Exemption

In accordance with section 5 of the Competition Act 2010, relief of liability under this provision can be granted independently by MyCC in the following manner to an otherwise a breach of the Act:

  1. Individual Exemption under section 6 of the Act; or
  2. Block Exemption under section 8 of the Act.

Individual Exemption

Enterprises may apply to MyCC for an individual exemption with respect to a particular agreement under Chapter 1 Prohibition. If granted the exemption may be subject to conditions and obligations and will apply for a limited duration.

MyCC may cancel or vary an individual exemption if there is a material change of circumstances or if there is breach or non-compliance with any imposed condition.

Block Exemption

MyCC may grant a block exemption for a defined class of agreements (for example, a category of distribution arrangements in a particular sector), typically subject to stated scope limits and conditions. Where an agreement falls within the block exemption and complies with its conditions, the parties may rely on it without applying for an individual exemption.

This helps promote predictability and consistent treatment and reduces repeated applications for broadly similar agreements while keeping open the possibility that the exemption may be time-limited and reviewed, varied or revoked in accordance with Competition Act 2010.

Exemption Application

applicationExemption Application Procedures
applicationExemption Application Form
applicationApplication Fee and Annual Fee

Depositary

For parties granted an exemption, please comply with the ongoing filing, notification and reporting requirements under the Competition (Block Exemption for VSA in respect of Liner Shipping Services) Order 2026 throughout the exemption period. Submit the required compliance reports, any notifications and the relevant agreements (including any variations/amendments and supporting documents) electronically via the link below. MyCC will only accept the filing of agreements (and any variations/amendments) that are finalised, in writing, and signed by all parties to the agreement.

Filing for Block Exemption Order for Vessel Sharing Agreements in respect of Liner Shipping Services 2026