Athens, October 1, 2025 — Greece’s Competition Commission (HCC) has warned elevator installation and maintenance companies following reports of price hikes and possible coordinated practices linked to new national registration requirements for elevators.
Under recently implemented rules, all elevators in Greece must meet specific technical standards and be listed in a new Electronic Elevator Registry, operational since August 2025. The registration must be completed within four months, either by the responsible maintenance provider or installer for each unit.
However, according to information received by the HCC, some service providers have allegedly exploited the deadline, charging inflated fees for maintenance, upgrades, and registration services. In certain areas, property owners have reportedly been pressured to accept new terms under threat of fines or expiry of the compliance period.
The Panhellenic Federation of Elevator Installers and Maintainers, in a statement, condemned the exploitative behavior, pledging to act decisively against “opportunists seeking financial gain at the expense of the public by violating the law.” The federation said it will report such cases to public authorities.
The HCC emphasized that each company must set its own commercial policy independently, and the prices for installation, maintenance, and upgrade services must reflect individual cost structures and business choices, not collective agreements or uniform rates.
“Any agreement or concerted practice among market participants — including direct or indirect price fixing, coordinated price increases, or cost pass-throughs to consumers — constitutes a serious breach of competition law,” the authority said. Violations can lead to significant administrative fines and criminal penalties, the HCC warned, adding that repeat offenders could face double penalties.
The elevator installation and maintenance market has previously been subject to antitrust investigations and fines. In two decisions issued in 2021, HCC sanctioned firms for indirect price fixing and advertising restrictions. The HCC imposed corrective measures at that time to raise awareness among both contractors and consumers and promote competition in the sector.
To prevent further market distortions, the HCC has called on the Federation to immediately inform its members of their obligations and the risks of violations, and to report back on compliance measures. Furthermore, the agency urged individuals and associations to submit any evidence of anti-competitive conduct, either with their names or through the HCC’s anonymous reporting system.
Source: https://www.epant.gr/apofaseis-gnomodotiseis/item/1998-apofasi-750-2021.html
