The national executive branch ordered: Decree 803/2025through which amendments are introduced to the regulations. Law No. 27,442 on the Defense of Competitionoriginally founded by Decree 480/2018.
The government ordered the National Competition Bureau to begin operations immediately after the enactment of the constitution, abolished the previous 60-day period, and strengthened transparency and control mechanisms.
Fundamentals of measurement
Law 27,442 regulates agreements and practices that may limit, distort, or restrict competition in the production or exchange of goods and services, and the abuse of a dominant position affecting the general economic interest.
through Article 18 From that standard, National Competition Authority (ANC)a decentralized and autonomous organization within the national executive branch responsible for supervising the application and compliance of the law. Under that orbit, competition defense tribunal, Anti-competitive behavior guidance office and Economic Central Secretariat.
Decree 480/2018 provided that the ANC was deemed legally established once a principal authority was designated and began operations 60 days after its establishment. During that period, the court had to establish internal regulations and rules necessary for the operation of the organization.
Similarly, Article 28 of the Regulation provides that the National Competition Authority shall begin its functions 60 days after its establishment, with the exception of some powers which are activated immediately.
until organisms are finally formed. Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Industry Secretariat – formerly the Ministry of the Interior – acted as a temporary executive agency exercising powers provided by the law and its regulations.
Need for modification
The Government has resolved to amend Articles 18 and 28 of the current regulations to: Accelerate the launch and full-scale operation of the domestic competition authority. Thus, once legally established, the ANC will begin performing duties immediatelywithout waiting for the originally scheduled 60-day period.
This decision based on this Decree is aimed at ensuring administrative continuity, avoiding delays in ongoing proceedings, and strengthening the effective application of competition rules and the protection of general economic interests.
The Executive also considered it necessary to adapt this provision to Article 28 of Law No. 27,442. The law defines the composition and powers of the government. competition defense tribunaland make adjustments consistent with the new regulations introduced.
Major regulatory changes to the Competition Defense Act
Decree 803/2025 makes significant changes to the current regulations. Law No. 27,442 on the Defense of CompetitionThe purpose is to promote the implementation of National Competition Authority (ANC) Strengthen organizational control and transparency mechanisms.
he Article 1 The new Decree replaces Article 18 of Decree 480/2018. With this change, National Comprehensive Plan (SIGEN) and National General Audit (AGN) They are responsible for overseeing the actions of national competition authorities.
The text emphasizes the obligation to: competition defense tribunal guarantee Advertising and transparency in all its actions, particularly with respect to the use of resources, expenses, personnel appointments and public contracts.
Another related change is Elimination of the 60-day period This resulted in Decree 480/2018 on the entry into force of the National Competition Authority. New wording takes into account ANC legally constituted Once appointed by the president, two members of the court and a secretary investigating anti-competitive conduct and economic concentration will take office.
Once this step is complete, the body immediately begins to perform its functionswithout administrative delays to ensure continuity of the system and effective application of competition regulations.
Similarly, until the enactment of the provisions of Law No. 27,442 on the application of labor regimes, it has been made clear that: employment contract law For permanent employees, workers will maintain their current employment relationship.
he Article 2 It replaces Article 28 of the previous Regulations. From now on, competition defense tribunal Start operation immediately Once a national competition authority is established.
the organization must dictate its policy Internal regulations and the necessary complementary regulations to ensure its correct functioning and continuity of management.
he Article 3 It is stipulated that Decree 803/2025 comes into effect After publication in official gazette.
lastly, Article 4 Order its communication, publication, and filing. National Public Registration Directorate.
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