The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) was established on January 27, 1992 and is under the jurisdiction of the Executive Yuan (the Cabinet). The FTC is the central competent authority in charge of competition policy and Fair Trade Law in Taiwan. It is charged with drafting fair trade policy, laws, regulations, and investigating and handling various activities impeding competition, such as monopolies, mergers, concerted actions, and other restraints on competition or unfair trade practices on the part of enterprises.

As for any matters provided for in this Law that concern other ministries and commissions, the FTC may consult with such ministries and commissions to deal with them. The FTC shall have the responsibility to direct and supervise competent metropolitan and county (city) authorities in administering their matters arising under the Fair Trade Law.

1. Duties

The duties of the FTC, as provided for under the Fair Trade Law, include the following:

(1) preparation and formulation of fair trade policy, laws and regulations;
(2) review of any fair trade matters related to this Law;
(3) investigation of activities of enterprises and economic conditions;
(4) investigation and disposition of any case violating this Law; and
(5) any other matters related to fair trade.

According to Article 26 of the Fair Trade Law, "The Fair Trade Commission may investigate and handle, upon complaints or ex officio, any violation of the provisions of this Law that harms the public interest". Article 28, states: "The Fair Trade Commission shall carry out its duties independently in accordance with the law and may dispose of the cases in respect of fair trade in the name of the Commission."

2. Organization

The FTC can be generally be divided into the Commissioners' Meeting and the following departments and administrative supporting offices: First Department, Second Department, Third Department, Department of Planning, Department of Legal Affairs, Secretariat, Personnel Office, Accounting Office, Statistical Statisticsal Office, and Civil Service Ethics Office.

3. Human Resources

The FTC is by law allocated a quota of 180 to 242 personnel; it actually had 207 personnel at the end of June 2007.

(1) Educational background of FTC personnel

Master's degree or higher: 38% Bachelor's degree: 50% Junior college: 9% High school, vocational high school: 3%

(2) Age of FTC personnel

29 or younger: 6% 30 ¡V 39: 37% 40 ¡V 49: 40% 50 or older: 17% (Average age: 38.3)

(3) Specialty Specialization of FTC personnel

Law:59 persons (28%) Economics: 35 persons (17%) Others: 113 persons (55%) (The "Others" category includes business administration, information, statistics, accounting, and other fields.)