Rating systems: the Autorité launches a public consultation until 15 May as part of the preparation of an opinion

The recent rise of sustainability-related rating systems

Information on the sustainability-related characteristics of the products or services offered to consumers has been on the rise for several years. This information, often provided by rating systems expressed in the form of numbers, letters or colours, aims to enlighten consumers about the sustainability-related characteristics of consumer products and services. The systems rate various factors such as nutritional quality and environmental and biodiversity impact.

In parallel, a growing number of consumers are keen to obtain more information on sustainability-related characteristics before or at the time of purchase. The rating systems are therefore destined to play an increasingly important role in the competitive landscape for a large number of consumer goods/services sectors.

The Autorité has started inquiries ex officio to analyse the rating systems sector

In February, the Autorité de la concurrence decided to start inquiries ex officio to analyse the competitive functioning of the rating systems sector, which aims to provide consumers with information on the sustainability-related characteristics of consumer products and services. Systems that do not provide a rating, such as certain labels, designations, standards or certifications, are excluded from the scope of the opinion.

The opinion will assess, in particular, the impact of rating systems on competition, as the information provided by the systems 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.

The Autorité launches a public consultation until 15 May 2024

In order to gather feedback from stakeholders, the Autorité de la concurrence is launching a public consultation.

The information gathered will feed into the work of the Autorité, which will issue its opinion in the coming months.

Stakeholders are invited to submit their responses to the Autorité by Wednesday, 15 May 2024 to avis.notation@autoritedelaconcurrence.fr.