anticipated mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate certain planned energy network mergers Statutory regulator
Opinion of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ofgem must publish its methods for assessing energy network mergers Statutory regulator
Water mergers
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate water company mergers above turnover thresholds Statutory regulator
Register of undertakings and orders
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must maintain a public register of enforcement undertakings and orders Statutory regulator
Duty of CMA to monitor undertakings and orders
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must monitor and review enforcement undertakings and orders Statutory regulator
Rights to enforce undertakings and orders
- Comply with enforcement undertakings and orders Any Person
Interim undertakings and orders under this Part: penalties
- Breach interim merger or market investigation orders Any Person
Enforcement of undertakings and orders: imposition of penalties
Unlimited fine- Fail to comply with competition enforcement undertakings or orders Any Person
Statement of policy in relation to functions under sections 94 and 94AA
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish policy on enforcement and penalties Statutory regulator
Rights to enforce statutory restrictions
- Liability for losses caused by breaching merger or market restrictions Any Person
Transferred EU merger commitments
- Comply with transferred EU merger commitments Any Person
Certain functions of CMA in relation to merger notices
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must notify affected parties of merger notices and can reject false info Statutory regulator
Exceptions to protection given by merger notices
Amended 13 timesMerger notices: regulations
Amended 2 timesPower to modify sections 97 to 101
Amended 1 timeDuty of expedition in relation to references under section 45 or 62
Amended 5 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must decide on merger references as soon as possible Crown / Minister / Government department
Certain duties of relevant authorities to consult
Amended 11 timesPublic consultation in relation to media mergers
Amended 11 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must consult the public regarding media mergers Statutory regulator
General information duties of CMA
Amended 38 timesAdvice and information about references under section 22, 33, 68B or 68C
Amended 15 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish guidance on merger references and customer benefits Statutory regulator
Advice and information in relation to media mergers
Amended 15 timesGeneral advisory functions of OFCOM
Amended 15 timesFurther publicity requirements
Amended 42 timesDefamation
Amended 5 timesAttendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.
2 years imprisonment Amended 110 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA may require evidence, documents, or information for investigations Statutory regulator
Transferred EU merger commitments: witnesses, documents etc
Amended 110 timesEnforcement of powers under section 109: imposition of penalties
Amended 67 timesRestriction on powers to impose penalties under section 110
Amended 67 timesSection 110A: supplementary provision
Amended 67 timesPenalties : amount
Amended 99 timesPenalties: main procedural requirements
Amended 69 timesPayments and interest by instalments
Amended 63 timesAppeals in relation to penalties
Amended 69 timesRecovery of penalties
Unlimited fine Amended 62 times- Failure to pay regulatory penalties Any Person
Statement of policy
Amended 64 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish and consult on its penalty and enforcement policy Statutory regulator
Intentional destruction etc of documents
Amended 64 timesFalse or misleading information
2 years imprisonment Amended 59 times- Provide false or misleading information to regulators Any Person
Excisions from reports
Amended 10 timesMinority reports of CMA
Amended 5 timesOther general functions of OFCOM in relation to this Part
Amended 5 timesMonitoring role for CMA in relation to media mergers
Amended 5 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must monitor media markets for public interest merger concerns Statutory regulator
Review of decisions under Part 3
Amended 24 timesFees
Amended 20 timesPrimacy of EU law
Amended 7 timesPower to alter conditions for a relevant merger situation
Amended 4 timesOrders and regulations under Part 3
Amended 36 timesOffences by bodies corporate
2 years imprisonment Amended 9 times- Personal liability for directors and officers for corporate offences Director or Officer
Service of documents by the CMA, OFCOM or the Secretary of State
Amended 6 timesAssociated persons
Amended 16 timesSupply of services and market for services etc.
