The European Commission and national competition authorities have the power to pay unannounced visits to companies and search their premises. These visits, commonly known as “dawn raids”, can have a big impact on those affected. Do you know your rights and obligations during a dawn raid? AKD has made a quick reference card offering practical tips and useful information.
The European Commission and national competition authorities conduct dawn raids on the basis of indications that the companies in question violated competition regulations.
The dawn raids are an instrument for the supervisory authorities to gather information about potential competition law violations. The European Commission and national competition authorities have extensive powers in that context, including the authority to search the company's books and records, interview staff and enter private dwellings. They also have the authority to make copies of all relevant records, including digital data.
Companies are obliged to lend their cooperation to a dawn raid. However, companies and their staff do have fundamental rights, such as the right against self-incrimination and the right to legal assistance. Companies wishing to avoid unpleasant surprises, either at the dawn raid itself or later, should inform themselves of the rights and obligations they have and some basic rules of conduct when the European Commission or national competition authorities stage a dawn raid.
Below, you will find AKD's quick reference card, which offers practical tips & tricks and useful information on exactly those aspects. The card also includes our key contact information, in the event you need our immediate assistance during a dawn raid.