What is the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)?

Dutch term: Autoriteit Consument en Markt (ACM) | Legal basis: Instellingswet ACM

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (Autoriteit Consument en Markt, ACM) is the Dutch competition authority responsible for enforcing competition law, consumer protection law and sector-specific market regulation. The ACM has the power to investigate anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and mergers that may significantly impede effective competition.

In the context of commercial contracts, the ACM enforces the Dutch Competition Act (Mededingingswet) and directly applicable EU competition law, including the prohibition on anti-competitive agreements (cartels, resale price maintenance, market allocation) and the merger control regime. The ACM also enforces unfair commercial practices rules and has authority over green claims and greenwashing.

Why it matters for international businesses

For international businesses operating in the Netherlands, ACM enforcement is relevant for distribution agreements (VBER compliance), pricing practices, merger notifications and sustainability claims.