Amended 5 timesOther interpretation provisions
Amended 11 timesIndex of defined expressions
Amended 28 timesBrowse 94 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Duty to make references in relation to completed mergers
Relevant merger situations
Relevant enterprises
Time-limits and prior notice
Extension of time-limits
Enterprises ceasing to be distinct enterprises
Time when enterprises cease to be distinct
Turnover test
Obtaining control by stages
Relevant customer benefits
Information powers in relation to completed mergers
Supplementary provision for purposes of section 25
Supplementary provision in relation to anticipated mergers
Power to request information in referred cases
Functions to be exercised by CMA groups
Time-limits for decisions about references
Extension of time-limits
Sections 34ZA and 34ZB: supplementary
Fast-track reference requests
Fast-track reference requests: procedure
Acceptance by the CMA of fast-track reference requests
Cancellation and variation of references under section 22 or 33
Time-limits for investigations and reports
Section 39: supplementary
Time-limit for discharging duty under section 41
Section 41A: supplementary
Intervention by Secretary of State in certain public interest cases
Intervention notices under section 42
Investigation and report by CMA
Additional investigation and report by OFCOM : media mergers
Power of Secretary of State to refer matter to CMA
References under section 45: supplementary
Cases referred by the European Commission where intervention notice is in force
Extension of preliminary assessment period
Power to request information in referred cases
Functions to be exercised by CMA groups
Variation of references under section 45
Time-limits for investigations and reports by CMA
Section 51: supplementary
Decision of Secretary of State in public interest cases
Enforcement action by Secretary of State
Competition cases where intervention on public interest grounds ceases
Specified considerations
Construction of consideration specified in section 58(2C)
Intervention by Secretary of State in special public interest cases
Construction of conditions in section 59(3C) and (3D)
Special intervention notices under section 59
Initial investigation and report by CMA
Additional investigation and report by OFCOM : certain media mergers
Power of Secretary of State to refer the matter
Functions to be exercised by CMA groups
Cancellation and variation of references under section 62
Decision and enforcement action by Secretary of State
Intervention to protect legitimate interests
Scheme for protecting legitimate interests
Relevant merger situations involving energy network mergers
Combined references
Modification of this Part
Newspaper mergers
Intervention by the Secretary of State
Investigation and report by the CMA
Intervention to prevent foreign control of a newspaper enterprise
Other powers under this Part
Meaning of “foreign power”
Other interpretation
Regulations
Initial undertakings: completed mergers
Initial enforcement orders: completed or anticipated mergers
Undertakings in lieu of references under section 22(1), 33(1) , 68B or 68C
Time-limits for consideration of undertakings
Section 73A: supplementary
Effect of undertakings under section 73
Order-making power where undertakings under section 73 not fulfilled etc.
Supplementary interim order-making power
Restrictions on certain dealings: completed mergers
Restrictions on certain share dealings: anticipated mergers
Sections 77 and 78: further interpretation provisions
Interim undertakings
Interim orders
Final undertakings
Order-making power where final undertakings not fulfilled
Final orders
Enforcement regime for public interest and special public interest cases
Enforcement orders: general provisions
Delegated power of directions
Contents of certain enforcement orders
Acceptance and subject-matter of undertakings
Procedural requirements for certain undertakings and orders
Further role of CMA in relation to undertakings and orders
Penalties under section 94AA : amount
Power of directions in connection with transferred EU merger commitments
Merger notices
Period for considering merger notices
Section 97: supplementary
Part 4 — Market Studies and Market Investigations
Duty to publish market study notice
Amended 28 timesPower of CMA to make references
Amended 8 timesDecisions about references under section 131: consultation
Amended 8 timesMarket studies and the making of decisions to refer: time-limits etc
Amended 8 timesTime-limits under section 131B: supplementary
Amended 8 timesMinisterial power to make references
Amended 14 timesContents of references
Amended 10 timesFunctions to be exercised by CMA groups
Amended 10 timesQuestions to be decided on market investigation references
Amended 18 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate competition and propose remedies for market issues Statutory regulator
Variation of market investigation references
Amended 8 timesInvestigations and reports on market investigation references
Amended 33 timesTime-limits for market investigations and reports
Amended 7 timesDuty to remedy adverse effects
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must take action to fix competition problems identified in reports Statutory regulator
Time-limits for discharging duty under section 138
Amended 3 timesSection 138A: supplementary
Amended 3 timesPublic interest intervention by Secretary of State
Amended 11 timesIntervention notices under section 139(1)
Amended 17 timesSection 139(1) intervention notices: Secretary of State's duty to refer
Amended 17 timesVariation of restricted PI references and full PI references
Amended 17 timesRestricted PI references: questions to be decided by CMA
