Dominance Abuse Investigation Against the Klett Group

On 21 October 2021, the Serbian Competition Commission initiated ex-officio proceeding against publishing companies Klett, Freska and Logos (Klett group) in order to establish the existence of an act of abuse of a dominant position, in the sense Article 16 of the Law on Protection of Competition.

Gun-jumping proceeding against MAT – Real Estate

The Serbian Commission for Protection of Competition initiated an ex-officio proceeding against the company MAT – Real Estate from Novi Sad for implementing the transaction before its notification to the Commission (so-called, gun-jumping)

Outline of Merger Filing in Serbia

Who is the merger authority? The relevant authority for merger control assessment in Serbia is the Commission for Protection of Competition of the Republic of Serbia. The website of the Commission is accessible at www.kzk.org.rs. All merger filing decisions are published on the mentioned website. What are the merger filing thresholds? the aggregate worldwide turnover […]

What novelties does new Consumer Protection Law bring?

At the beginning of September 2021, the new Consumer Protection Law was adopted, which, inter alia, introduces changes regarding the establishment of records of consumer disputes in courts, the introduction of pro forma invoices for provided services, and the introduction of a register to be kept by RATEL (anyone who does not want to be disturbed by the phone sales may register).

New Law on Protection of Business Secrets

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted a new Law on the Protection of Business Secrets (“Official Gazette of the RS”, No. 53/2021), which entered into force on June 5, 2021 (hereinafter: the “Law”). The Law harmonizes, among other things, the system of protection of business secrets with the relevant regulations of the European Union. As stated in the explanation of the Law, the new Law should deter competition from illegal acquisition, use and disclosure of business secrets.

All Information in one place – A new Register of administrative procedures and regulations has been formed

The Law regulates the establishment, management and administration, content, manner of use, and other issues of importance for the management of the Register of Administrative Procedures (hereinafter: the “Register”). The Register will cover all administrative procedures for citizens and business entities by January 1, 2025 at the latest. The Register provides an opportunity to obtain information on the manner of submitting the request, necessary documentation, deadlines for resolving the request, total costs, and all other necessary elements of the procedure, in a fast and clear manner. Also, the Register provides the possibility to download and electronically fill in the application form with the competent administrative body. Therefore, whether it is a matter of obtaining an excerpt from the registry book or a necessary building permit, the Register contains all the data on necessary documentation for obtaining them, which enables easier business and easier communication with the management.

Archiving pursuant to the new law

In 2020, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Law on Archive Material and Archive Activities (the “Law”), which application began on 2 February 2021.

This Law introduces in a new way the obligations for entities that create archive material and documentary material, meaning that a distinction between archive material and documentary material is made. Documentation that is permanently kept, which is significant for culture, art, science, education, and other social areas and which is defined as such in the list of categories of archive material and documentary material with retention periods is called archive material. Documentation that does not have to be kept permanently and that can be destroyed, after the expiration of the validity period provided for in the list of categories, is called documentary material. Also, the term archival book is regulated, which represents the basic records on the entire archive material and documentary material created in the work process of the company.

The Commission for Protection of Competition extended the procedure for investigating the violation of competition to Gigatron, Tehnomedia Center, Emmezeta and XLS

In February 2021, the Commission extended the ex officio investigation proceeding to Gigatron export-import, Tehnomedia centar, Emmezeta Srbija and XLS Belgrade. The Commission, by analyzing the prices of certain consumer electronics products, established that Tesla brand products are offered at identical or almost identical prices, which the Commission already had in mind when initiating proceedings against Comtrade Distribution.

Strategic Partnership according to the provisions of the new Serbian Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources

On 20 April 2021 the Parliament of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources (“the Law”). The Law comes into force on 30 April 2021.