full line forcing

full line forcing

a type of ANTICOMPETITIVE PRACTICE/RESTRICTIVE TRADE PRACTICE whereby a supplier requires a retailer to take all the items making up a particular product line, thereby restricting the freedom of the retailer to select the product mix, including items from competing suppliers, that best suits his own requirements. Under the COMPETITION ACT 1980, full line forcing can be investigated by the OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING and (if necessary) by the COMPETITION COMMISSION and prohibited if found to unduly restrict competition.