Consumer Protection

Cadmium Exceedance in Garlic from China

A RASFF notification was filed on 21 April 2026 by the Netherlands regarding cadmium exceedance in garlic from China. The analytical result was 0.092 mg/kg, nearly double the EU maximum level of 0.050 mg/kg. No distribution from the notifying country was reported. For importers, processors, and distributors in the garlic supply chain, this alert signals that Chinese garlic products may face increased scrutiny for heavy metal contamination. The Netherlands has notified the consignor; supply chain operators should monitor for potential enforcement actions or border rejections in other EU member states.

Ethephon Pesticide Residue Exceeds EU Limit in Pineapple from Benin

A RASFF notification was raised after Belgian authorities detected ethephon pesticide residues at 9.8 mg/kg in a pineapple shipment from Benin — approximately 4.9 times the EU maximum residue level of 2 mg/kg. Sampling was conducted on 15 April 2026. Belgium has taken action by informing authorities and reinforcing checks on pineapples, which have been distributed to other EU member countries. No follow-up actions have been recorded as of the notification date.

Animal Rescuers FTC Rulemaking Petition, Comments Until May 26

The Federal Trade Commission received a petition for rulemaking from Animal Rescuers for Change requesting the agency initiate rulemaking to address unfair and deceptive practices in online animal sales. The Commission invites written comments on the petition, which must be filed by May 26, 2026. The FTC will not consider the petition's merits until after the comment period closes and may grant or deny the petition in whole or part, or deem it insufficient to warrant rulemaking.

FTC Online Animal Sales Rulemaking Petition

The Federal Trade Commission received a petition for rulemaking requesting regulatory action on online animal sales. The petition, posted on April 24, asks the FTC to consider new requirements for sellers and platforms facilitating online animal transactions. This filing initiates a formal request for the agency to evaluate whether rulemaking is warranted to address consumer protection concerns in this market.

Frerichs Returns Record $2.5B via I-Cash Program

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the I-Cash unclaimed property program has returned over $2.5 billion to more than 2.5 million people, nonprofits, and businesses since 2015. The program, established in the 1960s, was modernized to allow electronic claims filing and cross-referencing state databases. Frerichs also took on insurance companies, working with lawmakers to pass legislation requiring companies to pay unclaimed life insurance benefits, resulting in over $500 million in policies paid directly to beneficiaries. The Enhanced Money Match program has automatically returned over $130 million to more than 870,000 people since 2018.

Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Announces ICash Online Auction of Unclaimed Property

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announces an online ICash auction of unclaimed property items running April 24 through May 3, 2026, featuring 150 lots including Hall of Fame baseball cards (Ryne Sandberg, Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan), a gold ingot, and an 1868 French Napoleon III coin. The auction, conducted on the HiBid platform, includes commemorative medals, gold jewelry, silver bars, vintage currency, and pocket watches surrendered to the Treasurer's Office after private entities fail to locate owners over several years. Proceeds will be held for rightful owners indefinitely.

FNE Chile Approves ValoraMás Tire Waste Bidding Modifications

The Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) delivered an opinion to the Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia (TDLC) finding that proposed modifications to the ValoraMás tire waste management system's bidding terms do not pose competition risks. The key change is the separation of integrated services—collection, pretreatment, and valorization of used tires—into independent service categories, allowing specialized operators to compete at each stage separately. FNE determined this desegregation eliminates the current requirement for collectors to maintain storage and classification facilities, which FNE identified as an entry barrier.

FNE Anticartel Division Begins Training Program with PDI Economic Crimes Units

The Anti-Cartel Division of Chile's Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) conducted virtual training on April 24, 2026, with the Economic Crimes Brigade (Bridec) of the Investigations Police (PDI) in Arica. The training covered competition law regulation and institutional framework, as well as collusion prosecution and inter-agency collaboration. This event launched a year-long training program that the FNE Anti-Cartel Division will deliver to Bridec units across all regions of Chile.

Government Ministries Navigation Page - PIB India

This document is a navigation index page on the Press Information Bureau of India (PIB) website listing all Indian central government ministries and departments. The page contains no substantive regulatory content, announcements, or press releases—only a hierarchical menu of ministry names in Hindi and English with navigation controls.

April 29 Deliberation Agenda, Fair Trade Commission

The Korea Fair Trade Commission published the deliberation agenda for its 18th Small Committee full session and 12th 3rd Small Committee meeting, scheduled for April 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Sejong Tribunal Court. The page includes a downloadable HWP attachment (18-2, 12-3 items) and references the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act Article 66 regarding the tribunal's authority to issue measures for maintaining order. No specific case names, parties, or agenda topics are identified in the source text beyond the meeting designation and committee numbers.