Amended 7 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate competition and remedies in public interest cases Statutory regulator
Full PI references: questions to be decided by CMA
Amended 7 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate competition and public interest on Secretary of State referral Statutory regulator
Full PI references: power of Secretary of State to appoint expert
Amended 7 timesInvestigations and reports by CMA
Amended 9 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must investigate and report on public interest merger references Statutory regulator
Restricted PI references: publication
Amended 8 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish market investigation reports in specific cases Statutory regulator
Full PI references: publication etc of reports of CMA
Amended 8 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish reports on public interest merger investigations Statutory regulator
Time-limits for investigations and reports: Part 4
Amended 15 timesRestrictions where public interest considerations not finalised: Part 4
Amended 4 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must pause or stop market investigations involving new public interests Statutory regulator
Restricted PI references: decision of Secretary of State
Amended 2 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must decide on public interest in market investigations Crown / Minister / Government department
Full PI references: decision of Secretary of State
Amended 2 timesRestricted PI references: remedial action by Secretary of State
Amended 4 timesFull PI references: remedial action by Secretary of State
Amended 4 timesRestricted PI references: reversion of the matter to CMA
Amended 7 timesFull PI references: reversion of the matter to CMA
Amended 7 timesIntervention notices under section 139(2)
Amended 5 timesPower of veto of Secretary of State
Amended 6 timesPublic interest intervention cases: interaction with general procedure
Amended 11 timesCertain duties of CMA
Amended 5 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must notify Secretary of State of public interest considerations Statutory regulator
Specified considerations: Part 4
Amended 7 timesUndertakings in lieu of market investigation references
Amended 2 timesUndertakings fully or partially in lieu of references or reports
Amended 2 timesUndertakings in lieu: procedural requirements
Amended 5 timesEffect of undertakings in lieu
Amended 16 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must published reasons if accepting undertakings instead of a full report Statutory regulator
Interim undertakings: Part 4
Amended 7 timesInterim orders: Part 4
Amended 5 timesFinal undertakings: Part 4
Amended 5 timesOrder-making power where final undertakings not fulfilled: Part 4
Amended 12 timesFinal orders: Part 4
Amended 12 timesAcceptance of enforcement undertakings: Part 4
Amended 12 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA or Secretary of State must explain consequences before accepting undertakings Statutory regulator
Implementation trials: purpose and interpretation
Amended 12 timesPower to conduct implementation trials
Amended 12 timesImplementation trials: notices
Amended 12 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Regulators must publish notices before starting implementation trials Statutory regulator
Implementation trials: supplementary
Amended 12 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Relevant authorities must explain consequences before accepting undertakings Statutory regulator
Duty of CMA to monitor the carrying out of undertakings and orders: Part 4
Amended 20 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must monitor and review enforcement undertakings and orders Statutory regulator
Duty of CMA to monitor effectiveness of undertakings and orders: Part 4
Amended 20 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must monitor and review the effectiveness of enforcement measures Statutory regulator
Power to vary etc undertakings and orders: implementation trials
Amended 20 timesRole of CMA in relation to undertakings and orders in public interest cases: Part 4
Amended 14 timesEnforcement undertakings and orders under this Part: general provisions
Amended 6 timesProcedural requirements for certain undertakings and orders: Part 4
Amended 3 timesRegister of undertakings and orders: Part 4
Amended 14 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must maintain a public register of enforcement undertakings and orders Statutory regulator
Rights to enforce undertakings and orders under this Part
Amended 13 times- Comply with CMA enforcement undertakings and orders Any Person
Enforcement of undertakings and orders etc : imposition of penalties
Unlimited fine Amended 13 times- Breach of merger or market competition undertakings or orders Any Person
Penalties under section 167A: amount
Amended 13 timesStatement of policy in relation to functions under sections 167 and 167A
Amended 13 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish policy on enforcement and penalties Statutory regulator
Regulated markets
Amended 68 timesCertain duties of relevant authorities to consult: Part 4
Amended 14 timesGeneral information duties
Amended 8 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must share information and assistance with the Secretary of State Statutory regulator
Advice and information: Part 4
Amended 18 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish advice on market investigation references Statutory regulator
Further publicity requirements: Part 4
Amended 22 timesDefamation: Part 4
Amended 4 timesAttendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.
