Block Exemption update – positive news in EU as IAAF seeks answers from CMA

Date: Friday 11 February 2022

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The IAAF, as part of UK AFCAR, previously submitted a paper to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that detailed many of its concerns over the need to renew the current sector-specific Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER). IAAF has asked CMA if they are planning to hold industry sector discussions about the renewal of this Regulation and any changes to address ‘technological progress’ that should be included.

Block Exemption regulations contain essential provisions, ensuring the servicing of vehicles under warranty, the trade of spare parts and the access to technical information.

Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive, said:

“We are increasingly concerned, given the timescale to the expiry of the existing Regulation, to know if detailed sector specific discussions are being considered and when these will take place. These regulations, fought for over many years, have provided the independent aftermarket protection and the ability to successfully access technical information. The IAAF and UK AFCAR stands ready to protect the sector which provides quality, choice and affordable mobility to millions of UK motorists.”

The EU has proposed a 5 year extension to Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations, with some alterations to take into account technology changes.

FIGIEFA progress with EU on cybersecurity
FIGIEFA’s excellent presentation at the Motor Vehicles Working Group Meeting/MVWG to the Commission and EU Member States on cybersecurity and the automotive aftermarket earned a major breakthrough as many EU member states responded positively to its call to create an official Commission Task Force on the matter.

 

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