Consumer Protection

Extension of Warranty Rule Paperwork Clearance and Comment Period

The FTC requests OMB extend for three years the Paperwork Reduction Act clearance for the Consumer Product Warranty Rule (16 CFR part 701). The current clearance expires April 30, 2026, with public comments due April 29, 2026. The Rule affects manufacturers and retailers who provide written warranties on consumer products exceeding $15 in cost, with an estimated annual burden of 209,048 hours and $28,977,188 in labor costs.

Affiliate Marketing Rule PRA Clearance Extension Request

The Federal Trade Commission has requested OMB extend for three years the Paperwork Reduction Act clearance for information collection requirements under the Affiliate Marketing Rule (16 CFR part 680) and shared CFPB Regulation V enforcement. The current clearance expires April 30, 2026. The FTC is providing a second opportunity for public comment during this renewal process.

Pre-Sale Availability Rule Extension Request for Comment

The FTC is seeking public comment on extending for three years the information collection requirements of the Pre-Sale Availability Rule (16 CFR part 702). The rule requires sellers and warrantors to make written warranty terms available to consumers before purchase. The current OMB clearance expires July 31, 2026. FTC staff estimates 2,611,826 annual burden hours across approximately 26,131 manufacturers.

EC Approves €6 Billion Italian State Aid Scheme for Renewable Hydrogen

The European Commission has approved Italy's €6 billion state aid scheme to support renewable hydrogen production. The scheme, notified by Italy to the Commission, aims to accelerate the development of renewable hydrogen as part of the EU's clean energy transition. This marks one of the largest national hydrogen support programs in the EU, designed to meet renewable energy targets and reduce carbon emissions in industrial sectors.

EC Clears Phillips 66 Acquisition of Lindsey Refinery Assets

The European Commission granted non-opposition to Phillips 66 Limited's acquisition of Lindsey Oil Refinery assets from Prax Group Holdings Limited on 25 March 2026. The Commission determined the transaction falls within the scope of the EU Merger Regulation and qualifies for simplified treatment under Article 6(1)(b). The decision declares the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, allowing the transaction to proceed without conditions.

Glencore/FincoEnergies Merger Clearance Under EU Regulation

The European Commission cleared Glencore plc's acquisition of sole control over FincoEnergies B.V. pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, declaring the notified operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The decision was adopted under the simplified treatment procedure for certain concentrations. Glencore is a global natural resource company active in crude oil, oil products, natural gas, LNG, power and environmental products, while FincoEnergies is a fuel supplier and wholesaler active primarily in the Netherlands and Germany.

Italian National Pleads Guilty to Export Control Violations for Smuggling Ammunition to Russia

Italian national Manfred Gruber, 61, pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to conspiracy to commit export control violations. Gruber illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy. After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia. The case highlights enforcement of export control laws to prevent military aid to Russia in its war against Ukraine.

OEP IX / LEVIAT GROUP Merger Cleared by European Commission

The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of LEVIAT GROUP by OEP IX under the EU Merger Regulation (Council Regulation 139/2004). The notification was submitted on 25 February 2026 and the Commission issued its decision on 27 March 2026, clearing the concentration at Phase 1 without commitments. The transaction covers economic activities in fabricated metal products, lifting and handling equipment, plastic doors and windows, stone cutting and finishing, and metal structures manufacturing. The provisional deadline for the decision was 1 April 2026.

GTCR / ZENTIVA Merger Cleared

The European Commission cleared the GTCR / ZENTIVA concentration under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 27 March 2026. The notification was filed on 20 February 2026 with a provisional deadline of 27 March 2026, and the decision was published in OJEU C/2026/1290. The concentration involves economic activities in C.21 – Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations.

ACCC Updates Franchise Disclosure Register Form Requirements

Following a consultation period with franchisors, the ACCC published a new form on 30 March 2026 that changes how franchisors must provide information to the franchise disclosure register. The new form and manner of disclosure applies to all franchisors creating a new franchise profile or updating an existing profile on the register, effective immediately.

JLL/PIF/FMTECH Merger Notification Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission published a prior notification of a concentration in Case M.12358 involving JLL, PIF, and FMTECH in the Official Journal of the European Union on March 12, 2026 (OJ C, C/2026/1645). The transaction has been identified as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure, which applies to concentrations that are unlikely to raise competition concerns and receive expedited review. Interested third parties may submit observations to the Commission, but no specific comment deadline or compliance obligation is stated in this publication.

