Several perfume manufacturers, including in Switzerland, are under investigation (symbolic image). KEYSTONE/MARTIN RUETSCHI sda-ats
This content was published on March 07, 2023 – 19:20
minutes
(Keystone-ATS)
The Competition Commission (Comco) has opened an investigation once morest several perfume manufacturers. Searches were carried out. Comco works in collaboration with the competition authorities of the European Union, Great Britain and the United States.
The investigation concerns the suspicion of agreements on prices and restrictions on the manufacture of certain perfumes, said Frank Stüssi, spokesperson for Comco, to the AWP agency. The European Commission had previously announced the opening of an investigation.
The Comco spokesperson declined to name the companies involved. A press release, with the names, will be released on Wednesday. The presumption of innocence prevails.
Unannounced inspections
The European Commission announced that it had carried out unannounced inspections on Tuesday at the premises of companies active in the perfume industry used in particular in household and body care products, suspecting anti-competitive practices.
No details were provided concerning the groups concerned, nor the suspected facts which might however have a global dimension. These inspections took place “in different member states” of the EU and the European Commission, which plays the role of competition watchdog, said it had “sent formal requests for information to several companies active in the same sector” .
The investigation concerns “possible collusion in the supply of perfumes and perfumery ingredients”. Fragrances are used in the manufacture of consumer products such as household and body care products, Brussels said.
Association at the global level
The EU executive says it fears that “companies and an association in the fragrance sector around the world may have breached EU cartel rules”.
The Commission has contacted the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice, as well as the UK and Swiss competition authorities. “The inspections were carried out in consultation with them,” she said.
“The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive practices and does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation”, underlines the Commission.
It also recalls that companies that have participated in a cartel can benefit from immunity or a significant reduction in the fine incurred if they denounce these practices and cooperate with the investigators.
“Individuals and businesses can report cartels or other anti-competitive behavior anonymously,” she explains. Contacted by AFP, the Commission did not wish to add to or comment on the information disseminated by press release.
