Competition Protection Authority urges avoiding restrictions on school uniform purchase options

As the new academic year approaches and demand for school uniforms, stationery, and school supplies rises, the Competition Protection Authority has reiterated guidelines for this sector, aiming to reinforce compliance with the provisions of Competition Protection Law No. 72 of 2020, safeguard freedom of choice, and curb practices that may distort competition.

In a statement, the Authority called on schools, suppliers, and retailers to avoid practices that restrict consumers’ choices or limit competition among suppliers, including:

3. Delaying the announcement of school uniform specifications, thereby limiting other suppliers’ ability to provide them in a timely manner.

4. Requiring the purchase of uniform components or school supplies as a bundled package, without allowing consumers to buy their needs separately.

The Authority emphasized that setting school uniform specifications or requiring quality standards does not justify restricting purchases to a single entity when compliant alternatives are available. Enabling parents to compare prices and quality and to choose the appropriate supplier contributes to enhancing competition and protecting consumers’ interests.