ACCC allows Agsafe to introduce changes to accreditation program
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a final decision authorising a number of minor changes to Agsafe's accreditation scheme for handling and storage of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Agsafe currently has an authorisation* for its accreditation scheme and Code of Conduct which contains provisions for Agsafe to apply trading sanctions to businesses that fail to meet its accreditation standards.
Agsafe sought to vary** its current authorisation to incorporate minor amendments to its accreditation program and Code of Conduct. The amendments include changes to how the accreditation program is delivered, to the fees for obtaining Agsafe accreditation and to the timing of warnings for imposing trading sanctions.
"The ACCC has considered the amendments and is of the view that the majority are minor in nature and do not affect the balance of public benefits and public detriments resulting from the current authorisations", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel said.
The ACCC notes that Agsafe's current authorisations will expire in July 2007. Should Agsafe wish to seek re-authorisation of its arrangements, the ACCC will review the accreditation scheme and the ability of Agsafe to impose trading sanctions. The ACCC will consider whether authorisation is still appropriate in the current environment.
A copy of the final determination will be available in the authorisation public register.
*The ACCC has the function, through the authorisation process, of adjudicating on certain anti-competitive practices that would otherwise breach the Trade Practices Act 1974. Authorisation provides immunity from court action, and is granted where the ACCC is satisfied that the practice delivers a net public benefit.
**Section 91A of the Trade Practices Act 1974 provides a mechanism for applicants to apply for a minor variation to existing authorisations. In assessing applications for minor variation the ACCC must be satisfied that the amendments to the authorisation are minor and do not result in a reduction in the public benefits resulting from the original authorisation.