JLL / PIF / FMTECH Merger - Phase I Clearance (M.12358)

The European Commission granted Phase I clearance to the proposed merger between JLL, PIF, and FMTECH on 27 March 2026 under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The companies operate in combined facilities support activities (NACE Rev. 2.1, O.81.10). The decision text was published on 30 March 2026, and the case was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU C/2026/1645) on 12 March 2026.

Non-Opposition to EPH/TTE/EFG Concentration (Case M.12302)

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision in Case M.12302 concerning the proposed concentration between EPH, TTE, and EFG. The Commission found that the notified concentration does not raise competition concerns within the meaning of the EU Merger Regulation and therefore poses no obstacle to its completion. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 30 March 2026 under reference C/2026/2089.

Spain CISAF: Catalonia Zero-Emission Manufacturing Aid Scheme

The European Commission has approved Spain's Catalonia zero-emission manufacturing aid scheme under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF). The scheme has a budget of EUR 50 million, funded by Catalonia's regional government, and will run from entry into force until 31 December 2030. Eligible beneficiaries include SMEs and large enterprises carrying out investment projects in Catalonia for manufacturing zero-emission products, components, or critical raw materials. The aid is provided as direct grants through non-competitive open calls for applications administered by Catalonia's Directorate General of Industry.

JLL/PIF/FMTECH Merger Cleared Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission granted unconditional clearance for Jones Lang Lasalle Co-Investment Inc. (United States) and the Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia) to acquire joint control over Saudi Facility Management Company (FMTech, Saudi Arabia), which is currently solely controlled by PIF. The decision, adopted under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation, declares the concentration compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The Commission applied the simplified treatment procedure for the notification, indicating no competition concerns were identified.

JLL Co-Investment and PIF Acquire Joint Control of FMTECH

The European Commission received a merger notification (Case M.12358) concerning the acquisition of joint control by JLL Co-Investment and the Public Investment Fund over FMTECH (The Saudi Facility Management Company). Under Article 3(1)(b) of Council Regulation No. 139/2004, JLL Co-Investment and PIF will hold joint control over FMTech, which was previously solely controlled by PIF. JLL Co-Investment, part of the Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle group, focuses on investment management services globally. PIF is Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund with investments across multiple sectors. FMTech is a Riyadh-based facilities management company active in Saudi Arabia.

CCCS Consults on Proposed Commitments in Acquisition Involving Electric Vehicle Charging Companies

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore is consulting on commitments proposed by SP Mobility Pte. Ltd. (SPM) to address competition concerns arising from its proposed acquisition of Strides YTL Pte. Ltd. (ChargEco). Both parties supply Electric Vehicle Charging Points in Housing Development Board carparks in the East region of Singapore and have competed against each other since being awarded contracts under Tender TD116 in November 2022. The proposed commitments include price caps at pre-transaction levels and non-discriminatory application of discounts for three years from CCS's final decision. Public feedback is invited until 13 April 2026.

CCCS Revises Merger Procedure Guidelines, Reduces Phase 1 Review to 25 Working Days

CCS has finalised amendments to its Merger Procedure Guidelines, introducing a streamlined track that reduces the Phase 1 assessment period from 30 to 25 working days for mergers unlikely to raise competition concerns. The revisions also reduce information-submission burdens on merger parties and third parties and provide earlier clarity on whether CCS is likely to issue a clearance decision. The revised guidelines take effect on 1 May 2026, replacing the prior version effective 1 February 2022.

OPSM and Laubman & Pank Franchisor Pays $19,800 Penalty for Alleged Code Breach

Luxottica Franchising Australia, which trades as eyewear retailers OPSM and Laubman & Pank, has paid a penalty of $19,800 after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for allegedly breaching the Franchising Code of Conduct. The ACCC alleges Luxottica failed to maintain an up-to-date profile on the Franchise Disclosure Register, which must be updated by May each year to provide prospective franchise buyers, existing franchisees, and advisers with reliable information about franchise systems. Luxottica acknowledged it had failed to update its register by May 2025 and is now compliant, having reviewed its internal processes to avoid future oversight.

