In many member states, the European Commission conducted unannounced inspections of companies and an association involved in the perfume industry. A collusion investigation is being conducted regarding the supply of perfumes and fragrance ingredients.

According to the Commission, which did not reveal the names of the companies and associations it inspected, it has also sent formal requests for information to several companies in the same sector. But knowing that few companies produce perfumes we can easily guess which ones.

“The inspection and requests for information concern possible collusion in the supply of perfumes and fragrance ingredients,” the European Commission said in a statement. “Fragrances are used in the manufacture of consumer products, such as household products and personal care products.

The Commission stressed that these inspections do not imply that the companies are guilty and do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

In exchange for reporting the conduct and cooperating with the Commission throughout its investigation, companies that participated in a secret cartel may receive immunity from fines or a significant reduction in fines under the European Commission’s leniency program.

Whistleblowing can be anonymous, according to the Commission. There will probably be afterwards the glassmakers who produce the bottle of perfumery that will be targeted, a beautiful investigation in perspective.