Communication
The aim of the protection of market competition is primarily to create benefits for consumers and equal conditions for all entrepreneurs on the market, who, acting in accordance with the existing rules and competing on the market with the quality, price and innovation of their products and services, contribute to the overall development of the economy.
CCA opens infringement proceeding against Hrana Tec
The complainant PIK Vrboves stated that in the production and processing of meat it uses the clipping machines made by Poly -clip System GmbH & Co. KG whose agent and authorised distributor for Croatia is the company Hrana Tec.
The complainant claims that in September 2017 it ordered and paid for an original spare part for the clipping machine but the authorised repairer Hrana Tec refused to install the part concerned as soon as it noticed that the clipping machine concerned already contains consumables that had been purchased from a distributor different from Hrana Tec.
At the same time, Hrana Tec allegedly warned PIK Vrbovec that if it continues to purchase productive material from any other manufacturer and to install it in Poly-clip System clipping machines, Hrana Tec will refuse to supply it with spare parts and consumables and provide repair services.
In addition, the complainant is concerned about the free-of-charge servicing or charging only a flat rate by Hrana Tec to all its customers that buy consumables exceeding a certain value of purchase. This could result in a spill-over of its significant market power to another market.
The proceeding will have to answer the question whether the allegations submitted by the complainant constitute abusive practices in the sense of competition rules by Hrana Tec.
The CCA notes here that the mere opening of an infringement proceeding does not mean that the practices described in the initiative necessarily constitute an infringement of competition rules. The CCA decides on the merit on a case-by-case basis according to the established facts of any particular case.
In line with its confidentiality obligation, the CCA cannot give comments or release details about an ongoing case. Its final decision will be published in its entirety on this website.