Tribunal Upholds Rs. 30 Million Penalty in Strepsils Advertising Case
The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) has upheld a decision by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) regarding the marketing of the Strepsils brand in Pakistan. The tribunal directed Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan Limited to pay a Rs. 30 million penalty and comply with corrective measures outlined by the regulator.
According to the ruling, the company was found to have violated provisions of the Competition Act, 2010 related to the communication of product information. The tribunal supported the CCP’s findings and instructed the company to implement the required compliance measures within the specified timeframe.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Square Distribution & Marketing System (Pvt.) Limited, which raised concerns about how the product was presented in advertising and marketing campaigns. The complaint argued that consumers could potentially misunderstand the product’s classification and intended use.
During the proceedings, it was noted that Reckitt Benckiser introduced several changes to the product’s packaging and labeling. The updated packaging now prominently displays the term “Non-Medicated” in both English and Urdu on the product pack and blister packaging.
The tribunal observed that these modifications demonstrated the company’s efforts to align its packaging and marketing practices with regulatory requirements. It also acknowledged that significant changes were made following the Commission’s review.
As part of the compliance directives, the company has been instructed to publish notices in widely circulated English and Urdu newspapers clarifying the product’s current classification. These notices are to be published regularly until the regulatory requirements have been fully met.
The CCP stated that the decision highlights the importance of transparency in advertising and accurate product information. The regulator emphasized that clear communication helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and supports fair competition in the marketplace.
