Commission confirms unannounced inspections in the ethylene purchasing sector

Background and further information:

Behind the inspections were concerns that these companies might have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices.

The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authorities. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.

Ethylene is an input for the production of numerous chemical and plastic products.

The European Commission confirmed in July 2017 that it had conducted unannounced inspections on 16 May at the premises of companies active in ethylene purchasing, in several Member States.

Reuters, 26.07.17: EU antitrust regulators raided Clariant, Celanese, others https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-competition-ethylene-idUSKBN1AB2G9

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