2 years imprisonment Amended 10 times- Provide evidence and information for CMA market investigations Any Person
Enforcement of powers under section 174: imposition of penalties
Amended 10 timesRestriction on powers to impose penalties under section 174A
Amended 10 timesSection 174B: supplementary provision
Amended 10 timesPenalties : amount
Amended 10 timesStatement of policy on penalties
Amended 10 timesExtra-territorial application of notices under section 174
Amended 10 timesEnforcement of powers under section 174: offences
Amended 3 timesInvestigation powers of the Commission
Amended 2 timesExcisions from reports etc : Part 4
Amended 9 timesMinority reports of CMA : Part 4
Amended 3 timesReview of decisions under Part 4
Amended 7 timesOffences
Amended 5 timesOrders and regulations under Part 4
Amended 19 timesService of documents: Part 4
Amended 1 timeInterpretation: Part 4
Amended 23 timesIndex of defined expressions: Part 4
Amended 13 timesPart 5 — The Competition Commission
Part 6 — Cartel offence
Cartel offence
5 years imprisonment Amended 4 times- Participate in a business cartel Any Person
Circumstances in which cartel offence not committed
Amended 4 timesDefences to commission of cartel offence
Amended 4 timesCartel offence: supplementary
Amended 1 timeCartel offence: penalty and prosecution
Amended 3 timesCartel offence: prosecution guidance
Amended 3 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- CMA must publish guidance on cartel offence prosecutions Statutory regulator
Extradition
Amended 2 timesInvestigation of offences under section 188
Amended 3 timesPowers when conducting an investigation
Amended 2 timesPower to enter premises under a warrant
Amended 9 timesExercise of powers by authorised person
Amended 2 timesPrivileged information etc.
Amended 3 timesRestriction on use of statements in court
Amended 1 timeUse of statements obtained under Competition Act 1998
Amended 1 timeSurveillance powers
Amended 1 timeAuthorisation of action in respect of property
Amended 1 timeOffences
6 months imprisonment Amended 2 times- Fail to comply with a CMA or regulator information request Any Person
Interpretation of sections 192 to 201
Amended 1 timePart 7 — Miscellaneous Competition Provisions
Powers of entry
Amended 1 timeDisqualification
Amended 1 timeSuper-complaints to regulators other than CMA
Amended 2 timesPower to modify Schedule 8
Amended 2 timesRepeal of Schedule 4 to the 1998 Act
Amended 1 timeRepeal of Part 6 of Fair Trading Act 1973
Amended 1 timeReform of EU competition law
Amended 4 timesPart 8 — Enforcement of certain consumer legislation
Consumers
Amended 10 timesDomestic infringements
Amended 3 timesSchedule 13 infringements
Amended 9 timesEnforcers
Amended 16 timesConsultation
Amended 11 timesApplications
Amended 12 timesApplications: directions by CMA
Amended 2 timesEnforcement orders
Amended 3 timesInterim enforcement order
Amended 4 timesUnfair commercial practices: substantiation of claims
Amended 4 timesApplications
Amended 4 timesOnline interface orders
Amended 4 timesInterim online interface orders
Amended 4 timesOnline interface orders: supplementary
Amended 4 timesUndertakings
Amended 11 timesDefinition of enhanced consumer measures
Amended 11 timesInclusion of enhanced consumer measures etc.
