The chairman of the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition, Petr Mlsna, has upheld a fine of 38,971,000 CZK against HP TRONIC Zlín, spol. s r.o. for entering into prohibited agreements that hinder competition in the consumer electronics market.

These agreements involved setting minimum resale prices, which prevented retailers from offering lower prices to consumers, thereby stifling price competition among retailers. The chairman emphasized that such practices restrict the ability of retailers to compete on price, which is detrimental to consumer choice.

The fine was initially imposed in May 2026 for violations of both national and EU competition rules. Although HP TRONIC admitted to the wrongdoing, it appealed the amount of the fine.

Chairman Mlsna rejected the appeal, stating that the fine was legally justified and proportionate. He dismissed claims regarding the incorrect calculation of the revenue base used for the fine, noting that the authority had actually narrowed the scope of the revenues considered, focusing only on specific brands. The final fine represents a small percentage of HP TRONIC's total net turnover for 2025, making it neither excessive nor damaging.

HP TRONIC is a significant Czech distributor and retailer of consumer goods, particularly electronics, operating under the DATART and ETA brands. The authority found that since 2012, HP TRONIC had been imposing minimum resale prices on its retail partners, restricting their ability to set their own selling prices.

HP TRONIC monitored compliance with these prices and pressured retailers who sold products at lower prices to raise them. Non-compliance led to actual penalties against these 'disobedient' retailers.

This case is notable for its simultaneous use of a leniency program and settlement. The authority also considered the strengthening of HP TRONIC's internal competition compliance when determining the penalty.

The Czech competition authority has been actively combating price-fixing practices by suppliers, which artificially standardize prices and increase costs for consumers. In recent years, it has imposed significant fines in the consumer electronics sector and for pet food companies, including penalties against Electrolux, VAFO, Groupe SEB, and Tescoma.