Uruguay

The CDPC operates within the Ministry of Economy and Finance with investigative and decision-making powers. The Tribunal de Defensa de la Competencia was established to adjudicate appeals.

Horizontal agreements that restrict competition are prohibited, including price-fixing, market allocation, and bid-rigging.

Vertical agreements that restrict competition are prohibited, including resale price maintenance and exclusive dealing.

Abuse of dominant position is prohibited, covering exploitative and exclusionary conduct.

Mandatory pre-merger notification for concentrations exceeding prescribed thresholds. The CDPC reviews within defined timelines.

The law provides for leniency, but the programme is not yet widely utilised. Implementing guidelines are developing.

The CDPC may accept commitments from investigated parties. Formal settlement procedures are limited.

Administrative fines based on severity and duration of the infringement. No criminal sanctions for competition law violations.

No specific digital markets regulation. General competition rules apply to digital businesses.

URSEC (telecoms), URSEA (energy and water), and the Central Bank of Uruguay exercise concurrent regulatory powers in their sectors.

The CDPC has investigation powers including document requests and inspections. Dawn raid capabilities are developing.

Affected parties may seek damages through civil courts. Private competition litigation is rare.

Active in Mercosur competition cooperation. Participates in ICN and UNCTAD programmes. Bilateral cooperation with Brazilian and Argentine authorities.

Focus on concentrated markets including cement, fuel, and telecommunications. Growing merger review activity. Institutional capacity building ongoing.