Australians Lost $2.18 Billion to Scams in 2025

The ACCC's National Anti-Scam Centre released its 2025 Targeting Scams Report showing Australians made 481,523 combined scam reports across Scamwatch, ReportCyber, AFCX, IDCARE, and ASIC, with 274,577 reports involving financial losses totalling $2.18 billion—a 7.8 per cent increase from 2024. The top five scam types by loss were investment scams ($837.7m), payment re-direction scams ($166.8m), romance scams ($139.9m), phishing scams ($97.6m), and remote access scams ($69.9m), collectively accounting for 60 per cent of total losses.

Georgia AG Warns Businesses on Gas Tax Suspension Compliance

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued a compliance warning to businesses following Governor Kemp's March 20, 2026 signing of HB 1199, which suspends the state's 33.3 cents/gallon gasoline excise tax and 37.3 cents/gallon diesel excise tax for 60 days. The AG stated that any business that 'purposefully fails to comply' with the tax suspension—meaning businesses that do not pass the savings on to consumers—will be investigated immediately and prosecuted under O.C.G.A. §§ 10-1-390 through 408, which prohibit unfair or deceptive acts. Consumers can report suspected violations online or by calling the Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600.

Competition Office Approves Trustmoore Acquisition by IK SC IV LUXCO

The Maltese Office for Competition has approved the acquisition of Trustmoore Cooperatief U.A. by IK SC IV LUXCO 3 S.A.R.L. The decision document detailing the approval is available via a provided link.

Public Warning Statements Issued Against Christian Zammit CMZ Woodworks, MBL Garage Door Solutions, Colin Pavia, and Universal Air Charter

The Office for Consumer Affairs within MCCAA issued public warning statements against four named parties: Christian Zammit trading as CMZ Woodworks, MBL Garage Door Solutions Ltd, Colin Pavia, and Universal Air Charter and Management Limited (company registration C70071). These warnings were published on 4 March 2026 and are publicly accessible via PDF links in both English and Maltese. The specific grounds for each warning are detailed in the individual PDF documents linked from the source.

Asbestos-Contaminated Toys Removed from Maltese Market

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority identified seven toy products containing kinetic or decorative sand contaminated with asbestos available on the Maltese market and removed them with immediate effect on 13 March 2026. Affected products include HTI Toys Stretcherz Stretch Squad, HTI Toys Stretcherz Slammerz, Addo Play Ltd Sand Art Creations, Addo Play Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures, Paw Patrol Bumper Craft Collection, and Orb Funkee Sand Toys. Consumers who purchased these products are urged to stop using them immediately and return them to retailers for redress, with retailers obligated to compensate purchasers.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published a request for comments regarding its agency information collection activities. The comment period is open for 32 days, closing on April 29, 2026. This notice is part of the standard process for reviewing and approving information collection requests under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

FTC Testifies Before Joint Economic Committee on Rising Scam Economy

The FTC testified before the Joint Economic Committee on March 20, 2026, detailing its FY2025 consumer protection enforcement: 40 law enforcement actions resulting in over $1.8 billion in consumer redress. The agency received 3 million fraud reports in 2025, up from 2.6 million the prior year, with reported consumer losses of $15.9 billion, a substantial increase from over $12 billion the previous year. Imposter scams were the most frequently reported fraud category (1 million+ reports, $3.5 billion in losses), while investment scams caused the highest dollar losses at $7.9 billion.

Air AI and Owners Banned from Marketing Business Opportunities in FTC Settlement

The FTC settled charges against Air AI, Caleb Maddix, Ryan O'Donnell, and Thomas Lancer for deceptive claims about business growth, earnings potential, and refund guarantees dating to February 2023. The proposed consent order imposes an $18 million monetary judgment largely suspended due to inability to pay, requiring only $50,000 from the operators. The order permanently bans all named parties from selling or marketing any business opportunity, from telemarketing violations of the TSR, and from making unsubstantiated earnings claims. The FTC voted 2-0 to file the proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.

