Figiefa - Automotive Altermarket Distributors

The New Competition Law Framework for the automotive sector

Since the 1st June 2010, new rules for competition in the automotive aftermarket are in application. Following the review of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2010, the European Commission has enacted two Block Exemption Regulations and accompanying sector-specific Guidelines for the automotive aftermarket.

These legal texts contain rules, notably on access to technical information for all independent operators, the freedom to source and supply spare parts, and the prevention of misuse of warranty terms and related consumers rights.

FIGIEFA Publications:

In English:

• FIGIEFA Brochure - New competition law framework (2010)
• FIGIEFA Leaflet - Opportunities for the trade in spare parts (2010)
• FIGIEFA Leaflet - Opportunities for repair workshops (2010)

Other languages

European Commission documents:

• The "Aftermarket" Block Exemption Regulation (EU) No. 461/2010

• The Sector-specific Guidelines for the Aftermarket
• Website of DG Competition