The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed significant penalties on HP India and its resellers for anti-competitive practices in the supply of printer consumables. Through an order dated July 13, 2026, issued under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, CCI levied a penalty of ₹11.98 crore on HP India and a combined penalty of approximately ₹2.30 crore on sixteen of its Tier-2 resellers for engaging in cartelisation activities.
The case involved cartelisation in the sale and supply of supplies products including toner, cartridges, and other consumables used with print hardware products. The proceedings originated from a lesser penalty application filed by HP India under Section 46 of the Act read with Section 19(1)(a), where HP India itself alleged cartelisation among itself and its resellers.
The Commission found that sixteen 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—had indulged in seeking and submitting support/cover bids in violation of Sections 3(3)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act.
CCI determined that HP India played a central role in coordinating the cartel arrangement among these resellers. Additionally, the Commission found officials of HP India and its resellers liable under Section 48 of the Act and imposed monetary penalties upon them individually, though specific amounts for individuals were not detailed in the release.
The Commission issued a cease and desist directive ordering HP India and its resellers to immediately stop the anti-competitive conduct found to be in violation of the Competition Act. The order was passed in Suo Moto Case No. 08 of 2020, and the complete order is available on the CCI website at www.cci.gov.in.