New Delhi, 24 June 2025 — The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has once again fined the Federation of Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Association in India (FPBAI) and three of its office-bearers for engaging in anti-competitive behaviour, issuing penalties totalling approximately USD 7,600 (₹6.33 lakh).
The CCI found FPBAI guilty of repeating practices that restrict market competition. These included setting inflated currency conversion rates for importing international books and journals, fixing pricing and credit terms for members dealing with libraries and institutions, and publishing lists of “approved” suppliers to promote exclusivity—actions that violate Sections 3(3)(a), 3(3)(b), and 3(1) of the Competition Act.
While the CCI did not find new circulars instructing members on discount controls—previously declared unlawful—it noted that old advisories on discounting were still available online. The Commission criticised FPBAI for not making meaningful efforts to remove them, thereby failing to fully comply with an earlier cease-and-desist order.
In addition to the fines, the CCI ordered FPBAI to actively raise awareness among its members about competition law obligations and immediately retract any remaining anti-competitive guidance.
The ruling underscores the CCI’s firm position against trade associations enforcing restrictive practices, especially when they affect access to books and learning resources. The Commission warned that repeated violations could result in stricter penalties in the future.
Source: https://www.cci.gov.in/media-gallery/press-release/details/545/0
