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Among those accused are UK companies Imperial Chemicals Industries and Lucite, and Germany's BASF and Degussa.
The Commission says chemicals companies have been exchanging confidential market data and operated a cartel in the methacrylate-monomers market.
Methacrylate-monomers are used to make transparent plastics and coatings used in cars and consumer goods.
The Reuters news agency said that more than 12 firms could be involved in the investigation.
EC spokeswoman Antonia Mochan said the chemicals firms were suspected of fixing prices, passing around customers, sharing commercially sensitive information and discussing plans to pass on extra costs to clients.
Ms Mochan did not name the companies or say how many had been charged.
The firms will now have the chance to defend themselves against the allegations, but could be fined up to 10% of their annual sales if they are found guilty.
On Monday, ICI said the allegations against it involved a period between 1995 and 1999.
ICI, which sold its acrylics business in 1999, said it would "continue to assist the European Commission with its investigation".
BASF and Lucite also confirmed they were being looked into. Among those accused are UK companies Imperial Chemicals Industries and Lucite, and Germany's BASF and Degussa. The Commission says chemicals companies have been exchanging confidential market data and operated a cartel in the methacrylate-monomers market. Methacrylate-monomers are used to make transparent plastics and coatings used in cars and consumer goods. The Reuters news agency said that more than 12 firms could be involved in the investigation. EC spokeswoman Antonia Mochan said the chemicals firms were suspected of fixing prices, passing around customers, sharing commercially sensitive information and discussing plans to pass on extra costs to clients. Ms Mochan did not name the companies or say how many had been charged. The firms will now have the chance to defend themselves against the allegations, but could be fined up to 10% of their annual sales if they are found guilty. On Monday, ICI said the allegations against it involved a period between 1995 and 1999. ICI, which sold its acrylics business in 1999, said it would "continue to assist the European Commission with its investigation". BASF and Lucite also confirmed they were being looked into.
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