Australian National Retailers Association Limited - Authorisation - A91093

ANRA sought authorisation to conduct a pilot program, supported by the Victorian government, which was to run for four weeks commencing in August 2008. Under the program, Woolworths, Coles and IGA retailers were to collectively impose a charge for lightweight plastic bags of ten cents per bag. A number of other retailers, including FoodWorks, Target and Kmart, may also have participated in the pilot program. The conduct was to occur in three locations in Victoria: Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in Narre Warren and surrounds; Wangaratta and surrounds; and Warrnambool and surrounds.

ANRA also sought authorisation to allow for the dissemination of information and data obtained from the pilot program to ANRA and its members, any other retailers that participated in the pilot program, the Victorian government and the Environment Protection and Heritage Council.

At the time of lodging the application for authorisation, ANRA requested interim authorisation to allow it to commence the pilot program from 1 August 2008.

On 17 July 2008, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation in respect of ANRA's application until 30 November 2008. The ACCC also decided to grant interim authorisation, to commence from 1 August 2008.

On 13 August 2008, the ACCC issued a determination granting authorisation in respect of ANRA's application until 30 November 2008.