Amended 11 timesAvailability of enhanced consumer measures to private enforcers
Amended 11 timesFurther proceedings
Amended 19 timesCommunity infringements: proceedings
Amended 3 timesBodies corporate: accessories
Amended 8 timesBodies corporate: orders
Amended 3 timesInvestigatory powers
Amended 3 timesCMA
Amended 4 timesOther enforcers
Amended 5 timesNotices: procedure
Amended 3 timesNotices: enforcement
Amended 2 timesPower to enter premises without warrant
Amended 2 timesPowers exercisable on the premises
Amended 2 timesPower to enter premises with warrant
Amended 2 timesAncillary provisions about powers of entry
Amended 2 timesObstructing, or failing to co-operate with, powers of entry
Amended 2 timesRetention of documents and goods
Amended 2 timesEvidence
Amended 3 timesAdvice and information
Amended 6 timesNotice to OFT of intended prosecution
Amended 7 timesNotice of convictions and judgments to CMA
Amended 3 timesGoods and services
Amended 1 timePerson supplying goods
Amended 1 timeSupply of services
Amended 3 timesInjunctions Directive
Amended 3 timesCPC Regulation
Amended 3 timesDual enforcers
Amended 3 timesCrown
Amended 3 timesPart 9 — Information
General restriction
Amended 4 timesInformation
Amended 2 timesConsent
Amended 1 timeEU obligations
Amended 2 timesStatutory functions
Amended 2 timesCivil proceedings
Amended 2 timesCriminal proceedings
Amended 1 timeOverseas disclosures
Amended 7 timesOverseas disclosures for both overseas and domestic purposes
Amended 7 timesOverseas disclosures for overseas purposes only
Amended 7 timesOverseas disclosures for designated cooperation arrangement purposes
Amended 7 timesUse and further disclosure of information disclosed under sections 243A and 243B
Amended 7 timesDirections by the Secretary of State relating to overseas disclosures under sections 243A and 243B
Amended 7 timesRelevant considerations relating to overseas disclosures under sections 243A and 243B
Amended 7 timesSpecified information: considerations relevant to disclosure
Amended 4 timesOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Public authorities must protect sensitive business information from disclosure Statutory regulator
Offences
2 years imprisonment Amended 2 times- Unlawful disclosure or misuse of protected information Any Person
Subordinate legislation
Amended 1 timeInterpretation
Amended 1 timeRepeals
Amended 2 timesPart 10 — Insolvency
Replacement of Part II of Insolvency Act 1986
Amended 10 timesSpecial administration regimes
Amended 8 timesProhibition of appointment of administrative receiver
Amended 3 timesAbolition of Crown preference
Amended 1 timeUnsecured creditors
Amended 1 timeLiquidator’s powers
Amended 1 timeApplication of insolvency law to foreign company
Amended 8 timesApplication of law about company arrangement or administration to non-company
Amended 7 timesDuration of bankruptcy
Amended 1 timePost-discharge restrictions
Amended 1 timeInvestigation by official receiver
Amended 1 timeIncome payments order
Amended 1 timeIncome payments agreement
Amended 1 timeBankrupt’s home
Amended 1 timePowers of trustee in bankruptcy
Amended 1 timeRepeal of certain bankruptcy offences
Amended 1 timeIndividual voluntary arrangement
Amended 1 timeDisqualification from office: justice of the peace
Amended 2 timesDisqualification from office: Parliament
Amended 1 timeDisqualification from office: local government
Amended 1 timeDisqualification from office: general
Amended 9 timesMinor and consequential amendments
Amended 1 timeFees
Amended 5 timesInsolvency Services Account: interest
Amended 2 timesInsolvency Services Accounts
Amended 1 timePart 11 — Supplementary
Interpretation
Amended 3 timesProvision of financial assistance for consumer purposes
Amended 1 timeFinancial provision
Amended 1 timeTransitional or transitory provision and savings
Amended 5 timesPower to make consequential amendments etc.
