Mandatory Functions
According to the Fair Competition Act, the FCC will carry out the following functions in line with efforts to fulfill its objectives:
- Administer the Fair Competition Act and develop and promote policies for enhancing competition and consumer welfare;
- Control, manage and efficiently perform the functions of the Commission under the Act;
- Promote and enforce compliance with the Act;
- Promote public knowledge, awareness and understanding of the obligations, rights and remedies under the Act and the duties, functions and activities of the Commission;
- Make available to consumers information and guidelines relating to the obligations of persons under the Act and the rights and remedies available to consumers under the Act;
- Carry out inquiries studies and research into matters relating to competition and the Protection of the interests of consumers;
- Study government policies, procedures and programs, legislations and proposals for legislation so as to assess their effects on competition and consumer welfare and publicise the results of such studies;
- Investigate impediments to competition, including entry into and exit from markets, in the economy as a whole or in particular sectors and publicise the results of such investigations;
- Investigate policies, procedures and programs of regulatory authorities so as to assess their effects on competition and consumer welfare and publicise the results of such studies;
- Participate in deliberations and proceedings of the government, government commissions, regulatory authorities and other bodies in relation to competition and consumer welfare;
- Make representations to government, government commissions, regulatory authorities and other bodies on matters related to competition and consumer welfare;
- Consult with consumer bodies, regulatory authorities, business organizations and other interested persons;
- Consult with the competition authorities of other countries;
- Represent Tanzania at international forum concerned with matters relating to competition or the interests of consumers.
The FCC also provides a secretariat for the National Consumer Advocacy Council (NCAC), which was established under section 92 of the Fair Competition Act (No. 8 of 2003).
Functions under Merchandise Marks Act,1963 (MMA)
- To represent the interests of consumers by making submissions to, providing views and information to and consulting with the Commission, regulatory authorities and government ministries;
- To receive and disseminate information and views on matters of interest to consumers;
- To establish regional and sector consumer committees and consult with them;
- To consult with industry, government and other consumer groups on matters of interest to consumers.