Frequently asked questions
The Leniency Programme sets the legal framework for granting immunity from fines and for reduction of fines to undertakings in administrative proceedings concerning the infringement of competition rules.
The Leniency Programme sets out a special legal framework for granting full or partial immunity from fines in proceedings for infringement of competition rules under article 9 of the Competition Act (Law No. 19/2012, of 8 of May) and article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
For more information, visit the page about the programme.
I want to report an anticompetitive behaviour but I am not covered by the legal regime on the protection of whistleblowers
Anyone can report signs of anticompetitive behaviour, even if they have not been obtained in the context of their professional activity, helping the AdC to put an end to behavior which is harmful to competition.
If you are aware of an anticompetitive behaviour, please Report it to the AdC here.
I want to report an anticompetitive behaviour under the legal regime on the protection of whistleblowers
Anyone who intends to report information obtained in the context of their professional activity that qualifies as an anticompetitive behaviour, may use this channel, complying with the legal regime on the protection of whistleblowers. Submit your report here.
The AdC is active across borders through cooperation with similar competition authorities in the European Union and on a worldwide level, and through cooperation with several international organisations. The specialised press considers the AdC as one of the best 20 competition authorities worldwide.
To receive news about AdC’s activity, subscribe to the newsletter in Portuguese or English.
Notifications of concentration must be made and consulted through the SNEOC — System of Electronic Notification of Merge Operations — platform. See how you can register to submit a notification or access an ongoing procedure.
Visit AdC’s Recruitment page to find the available vacancies and information on how to submit your application, both for recruitment and internships.
Yes. The AdC is aware of the importance of user’s privacy.
Find more about the AdC’s Policy Privacy.
• A base rate (Phase I): €7.500; €15.000; or €25.000, depending on the turnover of the involved undertakings;
• An in-depth investigation rate (Phase II): an additional fee corresponding to 50% of the applicable base rate;
• An ex officio procedure rate: the applicable base rate is doubled.
Pursuant to art. 94 of Law no. 19/2012, of 8 May (Portuguese Competition Act), and under Regulation no. 1/E/2003, of 25 July, payment must be done in favor of the Portuguese Competition Authority at IGCP. Please contact the team for detailed payment instructions.
Please note that notifying parties are responsible for any fees related to bank transfers done in a merger control notification.
The most common forms of bid-rigging in public procurement are:
- Bid rotation, in which competitors alternate among themselves the winner of the procedure;
- Bid suppression, so that the contract is awarded to the company that was chosen by competitors to win the procedure;
- Cover biddings, which create the illusion of competition;
- Subcontracting as compensation for applicants who do not compete effectively;
- Market splitting concerning geographical areas, products and services or consumers.