FTC Chairman warns PayPal, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard CEOs on debanking

The FTC issued warning letters to the CEOs of PayPal, Stripe, Visa, and Mastercard regarding concerns about 'debanking' customers based on political or religious views. The letters remind companies of their obligations under the FTC Act and warn of potential investigations and enforcement actions for practices inconsistent with terms of service or customer expectations.

EU Approves €500M Luxembourgish Cleantech Manufacturing State Aid Scheme

The European Commission has approved a €500 million Luxembourgish cleantech manufacturing capacity state aid scheme, notified under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. The decision, published on 27 March 2026, authorises Luxembourg to grant state support to undertakings active in clean technology manufacturing capacity. Manufacturers and investors in qualifying clean tech sectors should monitor the scheme's parameters and application procedures established by Luxembourg in accordance with this approval.

Commission Approves €144 Million French State Aid for HyforSeeds Hydrogen Production

The European Commission has approved €144 million in French State aid to support HyforSeeds in the production of hydrogen. The aid was assessed under EU State aid rules and found to be compatible with the internal market. HyforSeeds will receive the funds to develop hydrogen production capacity in France.

AGCM Investigates Sephora, Benefit Cosmetics for Covert Marketing Targeting Minors

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has opened two formal investigations into Sephora Italia S.r.l. and Benefit Cosmetics LLC / LVMH Profumi e Cosmetici Italia S.r.l. for suspected unfair commercial practices linked to the premature use of adult cosmetics by children and adolescents, including those under 10–12 years of age. Inspections were conducted at the premises of Sephora Italia, LVMH Profumi e Cosmetici Italia, and LVMH Italia by AGCM officials with assistance from the Guardia di Finanza Special Antitrust Unit. The investigations centre on the phenomenon known as 'cosmeticorexia' and whether the companies failed to disclose that their products are not intended for minors while actively encouraging purchase through covert marketing involving young micro-influencers.

Merger Review Filing Fee Increases to $90,198.19 on April 1, 2026

The Competition Bureau will increase its merger review filing fee from $88,690.45 to $90,198.19 on April 1, 2026. The adjustment follows the annual Consumer Price Index adjustment framework under the Service Fees Act. Parties filing pre-merger notifications or requesting Advance Ruling Certificates under the Competition Act will be subject to the new fee.

Irmo High School to Represent South Carolina in National LifeSmarts Championship

Irmo High School earned its third consecutive invitation to the National LifeSmarts Championship after winning the South Carolina state competition in both 2025 and 2026, having previously received a wildcard bid in 2024. The National LifeSmarts Championship will take place in Orlando, Florida from April 15–18, 2026, where teams from across the country will compete for championship titles, scholarships, and prizes. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) coordinates the LifeSmarts program statewide and encourages classrooms, clubs, and community organizations to join for the 2026–2027 season.

Luxembourg Net-Zero Transition Aid Scheme Approved Under CISAF

The European Commission has approved Luxembourg's state aid scheme (SA.120921) for the net-zero transition under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF). The scheme, registered on November 7, 2025, provides direct grants for economic activities supporting the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. The Commission's decision not to raise objections was issued on March 27, 2026, and the scheme will remain in effect until December 31, 2030. Companies operating in Luxembourg seeking to undertake activities aligned with net-zero emissions objectives should monitor this scheme as potential funding may be available through this programme.

Non-opposition to concentration EURAZEO / EIFFEL / SEGULA

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision for the notified concentration involving EURAZEO, EIFFEL, and SEGULA under Case M.12309. The decision, published in the Official Journal on 27 March 2026, clears the transaction without conditions, indicating the Commission found no competition concerns in the relevant markets. The parties may now proceed to close the transaction without any regulatory remedies or restrictions imposed.

Valea / Rockaway Media / Rockaway Arts Merger M.12295

The European Commission granted conditional clearance under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 for the proposed acquisition of Rockaway Media and Rockaway Arts by Valea. The merger was reviewed under the simplified procedure at Phase 1, indicating no serious doubts as to compatibility with the internal market. The notification was submitted on 24 February 2026, with a provisional deadline of 31 March 2026 and final decision issued on 27 March 2026.

Phillips 66 / Lindsey Refinery Assets Merger Cleared Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission cleared the acquisition of Lindsey Refinery Assets by Phillips 66 under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 25 March 2026. The merger was reviewed under the simplified procedure, indicating no competition concerns. Notification was received on 2 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 9 April 2026. The transaction involves manufacture of refined petroleum products and fossil fuel products (NACE Rev. 2.1, C.19.20).

