WRITTEN QUESTION E-0699/03 by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Investigation into protection of the ink cartridge market.
Date: 2003-03-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: electronics industry, printer, provision of documents, restriction on competition

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/71

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 2003)

The Commission Delegation in Lima monitors closely the political, economic and social situation in Peru.
issues such as counter-narcotics and alternative
This includes keeping abreast of
development efforts through, among other means, contacts with Peruvian government authorities.

important current

Commission policy is to support voluntary rather than forced eradication, and this policy is known to the
Peruvian Government. Until recently, the Commission was not involved in any significant projects in Peru
aiming at promoting alternatives to coca leaf cultivation. In October 2002 a project promoting alternative
development in the Pozuzo Palcazu area, PER B7 310 IB 98 0253, was launched. This project will
approach the promotion of alternatives to cultivation of coca as one aspect among many others within the
framework of an integrated regional development project. The Global Operational Program of the Pozuzo
Palcazu project is in the process of being established.

The field work of the project, still very limited at this stage, has not been affected by any tensions in the
area up to now. The Commission’s Peruvian counterpart agency and principal national interlocutor for the
project is the Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Comisión para el Desarollo y la Vida
sin Drogas (cid:1) Devida).

(2004/C 33 E/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0699/03

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 March 2003)

Subject: Investigation into protection of the ink cartridge market

In mid-May 2002,
in the course of a meeting with the assistant attorney-general at the US Justice
Department, Mr James, Commissioner Monti indicated that the European Commission would be launching
an investigation into the high prices for ink cartridges sold for use with printers. The sale of such
cartridges linked to brands may represent a form of distortion of competition. The Commissioner indicated
that the obligation to use ink cartridges of the same brand as a particular printer would be investigated
very thoroughly.

Has an investigation since been launched into this potential form of distortion of competition?

If so, at what stage is the investigation, and is it already possible to draw provisional conclusions?

If not, why did the Commission not consider it appropriate to launch an investigation, contrary to its
earlier intentions and despite the various complaints about high prices for ink cartridges that have been
lodged with the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 2003)

The Commission can confirm that it has recently initiated a case concerning, amongst others, the inkjet
cartridges and printers sectors. It is currently analysing the conduct of a number of companies in these
markets in light of the Community’s competition rules.

The case remains at a preliminary stage of analysis and therefore the Commission is unable to provide
further detailed information with regard to its development or scope at this point in time. Nevertheless,
were the case to be pursued,
its
examination of this issue as soon as it were possible to do so.

the Commission would naturally make public further details of