What we do

The ACCC's international activities aim to promote and help develop effective competition and consumer protection regimes around the globe in the interests of developing competitive and fair markets and improving access for Australian exporters. More specifically, the Commission aims to increase dialogue with our international counterpart agencies to enhance information sharing and facilitate investigative and enforcement cooperation—which is increasingly important in a global economy.

Aims of the ACCC's international activities

  • Effective and well considered application of competition, consumer protection and regulatory regimes with the objective of developing and implementing ‘best practice’ regulation.
  • Establishment and continued enhancement of competition and consumer protection regimes in developing countries, particularly in the Asia–Pacific region, to improve domestic efficiency and consumer welfare in these countries.
  • Greater access to, and confidence in, foreign markets for Australian business and consumers through effective implementation of competition, consumer protection and regulatory regimes in foreign markets.
  • Provision of training and development opportunities for all ACCC staff through involvement in relevant international activities.

The Commission achieves these objectives by

  • Promoting cooperation in the implementation of laws with its international counterparts, including through the development of various cooperative arrangements.
  • Helping Australia’s trading partners develop and implement effective competition, consumer protection and regulatory regimes.
  • Participating in international forums such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) and the International Competition Network (ICN). (See links in Related documents for the websites of all of these organisations.)
  • Facilitating international staff exchange and training programs and placements.