Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation

What is the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation?

The Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) sets out how EU competition law applies to agreements in the motor vehicle sector, including:

• the sale and distribution of motor vehicles;
• the supply of spare parts; and
• the provision of repair and maintenance services.

Under Article 101 TFEU, agreements that restrict competition are generally prohibited. However, the MVBER provides that certain types of agreements in the motor vehicle sector may be compatible with competition law where they meet specific conditions.

The MVBER operates alongside the general Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and is supplemented by European Commission guidelines.

Why does the MVBER exist?

The MVBER reflects the specific features of the motor vehicle sector, including:

• the importance of ongoing repair and maintenance services;
• the role of authorised and independent repairers; and
• the need for access to spare parts, tools, and technical information.

The rules are designed to ensure that:

• competition in repair and maintenance markets remains effective;
• consumers can choose freely where to have their vehicles serviced or repaired; and
• independent repairers are able to compete with authorised networks.

What types of practices can raise competition concerns?

The MVBER and related guidance highlight a number of practices that may restrict competition, particularly where they limit consumer choice or exclude independent operators.

Restrictions on where vehicles can be serviced

• Preventing motorists from using independent garages for routine servicing or repairs not covered by warranty;
• Making warranties conditional on servicing being carried out only within an authorised network.

Consumers must be free to choose where to service their vehicle, provided the work is carried out appropriately.

Restrictions on the use of spare parts

• Requiring motorists to use only original or manufacturer‑branded spare parts for routine maintenance or repairs not covered by warranty;
• Stating that warranties will be invalid unless original parts are used.

Non‑original spare parts of matching quality can be used without affecting a vehicle warranty.

Restrictions on access to repair and diagnostic tools

• Limiting or denying independent repairers access to repair and maintenance information;
• Restricting access to diagnostic tools or software;
• Restricting access to onboard diagnostic data (OBD).

Independent repairers must be able to access necessary tools and data on fair and reasonable terms.

Restrictions in agreements between suppliers and repair networks

• Agreements that indirectly require motorists to use only authorised repairers;
• Arrangements that make it difficult for independent repairers to compete effectively.

Such practices may amount to anti‑competitive agreements or, in some circumstances, an abuse of a dominant position.

How can these practices affect consumers?

Restrictions of this kind may:

• limit consumer choice;
• increase the cost of servicing and repairs;
• reduce competition and innovation in aftermarket services; and
• disadvantage independent repairers.

What has the CCPC done in this area?

The CCPC has received complaints about potentially anti‑competitive conduct in the motor vehicle sector, particularly in relation to:

• restrictions linked to vehicle warranties;
• access to spare parts; and
• access to diagnostic tools and information.

In July 2025, the CCPC wrote to operators across the motor vehicle industry to highlight these concerns and remind businesses of their obligations under competition law.

Examples of practices that raised concerns

The issues raised included:

• motorists being told their warranty would be void if routine servicing was carried out by an independent garage;
• motorists being told that using non‑original spare parts would invalidate their warranty;
• independent repairers being unable to access tools or data needed to repair certain vehicles.

These types of practices may restrict competition between authorised and independent repairers and lead to higher prices and reduced choice.

What should businesses do?

Businesses operating in the motor vehicle sector should:

• review their distribution, repair, and warranty arrangements;
• ensure that agreements do not restrict consumer choice unnecessarily;
• allow the use of independent repairers where appropriate;
• permit the use of matching‑quality spare parts; and
• ensure that independent repairers have appropriate access to tools, technical information, and data.

Complaints

If you believe you have evidence of anti‑competitive behaviour in the motor vehicle sector, you can contact the CCPC.