CADE Brazil Opens Technical Consultant Vacancy for DFT/Sisdip Implementation, Deadline April 28

The Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE) announced a selection process to hire specialized technical consultancy for implementing the 2nd Cycle of the Workforce Sizing Referential Model (DFT) and People Sizing System (Sisdip) within CADE. Both systems were made available by the Ministry of Management and Innovation (MGI). Applications must be submitted by April 28, 2026, via email in PDF format. Interviews will be conducted by videoconference without rescheduling options.

ENNOCONN / SUMITOMO / MIC SC Semiconductor JV Merger Cleared Under Art. 6(1)(b)

The European Commission has cleared the proposed joint venture between ENNOCONN, SUMITOMO, and MIC SC SEMICONDUCTOR under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision, issued on 24 April 2026, finds that the concentration does not raise serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The case was notified on 27 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 7 May 2026.

Permira Warburg Pincus Clearwater Analytics Merger Approved

The European Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 not to oppose the proposed acquisition of Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. by Permira Holdings Limited and Warburg Pincus LLC. The transaction, notified on 26 March 2026, involves Permira and Warburg Pincus acquiring joint control of Clearwater Analytics, a cloud-based SaaS company providing automated investment data management software. The Commission determined the operation qualifies for simplified treatment and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement.

Motherson/Nexans Autoelectric Merger Approved Under EU Regulation 139/2004

The European Commission has approved the acquisition by Motherson Global Investments B.V. (Netherlands, part of the Samvardhana Motherson group, India) of sole control over Nexans autoelectric GmbH (Germany, controlled by Nexans S.A., France). The transaction concerns the design and manufacture of wiring harness solutions primarily for the automotive industry. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting its decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 via simplified treatment.

ADVENT AFK TA VOLUE Merger Cleared Under Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission cleared the ADVENT / AFK / TA / VOLUE concentration under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 24 April 2026. The notification was submitted on 23 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 30 April 2026. The merger involves economic activities in computer programming, consultancy and related activities (NACE Rev. 2.1 code K.62). The concentration was previously published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU C/2026/2056) on 1 April 2026.

Revises Annex 13 Under Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Article 102

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has revised Annex 13 of the list defining remote areas without pharmaceutical personnel under Article 102 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (藥事法). This amendment modifies the geographic designations that determine where non-pharmacist personnel may legally practice pharmacy in areas lacking registered pharmaceutical professionals. The revision takes effect immediately upon issuance.

FNE Meets Regional Secretaries on Free Competition

On April 23, 2026, Chile's National Economic Prosecutor (Fiscal Nacional Económico), Jorge Grunberg, held a virtual meeting with the Regional Secretaries (Seremis) of the Ministry of Economy to present on the free competition system and FNE's institutional role. The meeting covered FNE's investigative mandate over anti-competitive conduct, concentration control operations, and market studies. The prosecutor emphasized the importance of regional oversight, noting that regions carry significant weight in Chile's economic activity and that FNE is actively monitoring free competition compliance nationwide.

Indian Government Press Release Portal Ministry Index

This page is a navigation portal listing all Indian government ministries and departments available on the PIB India press release website. The page displays a hierarchical structure including Prime Minister's Office, various cabinet ministries, cabinet committees, constitutional bodies, and other government entities. No specific press releases or regulatory content are detailed on this page itself.

Complete List of Indian Government Ministries and Departments

This PIB India press release page publishes a comprehensive directory of all ministries and departments of the Government of India. The listing includes constitutional bodies such as the President's Secretariat, Vice President's Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office, both Houses of Parliament, and all cabinet ministries including Finance, Health, Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, and over 50 additional ministries and departments. The page also lists attached bodies such as NITI Aayog, Union Public Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and the Lokpal of India.

Indigenously Developed Silicon Photonics Solutions Launched in Chennai

The provided source content consists primarily of a government website navigation structure listing Indian ministries and departments including Prime Minister's Office, various cabinet ministries, constitutional bodies, and other government entities. No substantive press release content about silicon photonics solutions is present in the scraped content. This appears to be a template index page rather than the intended article.

Press Information Bureau Government Press Release Directory

PIB India operates the official press release portal for the Government of India, distributing releases from over 50 ministries and departments including Agriculture, Defence, Health, Finance, and Home Affairs. This directory page provides access to archived press releases organized by ministry and date range from 2009 to 2026. The portal includes direct links to releases from the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women, and various other constitutional bodies.

Government Press Release Content Unavailable

PIB India (Press Information Bureau) published a government press release index page listing Indian ministry and department categories. The page title indicates that the specific press release content is unavailable. The page primarily serves as a navigation interface linking to various government ministry sections without providing substantive regulatory content.

