Judgment of the General Court (Fourth Chamber) of 16 November 2011 – Stempher and Koninklijke Verpakkingsindustrie Stempher v Commission

(Case T-68/06)

Competition – Agreements, decisions and concerted practices – Plastic industrial bags sector – Decision finding an infringement of Article 81 EC – Fines – Limitation period – Proof of the infringement

1.                     Competition – Administrative procedure – Commission decision finding an infringement – Burden of proving the infringement and its duration on the Commission – Extent of the burden of proof (Art. 81(1) EC) (see paras 25-26)

2.                     Competition – Administrative procedure – Time-limit with regard to proceedings – Consequences (Art. 81(1) EC; Council Regulation No 1/2003, Art. 25) (see para. 42)

Re:

APPLICATION for annulment in part and for amendment of Commission Decision C(2005) 4634 final of 30 November 2005 relating to a proceeding under Article 81 [EC] (Case COMP/F/38.354 – Industrial bags).

Operative part

The Court:

1.

Annuls Commission Decision C(2005) 4634 final of 30 November 2005 relating to a proceeding under Article 81 [EC] (Case COMP/F/38.354 – Industrial bags) in so far as it concerns Stempher BV and Koninklijke Verpakkingsindustrie Stempher CV;

2.

Orders the European Commission to pay the costs.