The Government has provided an update on the timeline for the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (“DMCCA”), after it received Royal Assent earlier this year.

In a written statement, Parliamentary under Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade, Justin Madders, said that the Government “recognises the importance of implementing the Act as soon as possible so that businesses and consumers can reap its benefits. We also understand those affected by the Act need to know when its changes will come into effect. That is why the Government is publicly setting out its plans for implementation.”

The Statement sets out the various steps that must be taken to implement the Act, including the laying of secondary legislation in Parliament, the publication of guidance from the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) setting out how it will carry out its functions and use its powers, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade approving the CMA markets guidance. It confirms that the Government is “working closely with the CMA to ensure these are in place as soon as possible”.

In terms of timeframes, the Statement outlines that secondary legislation will be laid before Parliament this autumn, after which the Government “expects to commence Parts 1, 2 and 5 of the Act in December 2024 or January 2025”. Thereafter, it is expected that the CMA will launch its first Strategic Market Status investigations.

Parts 3 and 4 of the Act will come later. The Government expects to commence them in April 2025, and the Statement confirms that “new savings schemes rules will not commence before April 2025, and this timeline is subject to continuing engagement with consumers and industry. Reforms to subscriptions contracts and alternative dispute resolution will follow later, with subscriptions reforms not commencing before Spring 2026, at the earliest.” As the Statement explains, these timeframes reflect “the quickest possible delivery of the reforms, while ensuring that the necessary consultation and other steps can take place”.

To read the Statement in full, click here.