Brussels, 09/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 8 May, the Commission announced that it had sent a statement of objections to a number of undertakings regarding their alleged role in a cartel for chloroplene rubber. Chloroplene rubber is a synthetic rubber, which is mainly used for the production of technical rubber parts such as cables, hoses, v-pelts, power transmission belts, etc, for adhesives in the shoe and furniture industry (soles, heels, coated fabrics etc) and as latex for the production of diving equipment, bitumen modification and inner soles of shoes.
The Commission did not identify the companies involved, but did point out that according to the internet site of the American Department of Justice, a number of producers- including the Italian company Syndial S.p.A. - had pleaded guilty to participating in a criminal cartel for the same product in the US (where it is known under the name of “polychloroplene rubber”) in 2005. The companies targeted by this procedure of the Commission now have two months to respond in writing or orally. After this time has passed, the Commission may take a decision which may involve fines of up to 10% of the turnover of the guilty party. Under the new directive, which has been in force since June last year, sanctions may also be scaled up by 100% in case of repeat offences (see EUROPE 9221). (cd)