THE WHAT? The European Commission has carried out unannounced inspections at several fragrance and fragrance ingredients firms and an association active in the fragrance industry and sent out formal requests for information to several companies active in the sector.

THE DETAILS The Commission said that it suspects that companies and an association in the global fragrance industry may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit price-fixing and restrictive business practices. The inspections were carried out in consultation with the UK Competition and Markets Authority, US Department of Justice and Swiss Competition Commission.  

THE WHY? The inspections and requests for information concern possible collusion in relation to the supply of fragrances and fragrance ingredients.