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Highlights
- ACCC takes steps to control illegal pricing and selling of rapid antigen tests (RAT’s) in Australia.
- The competition regulator has sought an explanation from more than 50 test suppliers, including major retailers and pharmacy chains, on costs, current pricing, and stock availability.
- A probe has begun into claims by certain suppliers that government bodies may have diverted or sought priority supply of the tests.
Australia’s competition regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has tightened its grip over those involved in the malpractices concerning the pricing and selling of rapid antigen tests (RAT’s) in Australia. The competition watchdog is probing various potential Australian Consumer Law violations following the continuous increase in consumer reports.
ACCC has received almost 3,900 reports from consumers about RATs between 25 December 2021 and 26 January 2022, averaging roughly 121 reports daily. The most complained-about sector involves the Pharmacies, attracting 1,309 complaints, outstripping petrol stations (781 complaints). This is followed by convenience stores, tobacconists and supermarkets (764 complaints).
The competition regulator has asked over 50 test suppliers, major retailers and pharmacy chains to explain their costs, current pricing, and stock availability. These suppliers have also been warned that they should be able to substantiate any claims made to consumers about the reasons for increased prices.
ACCC has recently referred several matters to both the Australian Federal Police and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) following tip-offs by consumers about alleged illicit re-selling, package splitting, and sale of tests not permitted for home use in the country.
Besides, an investigation has begun into claims by certain suppliers that government bodies may have diverted or asked for the priority supply of the tests.
ACCC stated that analysis of reports suggest that many people are still paying around AU$24 per test, noting that consumers are unlikely to report more reasonable prices to the watchdog.
As per the ACCC, wholesale prices remain between $3.82 and $11.42 per test.
