Industry associations and the Commerce Act - what you need to know

Industry and trade associations provide important and indispensible work for their members. Typically their activities do not give rise to issues under the Commerce Act 1986 (Commerce Act). These activities include keeping association members informed of industry developments, setting standards for products and services, improving the quality and safety of products, and working at improving laws governing the industry.

However, members of industry or trade associations are generally competitors.  A trade association may provide the vehicle for anti-competitive activity.  For this reason, trade associations and their members must be aware of their obligations under the Commerce Act and take active steps to ensure they do not breach these obligations.