After a preliminary confidential investigation, the Investigations Division of the CNC resolved on 13 January 2011 to open formal proceedings against the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias), the Higher Council of the Colleges of Architects of Spain (Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España), the Council General of Technical Architecture of Spain (Consejo General de la Arquitectura Técnica de España) and the Council General of Official Colleges of Industrial Experts and Engineers (Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Peritos e Ingenieros Técnicos Industriales).
The proceedings relate to alleged restrictive practices (prohibited under article 1 of the Spanish Competition Act), consisting of collective agreements and recommendations to promote the introduction of technical approval certifications in municipal authorities. It is considered that such arrangements would restrict competition when it comes to providing services relating to the provision of certifications, for example, by encouraging the reservation of the activity to different professional colleges.
The CNC became aware of the practices via a complaint from the Association of Independent Quality and Technical Control Companies (Asociación de Empresas de Calidad y Control Técnico Independientes) and the Spanish Association of Inspection and Certification Groups (Asociación Española de Grupos de Inspección y Certificación).
The opening of the proceedings does not pre-judge the final outcome of the investigations. The CNC now has up to a maximum period of 18 months to investigate the case and issue a decision.
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