The Autorité starts inquiries ex officio into the product rating systems sector

The Autorité de la concurrence has decided to start inquiries ex officio to analyse the competitive functioning of the product rating systems sector, which aims to provide consumers with information on the sustainability-related characteristics of consumer products and services.

This opinion will assess the role of product rating systems as a parameter of competition, as the information provided by the system is likely to influence purchasing decisions. The Autorité will also consider the extent to which the rating systems encourage companies to innovate to create products or services that are more virtuous in terms of sustainability.

In addition, the Autorité will examine the operation of the systems, which involve players at various stages of the value chain, and will consider any practices implemented by these players that could have an impact on competition.

Lastly, the Autorité will examine the consequences of the multiplication and coexistence of rating systems within the same sector.