The new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and the new accompanying Vertical Guidelines (VGL) were published on 10 May 2022. The new VBER will enter into force on 1 June 2022 and apply for the next twelve years. The new VBER/VGL introduce several substantial changes which will modernise EU competition law in the field of distribution, provide greater flexibility and clarity on certain important issues, but the new VBER/VGL also stress the prohibition of certain business practices. Suppliers and buyers along the supply chain are well advised to check that their existing contracts comply with the new rules, but also to identify new options to fine-tune certain business practices. The new rules provide for a one-year transition period for existing contracts. Click the link below to read about the ten key aspects of the new VBER/VGL.
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