Amended 12 timesMinor and consequential amendments and repeals
Amended 5 timesBrowse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Schedules
Tribunal: procedure
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Tribunal must protect sensitive business information in its decisions Tribunal / Court
Effect of bankruptcy restrictions order and undertaking
2 years imprisonment- Acting as a company director or manager while bankrupt Any Person
Browse 27 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
The Office of Fair Trading
Proceedings under Part 1 of the 1998 Act
Provision that may be contained in certain enforcement orders
Listed enactments
Specified functions
Enactments conferring functions
Duration of bankruptcy: transitional provisions
Schedule 4A to Insolvency Act 1986
Individual voluntary arrangement
Individual insolvency: minor and consequential amendments
Transitional and transitory provisions and savings
The Competition Appeal Tribunal
The Competition Service
Energy network mergers affecting comparative regulation: modification of Chapter 1 of Part 3
Schedule to be inserted in the Water Industry Act 1991
Determination of when a foreign state newspaper merger situation has been created
Control or influence of a person by a foreign power
Enforcement regime for public interest and special public interest cases
Certain amendments of sectoral enactments
Procedural requirements for certain enforcement undertakings and orders
The Competition Commission
Competition Commission: certain procedural rules
Schedule B1 to Insolvency Act 1986
Administration: minor and consequential amendments
Schedule 2A to Insolvency Act 1986
Minor and consequential amendments
Repeals and revocations
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Annual report on concurrency for 2025 (opens in a new tab) Publication
- Guidance on applications for leniency in cartel cases (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Quick Guide to Complying with Competition Law (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- CMA's guidance as to the appropriate amount of a penalty (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Guidance on the CMA's investigation procedures in Competition Act 1998 cases (CMA8) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Competition Act 1998 | Office of Rail and Road (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Competition and Markets Authority - About (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Get information about a company (Companies House) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Get help and support for your business (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Write a business plan (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
CMA
PrimaryCompetition and Markets Authority
Promotes competitive markets and tackles unfair behaviour. Investigates mergers, enforces competition law, and has specific digital markets powers. Digital Markets Unit (DMU) …
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets
Regulates gas and electricity markets in Great Britain. Issues licences for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. Protects consumers and promotes competition. Also …
Trading Standards (Local Authority)
Enforces consumer protection legislation including food labelling, weights and measures, product safety, and fair trading. Part of local authority structure. Investigates food …
The Insolvency Service
Administers compulsory company liquidations and personal bankruptcies. Investigates director misconduct and can seek disqualification orders. Manages redundancy payments from the National Insurance …
Panel on Takeovers and Mergers
Regulates takeovers and mergers involving public companies and some private companies in the UK. Issues the Takeover Code. Ensures shareholders are treated …
Groceries Code Adjudicator
Enforces the Groceries Supply Code of Practice governing relationships between the 14 designated retailers and their direct suppliers. Investigates complaints, can impose …
Water Services Regulation Authority
Economic regulator for the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. Sets price limits, monitors service quality, and enforces environmental duties. …
Water Industry Commission for Scotland
Economic regulator for the Scottish water industry. Sets charges for Scottish Water and promotes efficiency and value for money.
Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)
Regulates electricity, gas, and water industries in Northern Ireland. Protects consumers, promotes competition, and ensures adequate utility supply.
Payment Systems Regulator
Economic regulator for payment systems in the UK. Promotes competition, innovation, and service-user interests in payment systems. Regulates participants in designated payment …
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Browse legislation
Find other UK business legislation with related guidance.
Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.