Background & Purpose

Private companies have struggled to compete when public organizations use their size or tax funding to offer services at unfairly low prices. This new law aims to create a level playing field for everyone.

The Decision

The parliament approved the new law on public sales activities, which limits how public entities can act on the market and gives the Competition Authority more power to intervene against unfair practices.

Does this affect you?

  • Private business owners: They gain a fairer market environment where they do not have to compete against public actors that use tax money to artificially lower prices.
  • Public sector managers: They must ensure that their sales activities comply with the new law and maintain separate financial records for these operations.

In Practice

  • Public entities must follow stricter rules when selling goods or services to avoid distorting the market.
  • The Swedish Competition Authority can now more effectively investigate and stop unfair competition.
  • Public organizations will be required to keep separate accounts for their sales activities to ensure transparency.
  • Private companies will have better protection against public actors that use underpricing to push out competitors.