On 10 May 2022, the European Commission (EC) adopted the new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER), accompanied by the new Guidelines on Vertical Restraints (Vertical Guidelines). The new rules are the result of a lengthy review process that was launched in 2018. While the overall assessment framework remains the same, the EC has introduced important changes, with the aim of clarifying how the established framework governing vertical agreements will be applied and interpreted in light of the growth of e-commerce and the evolution of the platform economy.

The new VBER will enter into force on 1 June 2022 and will expire on 31 May 2034. Agreements already in force on 31 May 2022 are subject to a transitional period of one year; they must be compliant with the new rules by 31 May 2023.