Golf Imports Caught in Price-Fixing Breach of Australian Competition Law
MELBOURNE – Golf Imports, a major national supplier of premium golf equipment, has admitted to engaging in illegal resale price maintenance (RPM) following an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The company, which has supplied several major brands to the Australian market since 2006, was found to have unlawfully restricted retailers from discounting products, potentially inflating costs for consumers for over three years.
The Violation: “Minimum Price” Clauses
According to the ACCC, between April 2022 and July 2025, Golf Imports enforced strict pricing restrictions on several prominent Australian Golf retail chains.
The supplier’s agreements contained clauses that prohibited these retailers from advertising products below a price specified by Golf Imports. To ensure compliance, the company threatened to suspend or terminate the supply of goods to any retailer that attempted to offer lower prices to consumers.
Why Resale Price Maintenance is Illegal
Under Australian competition law, it is strictly illegal for a supplier to prevent a reseller from advertising or selling goods below a minimum price. This practice stifles competition and prevents the market from setting fair prices.
“Resale price maintenance can keep prices higher than they otherwise would be and cause significant consumer harm, particularly at a time of increased cost-of-living pressure,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.
Lowe issued a stern warning to other distributors: “Suppliers should be aware that any attempt to engage in resale price maintenance could result in ACCC enforcement action, including court proceedings where appropriate.”
Resolution and Compliance
Golf Imports has formally admitted to the conduct and entered into a court-enforceable undertaking with the regulator. As part of the agreement, the company has committed to:
- Removing all RPM clauses from its online policies and supply agreements.
- Formal communication with all affected retail customers regarding their freedom to set prices.
- Implementing a rigorous compliance program to ensure future adherence to Australian competition laws.
SOURCE: Inside Retail
