The President of the Polish competition authority has initiated proceedings against Decora and Bel-Pol, along with two managers from these companies, over allegations of price-fixing and market division. These practices may have resulted in increased prices for consumers.

The suspected collusion involves vinyl panels, underlays, skirting boards, and flooring profiles produced by Decora. Evidence suggests that Decora may have imposed sales prices on its wholesale and retail partners since at least 2018, including promotional prices. The company allegedly monitored price levels and threatened distributors who attempted to sell panels at lower prices with penalties such as loss of discounts or supply interruptions.

Additionally, Decora and Bel-Pol may have agreed on which wholesale clients each company would serve, with Decora refraining from selling to clients who purchased from Bel-Pol, and vice versa. This market division could limit wholesalers' choices of suppliers, further impacting final prices for consumers, including those renovating homes or professionals laying floors.

The potential consequences for participating in this anti-competitive agreement include fines of up to 10% of the company's turnover. Managers responsible for the collusion could face penalties of up to 2 million PLN. However, companies and managers can avoid severe penalties through a leniency program, which allows them to reduce or eliminate fines by cooperating with the competition authority and providing evidence of the illegal agreement.

The competition authority also encourages anonymous whistleblowers to report anti-competitive practices through a dedicated platform, ensuring complete anonymity.