The acknowledgement that competition legislation will have an impact on economic development of a country. Competition policy therefore has an indirect effect on consumers. Both elements are important. These are the reasons consumers have an interest in competition policies. Open competition does not guarantee consumer access to goods and services, product safety, or quality.
Consumers seek a broad range of products at reasonable prices.
Products made under different types or scales of production will have different costs, but competition policy should facilitate equal access to the marketplace for all producers. However, many small producers currently face significant barriers to entry. Market conditions may leave more vulnerable or geographically remote consumers without access to means to meet their basic needs, or allow the distribution of unsafe goods. This is often the case in the non-formal economy, or for those living at subsistence levels. Industries need regulation to ensure access for all.