FCCA updates guidelines on immunity from and reduction of fines in cartel cases

The updated guidelines take into account the amendments to the Competition Act that entered into force on 26 December 2016 and the Act on Antitrust Damages.

The so-called leniency guidelines of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) describe, among other things, the conditions under which immunity from fines relating to cartel cases can be obtained or penalty payments can be reduced. The guidelines also provide more detailed instructions regarding the application of the provisions.

The FCCA has updated the guidelines to correspond to the amendments to the Competition Act that entered into force on 26 December 2016 and to the Act on Antitrust Damages. The concept of a leniency statement was added to the Competition Act and the utilisation of information and evidence in damages court proceedings was enabled. The Act on Antitrust Damages includes provisions on using a leniency statement as evidence in damages court proceedings.

The updated guidelines replace the previous leniency guidelines of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority from October 2011 (guidelines 2/2011).

Guidelines on immunity from and reduction of fines in cartel cases

Further information: Research Officer Pekka Marttila, tel. +358 29 505 3324, Senior Advisor Mika Hermas, tel. +358 29 505 3344