Indian Government Ministries Navigation Page

This PIB India page serves as a navigational index for accessing press releases organized by Indian government ministry, department, and constitutional body. It lists ministries including Agriculture, Health, Finance, Defence, IT, and others, along with bodies such as the Election Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and Lokpal. The page provides links to archived content dating from 2009 to 2026, organized by month and year, and includes mobile app links for PIB's Android and iOS applications.

CADE Extends Competitor Collaboration Guide Consultation to June 18

CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica) has extended the public consultation deadline for the Competitor Collaboration Guide (Guia de Colaboração entre Concorrentes) to June 18, 2026. Contributions are being accepted through the Brasil Participativo platform at brasilparticipativo.presidencia.gov.br. The guide aims to increase transparency and predictability in CADE's handling of cases involving cooperation between competing companies. This is an extension from the original deadline, giving the antitrust community additional time to provide input on the draft guidance.

CADE Upholds R$250,000 Daily Fine Against Meta and WhatsApp for Non-Compliance with Preventive Measure

CADE Brazil's Tribunal unanimously upheld a daily fine of R$250,000 against WhatsApp LLC and Facebook Serviços Online do Brasil Ltda. for failing to comply with a preventive measure requiring chatbot access to WhatsApp Business. The fine, originally imposed by CADE's Superintendência-Geral, continues accruing until companies demonstrate full compliance with the order. CADE found that Meta introduced new terms allowing charges for AI chatbot messages, which could reproduce exclusionary effects similar to the clauses already suspended by the authority.

CADE 264th Session Starts, Two Processes on Agenda

The Tribunal of Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) commenced the 264th Ordinary Judgment Session on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The session marks the first presided over by interim president Diogo Thomson, who assumed the position on April 12. Two proceedings are scheduled for deliberation: an administrative process for incidental procedural sanctions against WhatsApp LLC and Facebook Serviços Online do Brasil Ltda, and an administrative inquiry into Google Inc. and Google Brasil Internet Ltda.

CADE Tribunal Approves Google Journalistic Content Inquiry Unanimously

Brazil's CADE tribunal unanimously approved the thesis of interim president Diogo Thomson, recommending that the case be returned to the General Superintendence for the establishment of an administrative process to deepen investigations into Google's use of journalistic content. The case, which originated in 2019, evolved significantly with the incorporation of AI generative features capable of synthesizing information directly in the search interface. The decision found that Google's conduct may constitute exploratory abuse of dominant position, characterized by extraction and internalization of economic value from content produced by third parties without proportional compensation.

Prime Polymer Acquires Sumitomo Chemical Polypropylene Business

The Japan Fair Trade Commission cleared Prime Polymer Co., Ltd.'s acquisition of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED's polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene manufacturing and sales business via absorption-type company split. After receiving notification on November 25, 2025, and conducting a secondary review beginning December 25, 2025, the JFTC concluded on April 24, 2026 that the proposed transaction would not substantially restrain competition in any particular fields of trade. The parties were notified that no cease and desist order would be issued, allowing the transaction to proceed with Sumitomo Chemical acquiring shares of Prime Polymer, making it a joint venture among Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan, and Sumitomo Chemical.

Competition Bureau Warns Businesses That Colluding on Public Contracts Has Consequences

The Competition Bureau Canada issued a warning on April 24, 2026, advising businesses that participating in illegal agreements related to public contracts—including bid-rigging and price-fixing—can result in criminal charges, significant fines, and lasting reputational harm. The Bureau states that collusion between competitors can increase the cost of public procurement by more than 30%, and that agreements such as bid-rigging, price-fixing, market allocation, supply restriction, wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements are criminal offences carrying penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment. Businesses found guilty of bid-rigging on public contracts may face debarment and be excluded from future government projects.

Toi-Toys Pufferz Puffer Sand Toy Recall — Asbestos in Sand Filling

The Technical Regulations Division (TRD) of the MCCAA has ordered the immediate removal from the Maltese market of the Toi-Toys Pufferz Puffer figure sand toy (model 35886Z, barcode 8714627012316) after surveillance detected asbestos fibres in the sand filling. If the toy ruptures, children could be exposed to asbestos, which is associated with serious long-term respiratory illness even at minimal exposure levels. Consumers who purchased the product are directed to cease use immediately and return it to the retailer, and retailers are obligated to redress affected consumers.

Italy SA.121528 - Digital Transformation Scheme for Broadcasters Publishers

The European Commission issued a decision not to raise objections on 21 April 2026 regarding Italy's reintroduction of a scheme supporting digital transformation of broadcasters, publishers, and press agencies. The scheme operates from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2027 and was notified to the Commission on 19 December 2025. The Italian measure provides direct grants to support the digital transition of media sector entities.

