The European Commission is conducting unannounced inspections for anti-trust violations by companies active in the wood pulp sector in its Member States.
In a statement, it said that it “has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive practices”.
Wood pulp is used to manufacture paper and cardboard products, and has an influence on the value of secondary fibre materials.
These unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices, but does not mean the companies are guilty of anti-trust violations.
European Commission officials carried out the inspections along with counterparts from relevant national competition authorities.
There is no legal deadline for when anti-trust investigations need to be completed by the European Commission.