EC Sends Statement Of Objection To Smart Card Chip Suppliers

The European Commission has sent a statement of objection to suspected participants in a smart card chips cartel, the organization said in a release.

The Commission has notified suppliers of smart card chips for mobile phone SIM cards, bankcards, passports, identity cards and other devices that they may be in breach of EU antitrust rules. According to the Commission, some chip suppliers may have conspired to keep prices up within the European Economic Area.

“It is not because settlement talks fail that companies get off the hook. The essence of settlement is to benefit from a quicker, more efficient procedure, and to reach a common understanding on the existence and characteristics of a cartel. Ifthat is not possible, the Commission will not hesitate to revert to the normal procedure and to pursue the suspected infringement,” said Commission Vice President in charge of competition policy, Joaquín Almunia.

According to the Commission, previous attempts at exploring a settlement with the companies are being discontinued due to a lack of progress.

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