Fuel Inspections Target Remote NSW Stations

The Minns Labor Government has expanded its NSW Fair Trading fuel compliance inspection program into the most remote areas of the state, targeting service stations in Cobar and Lake Cargelligo with around 70 regional retailers on the inspection radar. Inspectors have now visited over 2,300 petrol stations and issued over 210 fines, covering 94 per cent of the state, with approximately 70% of all fines issued in regional NSW including the Southern Tablelands & South Coast, Central West and Riverina. Specific violations include a Snowy Mountains station displaying diesel at $3.00 per litre while advertising $1.96 per litre on the FuelCheck app (a $1.04 discrepancy), and an Upper Murray station selling diesel without any fuel price signage with a 25-cent per litre discrepancy between the FuelCheck advertised price and required pricing.

ZÜBLIN Geiger Bauwerksanierung Capsys Merger Phase 1 Simplified

The European Commission issued a Phase 1 clearance decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 23 April 2026 for the proposed merger involving ZÜBLIN, GEIGER BAUWERKSANIERUNG and CAPSYS. The transaction was notified on 27 March 2026 and processed under the simplified procedure, indicating the Commission found no competition concerns requiring detailed investigation. The provisional deadline for this Phase 1 review is 7 May 2026.

RTL / SKY DACH Merger Approved Phase 1 Under Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission issued a Phase 1 decision approving RTL Group's acquisition of SKY DACH under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The decision was rendered on 22 April 2026, clearing the merger at the provisional deadline without initiating a Phase 2 investigation. Commitments were submitted by the parties on 27 March 2026 during the review process. The case (M.12076) concerns economic activities in motion picture, video, and television programme activities, as well as television programming, broadcasting, and video distribution activities across the DACH region.

EC Clears Paloma Rheem / Groupe Atlantic Merger Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of Groupe Atlantic by Paloma Rheem under the simplified merger procedure. The Commission issued its decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 23 April 2026, following a Phase 1 investigation. The case was notified on 19 March 2026 and the provisional deadline was 28 April 2026. The decision applies to economic activities in the manufacture and wholesale of heating equipment, air conditioning, and domestic appliances.

Response to Public Comments on Constellation Energy Antitrust Proposed Final Judgment

The DOJ Antitrust Division filed its response to the single public comment received on the proposed Final Judgment in United States et al. v. Constellation Energy Corporation, Inc. et al. (Case No. 1:25-cv-04235-ABJ, D.D.C.). After reviewing the comment, the United States continues to maintain that the proposed Final Judgment is in the public interest because it provides an effective remedy for the antitrust violation alleged in the Complaint. The case involves plaintiffs United States and State of Texas against defendants Constellation Energy Corporation, Calpine Corporation, and CPN CS Holdco Corp.

Rising Consumer Guarantee Contacts Spark Electronics Concerns

Reports to the ACCC about consumer guarantees rose by 20 per cent to over 38,000 in 2025, compared to the previous year. About 70 per cent of people who contacted the ACCC in 2025 about an electronic product or whitegood raised issues relating to consumer guarantees, making this the sector with the most reports. The ACCC has named improving industry compliance with consumer guarantees, with a focus on consumer electronics, as a 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priority. The government has announced plans to reform the consumer guarantee provisions of the Australian Consumer Law, which will introduce penalties for businesses failing to provide remedies and for manufacturers failing to reimburse suppliers.

Emma Sleep Fined $15M for Misleading Sale Price Advertising

The Federal Court ordered Emma Sleep Pty Ltd and Emma Sleep Southeast Asia Inc to pay a total of $15 million in penalties ($7.5 million each) for misleading representations about sale prices of mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and accessories between 15 June 2020 and 27 March 2023. Of the 74 products advertised with strikethrough prices and percentage discounts, 58 had never been offered at the higher price and 16 had been offered at that price only rarely. The Court found the conduct arose from a deliberate marketing strategy and that senior management turned a blind eye to whether it violated Australian Consumer Law.

Trading Practices and Supply Chain Structure FOI Release

The Groceries Code Adjudicator published an FOI release containing information on trading practices and supply chain structure. The document was published on 23 April 2026 and provides access to the released information via a linked HTML document. This is a routine disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, making previously requested regulatory information publicly available.

FOI Release Supplier Retailer Relationships and Trading Practices UK Groceries

The UK Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has released information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding supplier-retailer relationships and trading practices in the UK groceries sector. The FOI release documents were published on 23 April 2026. This is an informational release providing access to previously requested information rather than a regulatory action or compliance requirement.