Singapore: Signed Competition Act establishing Competition Commission (CCS)

On 4 November 2004, the President of Singapore signed the Competition Act, including provisions establishing the Competition Commission (CCS). The provisions establishing the CCS are found in Part two of the Competition Act. The CCS's duties include maintaining market efficiency, promoting competition, and controlling anti-competitive practices through enforcing competition rules set out in other parts of the Act. According to Section 61 of the Act, the CCS may publish non-binding guidelines on interpreting and enforcing competition provisions to aid compliance. It can investigate suspected violations of sections 34, 47, or 54 and appoint inspectors as needed. During investigations, the CCS or inspector can require individuals to produce relevant documents or information through a written notice specifying the investigation's purpose and related offences in line with Section 63 of the Act. These authorised officers or inspectors may enter premises connected to an investigation with at least 2 working days written notice, though entry without notice is permitted under certain conditions such as reasonable suspicion found in Section 64 of the Act. Legal communication is protected by legal privilege, and information that could incriminate a person is exempt from disclosure. Lastly, the CCS can direct actions to end infringements, modify agreements, cease conduct, or dissolve mergers. Financial penalties for intentional or negligent infringements can be imposed, up to 10% of business turnover in Singapore for each year of infringement, capped at a maximum of 3 years in accordance with Section 69 of the Act.