Article 175: Determination of Anti-Competitive Business Conduct: Procedure of Commission on Request
- A Member State may request an investigation referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 174 where it has reason to believe that business conduct by an enterprise located in another Member State prejudices trade and prevents, restricts or distorts competition in the territory of the requesting Member State.
- Where COTED has reason to believe that business conduct by an enterprise in the CSME prejudices trade and prevents, restricts or distorts competition within the CSME and has or is likely to have cross-border effects, COTED may request an investigation referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 174.
- Requests under paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be in writing and shall disclose sufficient information for the Commission to make a preliminary assessment whether it should proceed with the investigation.
- Upon receipt of a request mentioned in paragraph 3, the Commission shall consult with the interested parties and shall determine on the basis of such consultations whether:
(a) the investigation is within the jurisdiction of the Commission; and
(b) the investigation is justified in all the circumstances of the case.
- The consultations shall be concluded within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for the investigation, unless the parties agree to continue the consultations for a longer period.
- Where the Commission decides to conduct the investigation, the Commission shall: (a) notify the interested parties and COTED;
(b) complete the investigation within 120 days from the date of receipt of the request for the investigation; and
(c) where the circumstances so warrant, extend the time period for completion of the investigation and notify the interested parties.
- Where the Commission decides to conduct an enquiry following an investigation, the Commission shall afford any party complained of the opportunity to defend its interest.
- At the conclusion of an enquiry, the Commission shall notify the interested parties of its determination.
- Where the Commission determines that a party has engaged in anti-competitive business conduct, it shall also require the party to take the action necessary to remove the effects of the anti-competitive business conduct.
- Where a specific course of action is required under paragraph 9, the enterprise concerned shall take the appropriate course of action within 30 days of the date of notification. If the concerned enterprise cannot comply, it shall notify the Commission and request an extension.
- If the enterprise cannot comply within the time period specified and fails to inform the Commission, the Commission may apply to the Court for an order.
- A party which is aggrieved by a determination of the Commission under paragraph 4 of Article 174 in any matter may apply to the Court for a review of that determination.