Exclusions and Exemptions

This page outlines exclusions and exemptions under the Competition Act.

Last updated 28 May 2025

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What are the specific areas of exclusion and exemption?

To whom does the Act apply?

The Act applies to all private sector undertakings that are capable of carrying out commercial and economic activities, and it will apply regardless of whether the undertaking is owned by a foreign entity or is owned by the Government or a statutory body and unless specifically excluded.

However, as the intent of the Competition Act is to regulate the conduct of market players, it does not apply to any activity, agreement or conduct undertaken by the Government, a statutory board or any person acting on their behalf.

When did the Act come into force?

For sections 34 and 47 prohibitions, the Act applies only for an agreement in force or conduct that took place after 1 January 2006. For the section 54 prohibition, the Act applies only for a merger that has been or will be carried into effect after 1 July 2007.

What are the specific areas of exclusion and exemption?

The Competition Act provides for certain exclusions/ exemptions as follows:

Applicable prohibition(s)	Exclusions/ Exemptions
Section 34 prohibition	Vertical agreements Agreements with net economic benefits Agreements which fall within the scope of block exemptions ordered by the Minister
Section 34 and Section 47 prohibitions	Undertaking entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest or having the character of a revenue-producing monopoly Agreements/ conduct made in order to comply with requirements imposed by or under any written law Agreements/ conduct which are necessary to avoid conflict with international obligations of Singapore, and so ordered by the Minister Agreements/ conduct made on grounds of public policy, and so ordered by the Minister Agreements/ conduct which relate to any goods and services regulated by other competition law (e.g. telecommunications, electricity, gas, media) Activities of clearing houses Agreement/ conduct directly related and necessary to the implementation of a merger Agreement/ conduct that results in a merger
Section 54 prohibition	Mergers approved by the Minister or any regulatory authority under any written law Mergers under the jurisdiction of any other regulatory authority under any written law relating to competition, or code of practice relating to competition issued under any written law Mergers with net economic efficiencies Mergers exempted upon application to the Minister on grounds of public interest considerations
Section 34, Section 47 and Section 54 prohibitions	Specified activities covering: Supply of ordinary letter and postcard services Supply of piped potable water Supply of wastewater management services Supply of scheduled bus services Supply of rail services Cargo terminal operations

Where can I find more information?

Competition Act and CCCS Guidelines – Access the Third and Fourth Schedules of the Competition Act.

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