Who is the CMA?

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK’s main competition and consumer authority. The CMA’s objective is to make markets work well for consumers, businesses and the broader economy.

The CMA has powers to tackle practices and market conditions that harm consumers and hinder their decision making. The CMA uses its consumer protection law powers to protect consumers from unfair business practices and unfair contract terms. The CMA can go to court to enforce the law and can also hold the power to protect businesses from misleading marketing by other businesses.

As part of its role, the CMA produces guidance for businesses to clarify their consumer protection law obligations and promote compliance.

The CMA shares consumer protection law enforcement powers with other bodies, such as Trading Standards Services and sectoral regulators. Where appropriate, the CMA may work with other enforcement or regulatory bodies in relation to environmental claims. The CMA also shares certain consumer protection functions with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).