161With regard to the applicant’s argument that the fine imposed on it was very close to the maximum ceiling of 10% of worldwide turnover (see paragraphs 152 and 153 above), it must be observed that the applicant misconstrues the nature of that ceiling. The sum corresponding to 10% of the worldwide turnover of a participant in an infringement of the competition rules is not, contrary to what the applicant seems to believe, a maximum fine, to be imposed only in respect of the most serious infringements. As is apparent from the case-law, it is, instead, a capping ceiling, the only possible consequence of which is that the amount of the fine calculated on the basis of the criteria of gravity and duration of the infringement will be reduced to the maximum permitted level. Its application implies that the undertaking concerned will not pay the fine which in principle would be payable if it were assessed on the basis of those criteria (Dansk Rørindustri and Others v Commission, cited in paragraph 47 above, paragraph 283).