The competition authority has launched an investigation into anti-competitive behaviour in the small electric appliances sector over issues relating to potential price controls on resold items. The investigation relates to a suspected re-sale price maintenance (RPM) arrangement between a manufacturer, a distributor, and multiple retailers operating in Ireland. The agreement may specify a fixed or minimum re-sale price or a specified minimum margin, decided by the supplier. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) conducted an unannounced inspection at the premises of an Irish-based distributor in June 2025 as part of this investigation. Independent adjudication officers of the CCPC may impose financial sanctions on a business which has been found to have breached competition law.

Source: Irish Examiner January 20, 2026 14:43 UTC