The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) may obtain a search warrant authorising it to enter specified premises and seize documents and things (including electronic equipment and data storage devices) if they are of the kind of evidential material specified in the warrant.
If the ACCC has a warrant to search your premises, you must not obstruct the ACCC.
You must allow the ACCC to:
- enter and search your premises without hindrance (if the warrant accurately identifies to your premises and is otherwise valid);
- take photographs or make video recordings of the premises; and
- seize or make copies of materials and things (including electronic equipment and data storage devices).
During the course of a search, employees must answer any factual questions about documents, being careful not to make false statements or volunteer any extra information that has not been requested.
The following section sets out what to do in the event of an ACCC search pursuant to a warrant.