Competition commission seeks feedback on supply of HDB lift parts

The Competition Commission of Singapore is seeking public feedback on proposals to address the availability of proprietary parts for housing board lifts to third-party maintenance contractors.

The consultation stems from allegations about refusals to supply lift spare parts for the maintenance of lifts in HDB estates. If a lift company or distributor does not provide propritary but essential parts to third-party maintenance contractors, that could create an anti-competitive situation, the Commission explained.

To address those concerns, BNF Engineering and C&W Services, which provide the BNF and Ulift brands of lifts, have proposed voluntary commitments to sell spare parts to a purchaser, subject to certain terms and conditions.

Those terms and conditions seek to address supplying of parts on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis; ensuring that the purchaser of parts is adequately qualified to service the lifts; clarifying liability; ensuring that spare parts are not modified or used for other lift brands; and seeking consent from the owner of the lift being repaired.

The public consultation will close on Nov 28.