The new Grocery Goods Regulations have been in effect as of 30 April, placing certain obligations on grocery businesses across Ireland
The new rules apply to retailers and wholesalers of food and drink operating in Ireland, who have, or are part of a wider group that has, a worldwide turnover of over €50 million.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is reminding wholesalers and retailers to examine the Regulations and assess their relevance to their business.
Businesses that fall under the remit of the regulations will need to appoint and train staff members to be responsible for compliance, and also name a "liaison officer", who will deal directly with the CCPC in relation to the new rules.
The CCPC has also reminded wholesalers and retailers affected by the regulations that grocery goods contracts, entered into or renewed since 30 April 2016, must be in writing.
The affected businesses must also be sure that they maintain good records of all their dealings with suppliers.
The first annual compliance reports, covering the end of April 2016 to December 2016, will need to be submitted to the CCPC by the end of March 2017.
Suppliers of grocery goods are also being encouraged to engage with the wholesalers and retailers that they supply on the changes.
The CCPC will be responsible for monitoring compliance, investigating complaints and, if necessary, taking enforcement action.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
