Competition Commission Review of Regulatory Barriers to Market Participation

Posted 22 April 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Trade

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the Competition Act, No. 89 of 1998, the Competition Commission has initiated a review of regulations that may act as barriers to competition and the entry or expansion of firms.

The review follows a reference in the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) regarding the importance of reducing red tape and improving the ease of doing business. The Commission is specifically targeting regulatory barriers that impede market participation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across all sectors.

According to the Commission, these barriers may be price-related or non-price-related and include regulations that are “reasonable in principle but … poorly implemented.” The scope of the review includes an assessment of:

  • Sector-specific policies and licensing frameworks;
  • Administrative requirements that restrict market entry; and
  • Provisions that limit the expansion of existing firms.

Stakeholder input is sought by 5 June 2026. Submissions should include concrete proposals for simplifying, amending, or repealing the regulatory provisions concerned without undermining consumer protection, market functioning, or development objectives.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligation; however, legal and compliance professionals should monitor the review for potential changes to sector-specific licensing requirements that affect professional practice.
  • For your business: Firms should identify specific administrative or price-related regulatory bottlenecks that increase operational costs and prepare a formal submission to the Commission by the 5 June 2026 deadline.
  • For your clients: Advise clients in highly regulated sectors to audit their licensing and compliance frameworks to identify “red tape” that can be challenged or proposed for repeal under this review process.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/competition-commission-to-review-regulatory-barriers-to-market-participation

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