Core functions of the Authority
At the heart of a strong and sustainable economy is competition – and that’s where we come in. The Italian Competition Authority works to keep markets open, fair and competitive. We protect consumers, encourage ethical business practices and promote transparency across both the public and private sectors. Our goal is simple: to make the economy work better for everyone.
The Authority’s core responsibilities include:
- PROMOTING FAIR COMPETITION
We work to ensure that markets remain open and competitive by preventing anti-competitive practices.
Legal basis:
- PROTECTING CONSUMERS
We take action against unfair commercial practices targeting consumers and micro-enterprises. We also prevent misleading and unlawful comparative advertising, and ensure consumer contracts are free from unfair terms.
Legal basis:
- Legislative Decree 206/2005 (Consumer Code)
- Legislative Decree 145/2007
- MONITORING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
We oversee and address potential conflicts of interest involving Government office-holders, helping to uphold transparency and integrity in public office.
Legal basis: Law 215/2004
- ASSIGNING THE LEGALITY RATING
We award the so-called Legality Rating to companies that apply and meet high standards of legal compliance, transparency and ethical business conduct. Our rating system promotes business integrity and can offer companies tangible benefits.
Legal basis: Law Decree 1/2012, section 5-ter
Additional responsibilities
The Authority is also tasked with:
- Preventing abuse of economic dependence that undermines competition and market fairness
- Monitoring contractual practices in the agri-food supply chain
- Enforcing national rules on late payments
- Overseeing the marketing of sports broadcasting rights
- Providing expert opinions under the Electronic Communications Code on the assignment of radio frequencies and the analysis of relevant product and service markets in electronic communications