EPH TotalEnergies Joint Control EP Produzione EP NL EP UK Investments

The European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition by Energetický a průmyslový holding a.s. (EPH) and TotalEnergies SE (TTE) of joint control over EP Produzione S.p.A., EP NL B.V., and EP UK Investments Ltd via special purpose vehicle EFG Holding B.V. The Commission concluded the operation falls within the scope of the EU Merger Regulation, qualifies for simplified treatment, and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement under Article 6(1)(b). No Phase II investigation was required.

CMA Investigates 5 Businesses for Fake and Misleading Reviews

The CMA has launched five new consumer law investigations into Autotrader, Feefo, Dignity, Just Eat, and Pasta Evangelists for suspected fake and misleading reviews. The investigations focus on undisclosed incentivised reviews, suppressed negative feedback, and inflated star ratings across the funeral services, food delivery, and car sales sectors. The CMA's new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 enable direct enforcement without court proceedings, with potential fines of up to 10% of global turnover.

SWPS University and Lublin University of Technology Fined Nearly 3 Million PLN for Tuition Fee Hikes, Ordered to Refund Students

The President of UOKiK issued enforcement decisions against SWPS University in Warsaw and Lublin University of Technology for unlawfully raising tuition fees for continuing students between 2019 and 2023, when Polish law prohibited such increases. SWPS University was fined PLN 2,075,000 and Lublin University of Technology was fined PLN 921,000 — totaling nearly 3 million zlotys — for infringing the collective interests of consumers. Both universities must refund affected students the difference between tuition fees actually paid and those agreed upon when the original contract was signed. The decisions are not yet final and may be appealed to court. Within three months of the decisions becoming final, the universities must announce the refunds on their websites and individually notify eligible students of payment details.

UOKiK Fines Renewable Energy Companies Over 7 Million PLN for Unfair Practices

The President of UOKiK has fined renewable energy companies for unfair commercial practices including misleading advertising resembling official government letters, and vague or one-sided contract terms. Energia dla Pokoleń was fined PLN 6,129,221 and Polska Energia Grupa Kapitałowa PLN 904,068, totalling PLN 7,033,289 on the companies plus PLN 387,000 on five individual managers. Both decisions are not yet final and the companies have lodged appeals. UOKiK also has ongoing proceedings against Nasz Prąd regarding potentially unfair contract terms, including a provision allowing PLN 1,000 per-day penalty charges.

Spanish Film Project State Aid Scheme Approved

The European Commission has approved Spain's state aid scheme for full-length film projects, which will operate as a direct grant until December 31, 2030. The scheme aims to support the Spanish audiovisual sector.

Audit of Puerto Rico Victim Compensation Grants

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General completed an audit of the Office of Justice Programs victim compensation grants awarded to the Puerto Rico Department of Justice (Report Number 26-038). The audit resulted in one recommendation directed at the PR DOJ's grant management practices. The full findings and recommendation details are contained in the linked report PDF.

Audit of Office of Justice Programs Victim Assistance Funds Subawarded by Kentucky

The DOJ Office of Inspector General completed an audit of Office of Justice Programs victim assistance funds subawarded by the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to Green River Regional Rape Victim Services, Inc., dba New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, in Owensboro, KY. The audit, designated Report Number 26-037, identified 2 recommendations for corrective action related to subaward administration and oversight of federal victim assistance grant funds.

ACCC: Diesel Prices Up 28 CPL, Petrol Up 18 CPL Nationally

In the week to 25 March 2026, average retail diesel prices across Australia's five largest cities reached 303.5 cents per litre, an increase of 27.8 cpl (10 per cent) from the previous week, while average retail petrol prices reached 252.2 cpl, an increase of 18.1 cpl (8 per cent). International benchmark prices rose significantly, with Singapore Gasoil 10 ppm up approximately 17 per cent and Singapore Mogas 95 up approximately 9 per cent week-on-week. The ACCC received over 3,000 consumer and small business reports about fuel prices between 1 and 24 March, with reports including multiple price rises in the same day, large overnight jumps, and service stations setting volume limits or running out of fuel.