Investigation procedures in Competition Act 1998 cases: CMA8

The Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) purpose is to help people, businesses and the UK economy by protecting competition and tackling unfair behaviour.

Consultation outcome

We have published our response to the consultation and an updated version of the CMA guidance on the CMA’s investigation procedures in Competition Act 1998 cases (CMA8). The updated CMA8 will take effect from 1 January 2025 and will replace the existing CMA8 on that date.

We have also published the non-confidential responses to this consultation.

About this consultation

We consulted on an updated version of CMA8 (the draft CMA8).

The draft CMA8 provides guidance on the approach and procedures used by the CMA in the exercise of its investigation and enforcement powers under the Competition Act 1998. It is an updated version of the existing CMA8 that contains new text relating to changes introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024.

The draft CMA8 also contains changes made to reflect current CMA practice and developments in CMA policy, including in relation to settlement.

In addition, there are a few paragraphs that include minor amendments or clarifications.