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Cooperative regulatory approach
The BLE is available to all market operators as a contact for questions on the topic of “unfair trading practices”. The BLE also specifically wants to help buyers to behave in a legally compliant manner. On top of that, the BLE publishes case reports and other materials that can be used for guidance.
The BLE does not see its role as an enforcement authority exclusively as that of an investigative and sanctioning authority. Rather, the BLE aims at enforcing the regulatory objectives of the AgriOLkG by being a point of contact for all businesses in the agricultural and food supply chain. In addition, the BLE proactively approaches companies in the agricultural and food supply chain – for example in order to conduct market surveys. The BLE’s goal is to increase both the awareness and understanding of UTP legislation and encourage businesses to treat each other fairly within the agriculture and food supply chain.
The BLE firmly believes that it is not only through deterrence and sanctions, but also through such a modern, cooperative regulatory approach that grievances can be eliminated for those affected. The BLE specifically wants to help buyers to behave in a legally compliant manner. On top of that, the BLE publishes case reports and other materials that can be used for guidance. These measures are intended to make it easier for all market operators to comply with UTP prohibitions.
