Information Sharing: Barriers, Waivers and Challenges FNE -CHILE MARIA J. HENRIQUEZ Head of Anti-Cartel Unit
COMPETITION AUTHORITIES FISCALIA NACIONAL ECONOMICA (“FNE”) In charge of investigating and bringing actions before the Competition Tribunal. Anti-Cartel Unit. COMPETITION TRIBUNAL Specialized tribunal which hears only competition matters. CAPE TOWN 2013 | FISCALÍA NACIONAL ECONÓMICA 2
COMPETITION AUTHORITIES (cont.) FISCALIA NACIONAL ECONOMICA (“FNE”) Established in Between 2011 and 2013 the FNE has launched around 30 investigations (including cartel behavior and unilateral conduct). Proactive methods of uncovering cartels. Notable Cartel Cases ( ) FNE v. FASA et al. Pharmacy Chains case (price fixing) FNE v. Abercrombie Kent et al. Travel agencies case (concerted refusal to deal) FNE v. ACHAP et al. Ad Agencies (for affecting the results of private contests) Public transportation cases. FNE v. Tecumseh do Brasil et al. Air compressors (international cartel) FNE v. APA et al. Poultry producers cartel (production quotas) CAPE TOWN 2013 | FISCALÍA NACIONAL ECONÓMICA 3
INFORMATION SHARING: LEGAL FRAMEWORK Article 42 of DL 211 creates a confidentiality obligation for the FNE over “every information, data or document”. Violation is sanctioned criminally and administratively. Exception: “the information or documents may be used for fulfilling the FNE´s goals”. No case law interpreting the scope of the exception. Does not impede sharing public information. CAPE TOWN 2013 | FISCALÍA NACIONAL ECONÓMICA 4
INFORMATION SHARING: BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES Legal Framework. Newly created Leniency Regime. Even though the FNE was created in 1963, an amendment to competition law introduced a provision on leniency applications only in Therefore, FNE´s experience in investigating international cartels following leniency applications is very recent. Leniency and waivers are also new to local defense bar. CAPE TOWN 2013 | FISCALÍA NACIONAL ECONÓMICA 5
INFORMATION SHARING: OUR EXPERIENCE Free Trade Agreements. Bilateral or Multilateral Agreements. Declaration of Lima Multilateral Relations (ICN, OECD) An example: FNE v. Tecumseh do Brasil et al. Moving forward… Waiver templates (full and procedural). Informal Cooperation and Experience Sharing. CAPE TOWN 2013 | FISCALÍA NACIONAL ECONÓMICA 6