EU Commission imposes first ever Fine for incomplete Information in antitrust Investigation

According to a communication dated 8 September 2025, the European Commission imposed a fine of approximately EUR 172,000 on Eurofield SAS (Eurofield) for providing incomplete responses to Requests for Information (RFIs).

Background

In June 2023, as part of an investigation into the artificial turf industry, the European Commission requested information from Eurofield. When compared with documents obtained during inspections conducted in connection with the investigation, Eurofield’s response was found to be incomplete. Consequently, in October 2023, the Commission issued a second RFI, setting a deadline and warning of potential sanctions under Article 18(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003. Eurofield again submitted a response that the Commission deemed incomplete, prompting the opening of a separate proceeding in November 2024 against Eurofield and its ultimate parent company, Unanime Sport SAS, for procedural infringements.

Assessment by the European Commission

The Commission considered the infringement to be at least negligent and serious. Incomplete submissions can significantly impair the effectiveness of antitrust investigations. Such procedural violations may be sanctioned with fines of up to 1% of annual turnover. In this case, the fine—set at 0.3% of total turnover—was reduced by 30% in light of the companies’ cooperation (acknowledgment of liability, payment of the fine, and submission of missing information) and was imposed jointly and severally on both companies. The underlying investigation remains ongoing.

Assessment / Context

This is the first time the European Commission has imposed a fine under Article 23(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 for incomplete responses to information requests in the context of a cartel investigation. The decision underscores that procedural infringements can be penalized independently of any substantive competition law violation.

Similarly, under Swiss competition law, companies that fail to comply with their duty to provide information may face fines of up to CHF 100,000 (Article 52 Cartel Act, KG). Natural persons who intentionally fail to provide complete or accurate information may be fined up to CHF 20,000 (Article 55 KG). Accordingly, requests for information must be handled with the utmost diligence, not least because they often raise complex issues concerning the privilege against self-incrimination (nemo tenetur se ipsum accusare). Even formal oversights can quickly result in costly consequences.

The official notice can be found here.