New Delhi, February 12 The Competition Commission has imposed a fine of ₹27.38 crore on Intel Corp for engaging in anti-competitive practices related to its India-specific warranty policy for boxed microprocessors.
The penalty has been imposed on the company for abusing its dominant position in the market for Boxed Micro Processors (BMPs) for desktops in India.
In a statement on Thursday, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said that the India-specific warranty policy was discriminatory compared to Intel's warranty policies in China, Australia, and the rest of the world.
The Commission also found that the policy limited the choices of consumers and parallel importers, thereby causing a significant adverse effect on Indian consumers.
Considering that the India-specific warranty policy had been in place for eight years, the regulator imposed a penalty equivalent to 8 per cent of Intel's average relevant turnover.
"However, considering the mitigating factors, including the discontinuation of the aforesaid policy from April 1, 2024, the Commission reduced the amount and imposed a penalty of ₹27.38 crore on Intel," the release said.
Further, the CCI has directed Intel to widely publicize the withdrawal of the impugned India-specific warranty policy and submit a compliance report.
