Commercial Distribution

Recent Articles

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  09/07/2025

  Switzerland

  Advertising discount pricing in Swiss retail: SECO provides guidance on the Revised Price Indication Ordinance

  On 1 January 2025, revised rules on self-comparative pricing entered into force. Retailers now benefit from increased flexibility when advertising price reductions. They may choose between the traditional "halving rule" and the "two-month limitation" and a new 30-day rule allowing unlimited comparison periods. This dual-track regime simplifies pricing strategies, especially in online and seasonal retail, and reduces administrative effort. In connection with this regime, SECO has provided additional guidance on the application of these revised rules. Swiss retailers gain flexibility in price...

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  13/06/2025

  United Kingdom

  Ofcom publishes Statement of Principles and Methods to designate Radio Selection Services

  The Media Act 2024 (the “Act”) introduced new rules for “radio selection services” (“RSS”), internet-based services which allow for internet radio to be played following voice activation. The Act requires that RSS which have been designated by the Secretary of State (on Ofcom’s recommendation) must reliably provide the online stream of UK broadcast radio services at no cost to the radio station provider itself. For more details on this new regime please see our previous articles here and here.On 15 May 2025, Ofcom published its final Statement of Principles...

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  13/06/2025

  United Kingdom

  Im­ple­ment­a­tion of the Media Act 2024 Continues: Draft Regulations and Consultation on Original, Regional and Independent Productions Published

  On 6 May 2025, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (“DCMS”) published two draft statutory instruments which, if finalised and approved by Parliament, will implement changes concerning production quotas set out within the Media Act 2024. The draft instruments have been published to support the consultation procedure which must be completed before they can be laid before Parliament and become law.The relevant consultation was published by Ofcom on 15 May. It sets out its approach to implementing the new framework for production quotas, including the levels of original production...

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  28/04/2025

  Germany

  Mobility in the 2025 Coalition Agreement

  Extensive need for action in the mobility sectorThe coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD for the next four years contains numerous measures to promote mobility in Germany and some changes to transport policy. These measures are aimed at making mobility more environmentally friendly and efficient while at the same time strengthening the automotive industry.Tax incentives for e-mobility and accelerated expansion of the charging station infrastructureThe coalition agreement provides for various tax breaks in the area of e-mobility. Details on the implications for e-mobility can be found...

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  07/04/2025

  United Kingdom

  The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme will go live from 1st July 2025

  The government has announced that the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme will go live from 1st July this year.The Scheme requires the registration of:Arrangements to undertake political influence activities in the UK that are directed by a foreign power (the “Political Influence Tier”); andArrangements with foreign entities for such activities as may be specified (the “Enhanced Tier”).Arrangements registered under the Political Influence Tier will, subject to some exceptions, be published on a publicly available register.A key intent behind the Scheme is to increase transparency...

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  13/03/2025

  Belgium

  New rules apply to employee in­vest­ig­a­tions – employers must act now

  Belgium’s Private Investigations Act (PIA) has been in force since 16 December 2024, replacing the 1991 Private Detectives Act with stricter compliance rules and enhanced privacy protections. Employers must immediately comply with new licensing requirements, investigative procedures, and employee privacy safeguards.Scope and applicationPrivate investigation activities are defined as those:Performed by a natural personRequested by an employer from the private or public sectorInvolving the collection and processing of information about individualsAiming to protect the employer's interests in...

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