The European Commission is seeking feedback from the market on commitments offered by Sanofi regarding potential anticompetitive conduct involving the promotion of its flu vaccine for vulnerable patients. The initiative aims to address concerns over the company's promotional strategies that may have restricted competition in the market.

Background of the Case

The Commission's investigation centers on whether Sanofi engaged in practices that could be deemed anticompetitive, particularly in the promotion of its flu vaccine. The focus is on how these practices may have affected the market for vaccines intended for vulnerable patient groups.

Next Steps

Market participants and interested parties are invited to provide their comments on the commitments proposed by Sanofi. The feedback will be assessed by the Commission to determine if the commitments adequately address the competition concerns raised during the investigation.

Sanofi India Limited has secured a favourable order from the Income Tax Department, resulting in the deletion of a tax demand of ₹72.72 lakh for Assessment Year 2019-20. The order was issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Income Tax Appeal (CIT) - 49, Mumbai, on July 02, 2026. The authority accepted the company's submissions regarding the tax treatment of year-end provisions, concluding that the company cannot be treated as an 'assessee in default' under Section 201(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, for the same amount already disallowed in its tax computation.

Background of the Appeal

The dispute arose from an order issued under Section 201 of the Income-tax Act, which treated the company as an assessee in default for non-deduction of taxes on year-end provisions. This determination had led to a demand of ₹72.72 lakh. Sanofi India had filed an appeal against this order, arguing that the disallowance made in its tax computation precluded the additional demand and interest under the default assessee provisions.

Key Details of the Order

The Commissioner of Income Tax Appeal ruled that once the company made the disallowance, the proceedings initiated under Section 201 were not maintainable. Consequently, the demand and associated interest were dropped. The table below summarizes the key aspects of the regulatory disclosure:

Financial Impact

Sanofi India stated that there is no material impact on its financial, operational, or other activities as a result of this order. The resolution of this tax dispute removes the liability associated with the previous demand.