Highly popular with consumers, apps and other product rating systems are increasingly coming under the scrutiny of the authorities.
While the CNC (French National Consumer Council) published an Opinion of its working group dedicated to “Digital applications on the quality of food and cosmetic products” in January 2024, the Autorité de la concurrence (French competition authority) has just decided to ask for its own opinion in order to analyse the competitive operation of the product rating system sector, which aims to inform consumers about the sustainable development-related characteristics of consumer products and services.

This opinion will provide an opportunity to assess the role of these rating systems as a competitive parameter, as the information they provide is likely to influence purchasing decisions. It will also look at the extent to which these rating systems stimulate companies to innovate in favour of products or services that are more virtuous in terms of sustainability.

The Authority will also have the opportunity to examine the operation of these systems, which involve players at various stages of the value chain, and will look at any practices that these players may put in place that could have an impact on competition.

Finally, the Authority will …