The Development Ministry has imposed fines totaling €5.5 million on eight multinational companies for overpricing violations identified during a recent audit. The investigation, which examined 443 product codes from 26 companies, revealed violations in 191 of them. The fines were issued under Article 54 of Law 5045/2023, with Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos approving the penalties on Wednesday following recommendations from the market control agency, DIMEA.
Among the penalized companies, SC Johnson SA, a manufacturer of cleaning products, was fined €267,100. Henkel Hellas SA, which specializes in the wholesale distribution of chemicals and related products, received a penalty of €286,000. Elais Unilever Hellas SA, offering healthcare, personal care, and food products, was fined €516,000, while Colgate Palmolive Hellas, involved in the manufacturing of soap and other detergents, faced a penalty of €535,000.
Additionally, FAGE Dairy Industry SA, a producer and distributor of dairy products, was fined €924,000. Jacobs Douwe Egberts GR Ltd, a manufacturer and distributor of coffee, received a fine of €1,000,000. FrieslandCampina Hellas SA, another dairy producer, and Johnson & Johnson Ellas Consumer SA, which distributes prescription drugs, proprietary drugs, and toiletries, were each fined €1,000,000.
The companies have been formally notified of the penalties as required by law. The Development Ministry said that these actions reflect its commitment to combating profiteering and ensuring fair pricing practices in the market to protect consumers.