Are you faced with unfair competition as a result of the actions of a foreign government, such as illegal state support to foreign companies or discrimination in a tender? The Crash Team Oneerlijke Concurrentie (Crash Team for Unfair Competition) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs can help with this type of issue.

What is the Crash Team for Unfair Competition?

The Crash Team accepts, analyses and handles cases of unfair competition faced by Dutch companies abroad. The Crash Team consists of a network of government organisations*. For each case an ad hoc team of experts from different disciplines is put together. Where possible, this team tries to find an acceptable solution through economic diplomacy.

The Crash Team for Unfair Competition is an initiative of State Secretary Van Gennip of Economic Affairs that was started up in June 2005.

Why a Crash Team?

Through the Crash Team for Unfair Competition the Ministry of Economic Affairs is dedicated to creating a ‘level playing field’ for Dutch companies operating on an international basis.

Unfair competition may consist of assumed illegal state support to companies abroad, unlawful discrimination in tendering procedures, unjustified obstacles in market access for products and services, etc.

These obstacles are created through, for instance, obscure legislation or the incorrect application of regulations by foreign authorities. The Crash Team plays a coordinating role in finding a solution.

The approach

If, as a company or organisation, you are faced with unfair competition abroad you can first check on the website www.crashteamoneerlijkeconcurrentie.ez.nl whether the Crash Team can assist. One condition is that you are dealing with measures of a foreign government. When it concerns affairs between companies or matters in which consumers are involved the Crash Team will not get involved. In such cases the Crash Team will, however, assist you in contacting the right department.

If the Crash Team is able to help you, a team of government organisations from the Crash Team network will be compiled after analysis of your problem. This team, which is put together per individual case based on the nature of that case, will look for a solution and will keep you informed of its progress and the suggested approach. If necessary this approach may also include interventions at a political level.

* Organisations in the network are, among others, the Legal Service, Ministries and Dutch embassies and consulates.

Further information

You can submit your complaint to the Crash Team for Unfair Competition by e-mail:

crashteamoneerlijkeconcurrentie@minez.nl, by telephone on number 0900-6080700 or by mail, addressed to: Crash Team Oneerlijke Concurrentie, ALP: N206, Postbus 20101, 2500 EC Den Haag.

Companies as well as mediating organisations, such as embassies or sector organisations, are welcome at this central point of contact.

The coordination of the Crash Team is the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Team Coordinator monitors the progress of the procedure and stays in close contact with the involved parties.