Accessibility links Skip to main content

Antitrust Investigation in the Bologna Packaging District: From Regulatory Audits to Technical Compliance

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into seven packaging companies, most of which are located in the Bologna district. The probe concerns an alleged anti-competitive agreement aimed at restricting the mobility of specialized workers within the labor market—a practice known as a ‘no-poach’ or ‘non-solicitation’ agreement.

Contact us

Fill out the form and we will contact you shortly.

Naam
Privacy Policy 
Continue reading
A transparent packaging film passes through an automated production line equipped with rollers and processing machines. The focus is on the production of flexible packaging, quality control, industrial production, and efficient packaging solutions.

SOURCE OF THE COMPLAINT

It all began with an anonymous report submitted on March 3, 2025, through the Antitrust Authority’s whistleblowing platform. According to the allegations, several companies reportedly agreed not to hire ‘validators’ of automatic machinery who had previously worked for another of the firms involved.

This alleged anti-competitive agreement does not concern prices or products, but rather the functioning of the specialized labor market—a field that has remained largely unexplored until now in terms of antitrust practices.

WHO ARE THE VALIDATORS

Validators are specialized technicians who certify the correct operation of automatic machinery. Their signature is indispensable for placing products on the market, making this role one of the most strategic and sought-after in the industry.

ECM’S CONTRIBUTION

We believe it is essential to evaluate not only the robustness of the accompanying technical documentation but also full compliance with minimum safety requirements and current regulations.

It is essential to keep in mind that this figure bears all the resulting legal responsibilities. Should this role coincide with the signatory of the EC Declaration of Conformity, the liability doubles: this document, in fact, constitutes the formal act that guarantees the intrinsic safety of the machinery and the entire production lines.

In this scenario of high regulatory complexity, ECM stands out as the partner of choice. Thanks to our founding values of impartiality, independence, and integrity as an Inspection and Certification Body, we offer the necessary support for rigorous compliance management. To date, our expertise has been chosen by leading industrial players on both a national and international scale.

Your Partner in Quality, Safety, and Compliance

The life sciences sector requires specialized knowledge and reliable support. With our broad expertise, we help organizations comply with laws and regulations, ensure quality, and continue to innovate with confidence.

Related services

Science, talking and people on tablet in lab with microscope for analysis, medical research and study. Biology, pharmaceutical team and man with woman on tech for results, review and online report.

Certification and Compliance

Quality Management System Certification

Mechanical, Electrical, and EMC Testing

Related Articles

30 Jun 2026

UPDATED THE LIST OF FAKE/FORGED DOCUMENTS

ECM – Ente Certificazione Macchine is informed of the existence of fakes/counterfeit certificates/laboratory test reports/other ECM documents relating to certain European Directives or International Standards. No one has permission to issue certificates or other documents in our name and on our behalf, so ECM will take action against any companies that issue certificates/documents without authorization.

25 Jun 2026

UPDATED LIST OF IMPROPER USES OF THE NAME ENTE CERTIFICAZIONE MACCHINE SRL AND/OR THE ECM NUMBER OF NOTIFIED BODY 1282

To consult the updated list of reports of misuse of the name Ente Certificazione Macchine srl and/or the notified body number 1282, click here.

22 Jun 2026

The voices of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Total Healthcare Ecosystem Association (KoTHEA): Gianluca Baldoni – Internationalization of the regional production system (Emilia-Romagna Region)

As part of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 15, 2026, between ECM – Ente Certificazione Macchine and KoTHEA (Korea Total Healthcare Ecosystem Association), we continue to gather testimonials from the institutions and key partners supporting this important strategic bridge between Italy and South Korea. Today we feature the contribution of Dr. Gianluca Baldoni (Internationalization of the Regional Production System – Attractiveness, Internationalization, and Research Sector; Export and Trade Fair System Area of the Emilia-Romagna Region), who participated in the institutional event held in the presence of local authorities and the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Milan.

19 Jun 2026

EUDAMED: The Regulatory Turning Point for Medical Devices

May 28, 2026, marked a watershed moment for medical devices in Europe. As of this date, full EUDAMED registration became mandatory for all devices undergoing certification under the MDR and IVDR regulations. The database becomes the operational hub of the single market. This is not a bureaucratic formality, but a binding requirement to maintain market access.

19 Jun 2026

The voices of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Total Healthcare Ecosystem Association (KoTHEA): Choi Taeho – Consul General of the Republic of Korea

International ties and strategic development prospects are strengthening around the crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Valsamoggia headquarters between the Korea Total Healthcare Ecosystem Association (KoTHEA) and the European notified body Ente Certificazione Macchine (ECM). The official ceremony was graced by the prestigious participation and institutional support of Choi Taeho, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, who emphasized the high political and economic value of this agreement. The agreement represents not only a technical milestone but also a genuine turning point in industrial and regulatory relations along the Seoul-Rome axis, fitting into a rapidly evolving global macroeconomic framework.

18 Jun 2026

New Machinery Regulation, the entry into force approaches: what’s new for Manufacturers

The European regulatory landscape is undergoing a crucial transformation with the introduction of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which will permanently phase out the historic Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. One of the most impactful changes concerns the obligation to integrate cybersecurity as an essential element of product safety.

18 Jun 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Immediate suspension of the use of the product “Hyperbaric chamber”

We would like to inform all our valued customers and business partners of an urgent measure that requires the utmost attention and timely cooperation from all users.