The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has released guidelines aimed at clarifying how companies can collaborate on sustainability initiatives without breaching competition rules. These guidelines are designed to facilitate the development and implementation of sustainability agreements.

The first section outlines general principles for assessing sustainability agreements under competition law. It identifies types of agreements that are unlikely to restrict competition, clarifies compliance rules for establishing common sustainability standards, and explains conditions under which restrictive agreements may qualify for exemptions. Illustrations are included to assist companies in risk assessment and structuring their initiatives.

The second section focuses on specific rules for sustainability agreements in the agricultural sector, detailing circumstances under which companies may benefit from exemptions under Article 210bis of the European CMO Regulation. This aims to support agricultural actors in achieving environmental goals, reducing pesticide use, and enhancing animal welfare.

Lastly, the guidelines provide information on how companies can seek additional legal certainty regarding their sustainability agreements' compliance with competition law, including guidance from the BCA. The full guidelines are available on the BCA's website.