FAS fined “Lenta” 74 million RUB for discriminating suppliers

The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) completed the administrative proceedings against “Lenta” Ltd. in a case on creating discriminatory conditions for suppliers of wine products in 2013 – 2015.

Overall the competition authority initiated 41 administrative cases, having investigating which FAS issued 37 determinations to hold “Lenta” Ltd. administratively liable and penalize the company (under Part 1 Article 14.40 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Violations). 4 administrative cases were terminated due to expiry of the limitation period for administrative liability. The total sum of the fines upon “Lenta” Ltd. reaches 74 million RUB.

Background: On 22 June 2016, FAS found that “Lenta” Ltd. violated Clause 1 Part 1 Article 13 of the Law on Trade (creating discriminatory conditions).

In the opinion of the antimonopoly body, the retail chain charged different fees from suppliers of wine products for the same services for putting information about the goods in the “Lenta tovarov” catalogue and the services for placing goods on special equipment in a retail facility, where the goods were not sold previously. It created discriminatory conditions for particular suppliers of alcohol products.

To support competition, the FAS Commission issued a determination to “Lenta” Ltd. to eliminate the exposed violations.