The Turkish Competition Authority takes legal action against an undertaking for abuse of dominance and restrictive agreements (Soda Sanayii)

Introduction On April 20 2016 the Turkish Competition Board published reasoned Decision 16-14/205-89, following its preliminary investigation into allegations that Soda Sanayii AŞ had violated: – Article 6 of Law 4054 on the Protection of Competition by abusing its dominant position in the basic chromium sulphate market by way of excessive pricing; and – Article 4 of the law by engaging in horizontal and vertical restrictive agreements. Soda, incorporated under the Şişecam Association, manufactures sodium bichromate and basic chromium sulphate. In determining the relevant product market, the board held that basic chromium sulphate differs from other chemical substances, as: – it is used as an ingredient in leather production; and – the quality of the chemical affects the