Compliance with Competition Law in Association Activities
The Finnish Forest Products Engineers’ Association (PI) is a dynamic network for professionals and companies in the forest industry, as well as a modern developer of its members' expertise. PI promotes the attractiveness of the industry and is a sought-after partner both domestically and internationally.
To fulfil its purpose, the association organises various conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and other events, fosters interest in the forest industry as a career option in diverse ways, and advances education and research in the field. The association does not participate in the competitive decisions of its member organisations or the employers of its individual members, thus it does not restrict competition between companies in any way.
One of the fundamental values of the association is to ensure that all its activities and administration comply with relevant competition laws. All individuals and organisations involved in the association's events and administration are obligated to ensure that their conduct is fully irreproachable and always adheres to competition law.
In practice, this means that in all activities and administration, we do not discuss or exchange confidential and non-public information on topics that could influence companies' future competitive, pricing, or market behaviour. These topics include, but are not limited to:
- Pricing and factors influencing pricing, pricing principles, pricing objectives and profit targets, discounts, pricing components, margins, etc.
- Buying and selling areas and sourcing locations
- Production targets (increases, restrictions), capacities, utilisation rates
- Revenue data, sales and purchase volumes, future demand, market share data
- Costs and cost structures
- Detailed customer information
- Restricting the recruitment of employees and setting wage levels
- Future investments, commercial strategies, and significant business plans (e.g., projects, marketing and investment plans, plans for market entry or exit, product development plans, and future product features)
- Other information classified as trade secrets (both technical and commercial)
An agenda will be prepared in advance for all administrative meetings. Discussions should strive to adhere to the topics outlined in the agenda. Minutes must always be recorded, documenting the attendees, the proceedings, and the topics discussed.
All participants in the association's activities and administration are obligated to intervene and halt discussions if there is any suspicion that the topic being discussed or information exchanged may be problematic from a competition law perspective. Termination of such discussions must be recorded in the minutes or otherwise documented as evidence.
These rules apply to all association activities and administration and must be followed in all situations and circumstances. At the start of all meetings and events, participants are reminded of the importance of complying with competition law. This competition law statement will be updated if prompted by European Union or national legislation or guidance from authorities.