The process was originated in an anonymous tip-off, opened on 23.03.2005, with a condemnatory decision on 11.07.2006. The infringement proceeding was initiated, regarding a possible violation of Article 4 of Law no. 18/2003, of 11 June.
This investigation analysed the practices adopted by VATEL, Companhia de Produtos Alimentares, S.A., SALEXPOR, Companhia Portuguesa de Sal Higienizado, S.A., Sociedade Aveirense de Higienização de Sal, Lda. and Vitasal, Indústria e Comércio a de Sal, Lda. and Salmex, Sociedade Refinadora de Sal, Lda, which constituted a horizontal restriction by forming a cartel to fix the wholesale price of salt and share the market between its members. Application of a fine: Vatel: €544,672.00; Salexpor: €225,347.00; Sociedade Aveirense: €109,149.00; Salmex:€31,560.00