Samkeppnissamtökin

Samkeppnissamtökin is the Icelandic designation for the national competition authorities responsible for enforcing competition law, preventing anti-competitive practices, and promoting competitive markets. The term can refer to the collective set of such authorities in Icelandic contexts and, in some cases, to similar agencies in other jurisdictions translated into Icelandic.

In Iceland, the principal body is Samkeppniseftirlitið, which administers the Act on Competition and related legislation. The agency has powers to investigate agreements between firms that may restrain competition, to examine abuse of a dominant position, and to review mergers and acquisitions that meet statutory thresholds. It may issue decisions, impose remedies and fines, and conduct market studies, while providing guidance to businesses to promote compliance.

The Icelandic competition regime operates under national law and is linked to the European Economic Area competition framework. Enforcement is coordinated with the EFTA Surveillance Authority, which oversees consistency with EEA competition rules, and, for cross-border matters, with European Union authorities when relevant under the EEA framework.

Historically, the modern competition regime in Iceland developed in the late 20th century as part of market liberalization and closer integration with the EEA. Since then, Samkeppnissamtökin have handled investigations, merger control, and policy guidance to maintain competitive markets and protect consumer welfare.