Antitrust laws in the digital era: A good time for a self-audit in your supply chain

BY ZEPOS & YANNOPOULOS

Even casual observers have undoubtedly noticed the explosion of e-commerce that has taken place over the last decade. Supply chains all over the world have been reshaped, probably forever. What's more, one of the Covid-19 pandemic's side effects has been to bring online sales channels to new prominence. According to recent research, in 2020, e-commerce turnover in Greece doubled to 15 billion euros. As expected, this shift has resulted in increased scrutiny by competition authorities worldwide. One such authority is the notably proactive Hellenic Competition Commission, whose press release in March 2020 served as a stark reminder of its vigilance: When it comes to competition rules on supply contracts and distribution agreements, there are lines that cannot be crossed. 

In the European Union, agreements between operators at...