Policy rules regarding fines and leniency
Fines
If violations have been committed, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) may impose fines. The level of a fine must be determined on a case-by-case basis. After taking into account the specific circumstances of a case, ACM is able to set an appropriate fine. This policy rule provides insight into the factors that influence the level of fines for violations of competition law, procurement rules, consumer protection rules, and energy and telecommunication regulations.
Leniency
Are you or is your company involved in a cartel, or has this been the case in the past? If so, such practices are considered a violation of the Dutch Competition Act. You may come forward and report your or your company’s involvement in a cartel to ACM’s Leniency Office. You might be able to get a lower fine or escape a fine altogether. The ACM Leniency Decision contains ACM’s leniency program. It explains how ACM deals with leniency applications.