The Estonian Competition Authority has begun examining how raw milk purchasing is organised in Estonia, including the contract models used and the trading practices between buyers and suppliers. It is requesting information from major raw milk buyers operating in the country about their purchasing arrangements, suppliers and contracts.

The authority’s initial aim is to build an overall understanding of how the sector works and the terms on which buyers cooperate with suppliers. Helena Tipka, head of the authority’s fair trading practices service, stressed that opening the supervisory process does not mean that a company has acted unlawfully or that an infringement has been identified.

The information collected will help the authority assess whether particular contract terms or trading practices warrant closer scrutiny. It may also use the findings to provide more targeted guidance to businesses and prepare guidance materials that reflect the sector’s needs and characteristics.

The authority will analyse the information received and, if necessary, examine specific contractual relationships and terms in greater depth. Any further steps will depend on the evidence gathered and the resulting legal assessment. The broader aim is to support lawful, balanced trading relationships and make clear to all market participants the requirements under Estonia’s PTEKS law.