The Competition Commission of India penalises HP India and 16 of its Tier-2 resellers for cover bidding and cartelisation in the supply of toner, cartridges and other print consumables.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued an order dated July 13, 2026 under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, imposing a penalty of Rs 11.98 crore on HP India and a combined penalty of approximately Rs 2.30 crore on 16 of its Tier-2 resellers for cartelisation in the sale and supply of supplies products comprising toner, cartridges and other consumables used with print hardware products. The CCI also directed HP India and its resellers to cease and desist from the anti-competitive conduct found to be in violation of Sections 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Act. The proceedings arose from a lesser penalty application filed by HP India under Section 46 of the Act, alleging cartelisation among HP India and its resellers.
Based on evidence on record, the Commission found the 16 Tier-2 resellers — DD Enterprises, Ascent Information, Kaypee Enterprises, Britex Enterprises, Alankar Distributors, Vijay Stationery Mart, G R Enterprises, Perfect Innovative, Khandelwal Traders, A Square Technologies, Innovative Solutions, Pioneer Technologies, Delphi Infosolutions, Shakti Marketing, International Computer Resources and Arms Peripherals — to have indulged in seeking and submitting support and cover bids in contravention of the Act. The Commission also found HP India to have played a central role in the cartel arrangement among these resellers. Officials of HP India and its resellers were additionally found liable under Section 48 of the Act and had monetary penalties imposed upon them. The order was passed in Suo Motu Case No. 08 of 2020 and is available on the CCI website at www.cci.gov.in.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
