The Fair Trade Commission (FTC), established on January 27, 1992 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: Department of Planning,Department of Service Industry Competition,Department of Manufacturing Industry Competition,Department of Fair Competition, Department of Legal Affairs,Information and Economic Analysis Office,Secretariat,Personnel Office,Civil Service Ethics Office, and Accounting Office.

3. Human Resources

The FTC is by law allocated a quota of 180 to 242 personnel; it actually had 216 personnel at the end of December 2011.

(1) Educational background of FTC personnel

Master's degree or higher: 45% Bachelor's degree: 46% Junior college: 7% High school, vocational high school: 2%

(2) Age of FTC personnel

29 or younger: 11% 30 ¡V 39: 26% 40 ¡V 49: 39% 50 or older: 24% (Average age: 42.42)

(3) Specialty Specialization of FTC personnel

Law:67 persons (25%) Economics: 47 persons (26%) Others: 100 persons (49%) (The "Others" category includes business administration,information, statistics, accounting, and other fields.)