The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a significant fine of €8 million on General Logistics Systems B.V. and its subsidiaries for engaging in unfair commercial practices through their 'Climate Protect' environmental sustainability program. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the company's green image, was found to be non-transparent and lacking the necessary rigor expected from companies in the highly polluting logistics and transport sectors.

The investigation revealed that the environmental claims made by GLS Group were ambiguous and not sufficiently clear or verifiable. Customers were misled by the information presented on the General Logistics Systems Italy S.p.A. website, which failed to provide accurate details about the program. Additionally, subscribers to GLS services were compelled to participate in the 'Climate Protect' program and pay for a carbon offset certificate, which they did not want, without any verification of the actual costs incurred.

While top clients were exempt from these charges, other customers were led to believe that GLS was significantly contributing to the program's funding. The investigation further uncovered that the costs associated with the 'Climate Protect' program were unfairly shifted onto subscribed customers and logistics partners, while GLS Group profited from the initiative. Misleading communications and false carbon offset certificates issued to customers were also identified as part of the unfair practices.

As a result, the Italian Competition Authority concluded that these actions constituted unfair commercial practices, violating multiple articles of the Consumer Code, specifically Articles 20, 21, 22, and 26, letter f).