JFTC revises distribution guidelines, clarifies RPM exemption
( July 8, 2026, 08:49 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Japan's antitrust agency updated its distribution guidelines on Wednesday to clarify when manufacturers may qualify for an exemption from the country's ban on resale price maintenance. While the Antimonopoly Act prohibits, in principle, suppliers from setting retailers' resale prices, an exception applies where a manufacturer is deemed to be selling directly to consumers. The Japan Fair Trade Commission said in its revised distribution and business practice guidelines that a manufacturer may be regarded as making direct sales to final consumers where it bears the commercial risks associated with the products — including losses from unsold or damaged goods — as well as the costs of inventory management, transportation, advertising and sales to end users. The guidelines were finalized after a public consultation launched in May.Statements are attached (in Japanese)....
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