Luxottica Japan faces administrative action over price-fixing

Luxottica Japan received administrative action Thursday for allegedly violating the Antimonopoly Act by preventing retailers from lowering sunglass prices ^[1].

This case highlights the Japanese government's crackdown on resale price maintenance, a practice where manufacturers dictate the minimum price at which a product can be sold. Such actions are viewed as distortions of fair market competition, and barriers to consumer savings.

Luxottica Japan, the sales company for the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, is suspected of pressuring retailers to ensure sunglasses were not sold below set prices [1, 2]. According to one anonymous retailer, the company threatened to terminate business relationships if prices were lowered, saying they might not be able to trade in the future ^[2].

The Japan Fair Trade Commission began its investigation into these practices in November 2025 ^[1]. Following an on-site inspection, the commission required the company to submit an improvement plan to rectify its business conduct ^[1].

On Aug. 6, a commitment agreement was officially recognized, marking the formalization of the company's pledge to change its practices ^[1]. This administrative process allows companies to avoid certain penalties if they commit to specific remedial actions, and compliance overhauls.

In a statement, a representative for Luxottica Japan said the company will continue to conduct business activities while complying with applicable laws, including the Antimonopoly Act, under high ethical standards. The representative said the company views this commitment procedure as an opportunity to further strengthen its compliance system ^[1].