{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/competition-act-1998/section-59",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/competition-act-1998/section-59.json",
  "legislation": "ukpga/1998/41",
  "legislation_title": "Competition Act 1998",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/competition-act-1998",
  "path": "section/59",
  "kind": "section",
  "number": "59",
  "heading": "Interpretation of Part 1.",
  "text": "(1) In this Part—\n\"agreement\" is to be read with section 2(5) and (6);\n...\n...\n...\n...\n“block exemption” has the meaning given in section 6(4);\n“block exemption order” has the meaning given in section 6(2);\n“the Chapter I prohibition” has the meaning given in section 2(8);\n“the Chapter II prohibition” has the meaning given in section 18(4);\n“class member” has the meaning given in section 47B(8)(a);\n“the CMA” means the Competition and Markets Authority;\n“collective proceedings” has the meaning given in section 47B(1);\n“collective proceedings order” means an order made by the Tribunal authorising the continuance of collective proceedings;\n...\n...\n“the court”, except in sections 49E, 58, 58A and 60A and Schedule 8A and the expression “European Court”, means—\nin England and Wales, the High Court;\nin Scotland, the Court of Session; and\nin Northern Ireland, the High Court;\n...\n“document” includes information recorded in any form;\n...\n...\n...\n“individual exemption” has the meaning given in section 4(2);\n“information” includes estimates and forecasts;\n“infringement decision”, except in section 49C, has the meaning given in section 47A(6);\n“injunction” includes an interim injunction;\n“investigating officer” has the meaning given in section 27(1);\n“investigation” means an investigation under section 25;\n“Minister of the Crown” has the same meaning as in the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975;\n“OFCOM” means the Office of Communications;\n“officer”, in relation to a body corporate, includes a director, manager or secretary and, in relation to a partnership in Scotland, includes a partner;\n“opt-in collective proceedings” has the meaning given in section 47B(10);\n“opt-out collective proceedings” has the meaning given in section 47B(11);\n...\n...\n“person”, in addition to the meaning given by the Interpretation Act 1978, includes any undertaking;\n“premises” includes any land or means of transport;\n“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State;\n“regulator” has the meaning given by section 54;\n“representative” means a person who is authorised by a collective proceedings order to bring collective proceedings;\n“represented person” means a class member who—\nhas opted in to opt-in collective proceedings,\nwas domiciled in the United Kingdom at the time specified for the purposes of determining domicile (see section 47B(11)(b)(i)) and has not opted out of opt-out collective proceedings, or\nhas opted in to opt-out collective proceedings;\n“ assimilated block exemption regulation” has the meaning given in section 10(12);\n“ assimilated exemption” has the meaning given in section 10(3);\n...\n...\n“ the Tribunal” means the Competition Appeal Tribunal;\n“Tribunal rules” means rules under section 15 of the Enterprise Act 2002.\n“working day” means a day which is not—\nSaturday,\nSunday,\nChristmas Day,\nGood Friday, or\na day which is a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 (c. 80) in any part of the United Kingdom.\n(1A) In this Part, in respect of proceedings in Scotland, “claimant” is to be read as “pursuer” and “defendant” is to be read as “defender”.\n(1B) Sections 41, 42, 45 and 46 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 apply for the purpose of determining whether a person is regarded as “domiciled in the United Kingdom” for the purposes of this Part.\n(2) The fact that to a limited extent the Chapter I prohibition does not apply to an agreement, because of an exclusion provided by or under this Part or any other enactment, does not require those provisions of the agreement to which the exclusion relates to be disregarded when considering whether the agreement infringes the prohibition for other reasons.\n(3) For the purposes of this Part, the power to require information, in relation to information recorded otherwise than in a legible form, includes power to require a copy of it in a legible form.\n(4) Any power conferred on the CMA by this Part to require information includes power to require any document which it believes may contain that information.",
  "extent": "E+W+S+N.I.",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F1",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 1 para. 35(2)(a)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F2",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) repealed (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 5 para. 6(a), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F3",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(a) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F4",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(b) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F5",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(c) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F6",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (1.10.2015) by Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15), s. 100(5), Sch. 8 para. 15(2); S.I. 2015/1630, art. 3(j)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F7",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 38(2)(a) (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F8",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(d) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F9",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(e) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F10",
      "text": "Word in s. 59(1) inserted (1.10.2015) by Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15), s. 100(5), Sch. 8 para. 15(3); S.I. 2015/1630, art. 3(j)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F11",
      "text": "Word in s. 59(1) inserted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 20(3), 279; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch."
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F12",
      "text": "Word in s. 59(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F13",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (9.3.2017) by The Claims in respect of Loss or Damage arising from Competition Infringements (Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment)) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/385), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 9(2)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F14",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) repealed (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 38(44)(a), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F15",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(f) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F16",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(g) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F17",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(h) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F18",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) cease to have effect (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 1 para. 35(2)(e) (with reg. 6(2))"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F19",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 1 para. 35(2)(f)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F20",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 371(7), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F21",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 38(2)(b) (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F22",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(i) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F23",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 1 para. 35(2)(g)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F24",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(4) (with Sch. 4 paras. 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F25",
      "text": "Word in s. 59(1) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 41(2)(d)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F26",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(j) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F27",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/93), regs. 1(1), 21(2)(k) (with Sch. 4 paras. 2, 7, 13) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1343, regs. 35-59); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F28",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 5 para. 6(b), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F29",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1) inserted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 1 para. 35(2)(h)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F30",
      "text": "S. 59(1A)(1B) inserted (1.10.2015) by Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15), s. 100(5), Sch. 8 para. 15(4); S.I. 2015/1630, art. 3(j)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F31",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(1A) inserted (9.3.2017) by The Claims in respect of Loss or Damage arising from Competition Infringements (Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment)) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/385), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 9(3)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F32",
      "text": "Word in s. 59(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 38(3) (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F33",
      "text": "Words in s. 59(4) substituted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 38(44)(b); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)"
    },
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F34",
      "text": "Words in s. 59 sidenote substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 1 para. 35(3)"
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M1",
      "text": "1975 c. 26."
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M2",
      "text": "1978 c. 30."
    },
    {
      "type": "C",
      "label": "C1",
      "text": "Pt. 1 modified (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 371(3), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)"
    },
    {
      "type": "I",
      "label": "I1",
      "text": "S. 59 wholly in force at 11.1.1999; s. 59 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 76(3); s. 59 in force for certain purposes at 26.11.1998 by S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2; s. 59 in force in so far as not already in force by S.I. 1998/3166, art. 2, Sch."
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/41/section/59",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28T17:12:29.340800+00:00",
    "licence": "OGL-UK-3.0",
    "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
    "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
  }
}