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UOKiK Investigates Decora Flooring Panels for Price Fixing Allegations

14.08.2024 | 🇵🇱 Polish competition authority

The President of the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has initiated an investigative procedure and conducted searches at the premises of Decora and its retailers over suspicions of illegal agreements on pricing.


The UOKiK is investigating Decora, a manufacturer of flooring panels, over suspicions of engaging in illegal agreements with its retailers. The investigation focuses on potential price-fixing of vinyl flooring panels and related accessories, as well as market allocation practices among businesses.

Searches were conducted at the headquarters of Decora and several retailers, including allegations of setting prices in line with catalog prices provided by Decora to distributors. The company may have enforced pricing policies on its retail partners, leading to sanctions for non-compliance, such as refusal of supplies or delayed deliveries. Additionally, there were possible agreements to restrict the sale of Decora products on certain online platforms.

The investigation is not targeted at specific companies but aims to uncover anticompetitive practices. If the gathered evidence confirms the suspicions, the UOKiK President will initiate antitrust proceedings and bring charges against specific entities, with potential fines of up to 10% of the company's turnover for participating in anticompetitive agreements.

Businesses and managers involved in illegal agreements could face significant fines, but leniency programs offer the opportunity to reduce or avoid penalties by cooperating with the UOKiK as a 'crown witness' and providing evidence of anticompetitive behavior. The UOKiK also encourages anonymous reporting of anticompetitive practices through their online platform for whistleblowers.

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