The European Commission is conducting surprise inspections at companies in the non-alcoholic drinks sector in various Member States. Concurrently, the Commission has formally requested information from a company in the personal care sector.

The Commission suspects that these companies may have breached EU antitrust rules, which prohibit cartels, restrictive practices, and abuses of dominant positions, as outlined in Article 101 and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Investigations focus on possible restrictions on the trade of goods within the Single Market and market segmentation. These investigations are ongoing and involve multiple Member States.

Commission officials are working alongside national competition authorities.

Background

Unannounced inspections are an initial step in investigating suspected anticompetitive practices. Such inspections do not imply guilt, nor do they prejudge the investigations outcome. The Commission ensures companies rights to defense, particularly their right to be heard in antitrust proceedings.

Requests for information under Article 18(3) of EC Regulation 1/2003 help gather data on suspected anticompetitive practices. Companies must respond fully within the Commissions specified timeframe.

There is no legal deadline for completing anticompetitive conduct inquiries. Duration depends on factors like case complexity, company cooperation, and defense rights exercise.

Under the Commissions leniency program, companies involved in secret cartels may receive immunity or fine reductions for reporting and cooperating. The Commissions whistle-blower tool allows anonymous reporting of cartel or anticompetitive behavior. More information on the leniency programme and whistle-blower tool is available on DG Competitions website.