Belgian fines for restricting market access

The three leading cement producers in Belgium, together with two industry associations, have been fined EUR14.7m for restricting market access.

The Belgium Competition Council said in a statement on Friday that CBR (part of the HeidelbergCement group), Holcim Belgium and CCB (Italcementi) colluded with the Belgian cement association FEBELCEM and the national centre for technical and scientific research for the cement industry (CRIC/OCCN).

Between May 2000 and October 2003 the parties sought to delay the adoption of a licence and of standards allowing GGBS to be used as a component for ready-mixed concrete, the council said. As such, the cement producers and FEBELCEM sought to protect their own interests in selling cement for ready-mixed concrete, the council found, adding that CRIC/OCCN helped them towards this end.