AOAC INTERNATIONAL
ANTITRUSTPOLICY
STATEMENTANDGUIDELINES
Introduction
It is the policyofAOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC) and itsmembers to comply strictlywith all laws
applicable toAOAC activities. BecauseAOAC activities frequently involve cooperative undertakings and
meetingswhere competitorsmaybe present, it is important to emphasize the on_going commitment of our
members and theAssociation to full compliancewith national and other antitrust laws. This statement is a
reminder of that commitment and should be used as a general guide forAOAC and related individual
activities andmeetings.
Responsibility forAntitrustCompliance
TheAssociation's structure is fashioned and its programs are carried out in conformancewith antitrust
standards. However, an equal responsibility for antitrust compliance __which includes avoidance of even
an appearance of improper activity__ belongs to the individual. Even the appearance of improper activity
must be avoided because the courts have taken the position that actual proof ofmisconduct is not required
under the law. All that is required iswhethermisconduct can be inferred from the individual's activities.
Employers andAOAC depend on individual good judgment to avoid all discussions and activitieswhich
may involve improper subjectmatter and improper procedures. AOAC staffmemberswork
conscientiously to avoid subjectmatter or discussionwhichmayhave unintended implications, and
counsel for theAssociation can provide guidancewith regard to thesematters. It is important for the
individual to realize, however, that the competitive significance of a particular conduct or communication
probably is evident only to the individualwho is directly involved in suchmatters.
AntitrustGuidelines
In general, theU.S. antitrust laws seek topreserve a free, competitive economy and trade in theUnited
States and in commercewith foreign countries. Laws in other countries have similar objectives.
Competitors (including individuals)maynot restrain competition among themselveswith reference to the
price, quality, or distribution of their products, and theymaynot act in concert to restrict the competitive
capabilities or opportunities of competitors, suppliers, or customers.
Although the JusticeDepartment andFederal TradeCommission generally enforce theU.S. antitrust laws,
private parties can bring their own lawsuits.
