Part 3

Enforcement of consumer protection law
Chapter 4

Direct enforcement powers of CMA

Infringement notices and penalties

Provisional infringement notice
181
1
This section applies where—
a
the CMA has started an investigation under section 180 that is continuing, and
b
the condition in subsection (2) is met in respect of any person (“the respondent”) who is subject to the investigation.
2
The condition in this subsection is met in respect of the respondent if the CMA has reasonable grounds to believe that—
a
the respondent has engaged, is engaging or is likely to engage in a commercial practice constituting a relevant infringement (“the infringing practice”), or
b
the respondent is an accessory to such a practice.
3
The CMA may give to the respondent a notice under this section (a “provisional infringement notice”).
4
A provisional infringement notice must—
a
set out the grounds on which it is given, including the respondent’s acts or omissions giving rise to the CMA’s belief that the condition in subsection (2) is met;
b
set out proposed directions for the purposes of securing that the respondent complies with subsection (5);
c
invite the respondent to make representations to the CMA about the giving of the notice;
d
specify the means by which, and the time by which, such representations must be made.
5
The respondent complies with this subsection by—
a
in the case of a respondent within subsection (2)(a), not continuing or repeating the infringing practice (where it is believed that the respondent has engaged or is engaging in that practice);
b
in the case of a respondent within subsection (2)(b), not consenting to or conniving in the infringing practice;
c
in either case, not engaging in the infringing practice in the course of the respondent’s business or another business;
d
in either case, not consenting to or conniving in the carrying out of the infringing practice by a body corporate with which the respondent has a special relationship (see section 220).
6
If the proposed directions mentioned in subsection (4)(b) include the taking by the respondent of enhanced consumer measures, the notice must state that fact and include details of the proposed measures to be taken (but section 183 applies in respect of any such proposed measures specified in a provisional infringement notice as that section applies to such measures specified in a final infringement notice).
7
The means specified under subsection (4)(d) for making representations must include arrangements for them to be made orally if the respondent chooses to make representations in that way.
8
If the CMA is considering the imposition of a monetary penalty on the respondent (see section 182(4)(b)), the provisional infringement notice must also state—
a
that the CMA is considering imposing a monetary penalty;
b
the proposed amount of the penalty;
c
any further factors (in addition to those provided under subsection (4)(a)) which the CMA considers may justify the imposition of the proposed penalty and its amount.
S. 181 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 339(1)
S. 181 in force at 6.4.2025 by S.I. 2025/272, reg. 2(1)(2)