The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) upheld the ‘s (CCP) finding that Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan Limited engaged in deceptive marketing practices. The company was found guilty of disseminating misleading information to consumers regarding the nature and character of its product, specifically Strepsils, which is currently registered as a food item.
The Tribunal ordered Reckitt Benckiser to pay a penalty of Rs30 million for violating Section 10(2)(b) of the Competition Act, 2010. The company was also directed to fully comply with the corrective measures prescribed by the Commission within the stipulated timeframe.
Following CCP’s proceedings, Reckitt Benckiser introduced substantial changes to its product packaging and disclosures. These included prominently displaying the disclaimer “Non-Medicated” in both English and Urdu on the front of the packaging and blister packs, enhancing transparency for consumers.
The recovery of the penalty underscores CCP’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring businesses provide accurate, clear, and truthful information regarding their products and services. The Commission remains dedicated to combating deceptive marketing practices and promoting transparency, informed consumer choice, and fair competition in the marketplace.