The well-known brand, operating in the “fast” and “superfast fashion” sectors, adopted a misleading communication strategy regarding the characteristics and environmental impact of its clothing products.

The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a fine of 1 million euros on Infinite Styles Services Co. Ltd, the company responsible for managing Shein’s product trading websites in Europe, for the use of misleading and/or deceptive environmental messages and claims (so-called green claims) in the promotion and sale of Shein-branded clothing products. Through its website https://it.shein.com and other promotional and/or informational online pages, the company disseminated environmental claims within the sections #SHEINTHEKNOW, evoluSHEIN, and Social Responsibility that were, in some instances, vague, generic, and/or overly emphatic, and in others, misleading or omissive.

The environmental assertions in the #SHEINTHEKNOW section, regarding the “design of a circular system” or the recyclability of products, were found to be either false or at least confusing. Claims used by Shein to present, describe, and promote garments in the evoluSHEIN by Design line highlight the use of “green” fibres without clearly specifying the substantial environmental benefits of these products throughout their full life cycle, and without clarifying that this line remains a marginal share of the total Shein-branded offering. Moreover, these claims may lead consumers to believe not only that the evoluSHEIN by Design collection is made solely from “sustainable” materials, but also that its products are fully recyclable — a statement which, given the fibres used and current recycling systems, does not reflect reality. Statements by Shein about its intention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 and to reach zero emissions by 2050 are presented, in the Social Responsibility section, in a vague and generic way— and were even contradicted by an actual increase in Shein’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 and 2024.

In assessing the unfairness of Shein’s conduct, the Authority emphasized the heightened duty of care upon the company, given that the sector it belongs and the business practices through which it operates, such as the so-called “disposable fashion” (fast and ultra-fast fashion) are highly polluting.

Rome, 4 August 2025

• Testo del provvedimento

The two companies made misleading statements regarding their ethical and social responsibility commitments, which were contradicted by the actual working conditions identified at the suppliers and subcontractors to whom the majority of the production of Armani branded leather bags and accessories had been outsourced.

The Italian Competition Authority imposed a fine of 3.5 million euros on the companies Giorgio Armani S.p.A. e G.A. Operations S.p.A. for engaging in a misleading commercial practice under the Consumer Code, carried out from April 22, 2022, to February 18, 2025.

In particular, the companies made ethical and social responsibility statements that were untruthful and presented in a manner that was unclear, unspecific, inaccurate, and equivocal.

Such statements are contained in the companies’ Code of Ethics, as well as in documents published on the Armani Values (www.armanivalues.com) and Armani (www.Armani.com) websites, which include a link redirecting users to the Armani Values website.

The investigation conducted by the Authority revealed, on the one hand, that the companies emphasized their commitment to sustainability—particularly social responsibility, including toward workers and their safety—which became a marketing tool used to meet growing consumer expectations. The very name of the corporate website (Armani Values) reflects this strategy, as do certain documents obtained during inspections, which clearly show the objective of “enhancing the positive perception of the brand in terms of sustainability … and, from a commercial perspective … leading the customer to make purchasing decisions that are also informed by the ‘values’ conveyed through our products”.

On the other hand, the companies chose to outsource a substantial portion of their production of leather bags and accessories to suppliers who, in turn, relied on subcontractors. At several of these subcontracting facilities, it was found that safety devices had been removed from machinery in order to increase production capacity, thereby placing workers’ health and safety at serious risk. Furthermore, sanitary and hygiene conditions were inadequate, and workers were frequently employed either wholly or partially off the books.

In this context, it is evident that the protection of workers’ rights and health did not align with the content of the ethical and social responsibility statements disseminated by Giorgio Armani S.p.A. e G.A. Operations S.p.A..

The companies’ awareness of this situation—seriously detrimental to the workers producing Armani branded leather bags and accessories—is further demonstrated by the fact that, during an inspection by the Judicial Police, an employee of G.A. Operations responsible for quality control was present at the subcontractor’s facility and stated that he had been “visiting that workshop on a monthly basis for approximately six months”.

Finally, in an internal document of Giorgio Armani S.p.A. dated 2024—prior to the initiation of judicial administration proceedings requested by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Milan—it is even stated that “in the best of the situations observed, the working environment is at the limit of acceptability; in other cases, there are serious concerns regarding its adequacy and health standards”.

Rome, 1 August 2025

• Testo del provvedimento

In March 2025, Meta, which holds a dominant position in the market for consumer communications apps, decided to pre-install its artificial intelligence service on the WhatsApp app. In doing so, Meta may be “imposing” the use of its chatbot and AI assistance services on its users

The Italian Competition Authority, acting in close cooperation with the competent departments of the European Commission, has decided to launch an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc., Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, WhatsApp Ireland Limited and Facebook Italy S.r.l. – referred to as Meta – over a suspected abuse of dominant position in violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

As of March 2025, Meta – which holds a dominant position in the market for consumer communications apps – decided to pre-install its artificial intelligence service, named Meta AI, by combining it with its WhatsApp service, without any prior request from users. Furthermore, Meta AI is placed in a prominent position on the screen and integrated into the search bar.

Meta AI is a Chatbot or AI Assistant service that uses artificial intelligence technology to respond to general-purpose queries of various kinds and to offer forms of interaction similar to virtual assistants.

By combining Meta AI with WhatsApp, Meta appears capable of channelling its customer base into the emerging market, not through merit-based competition, but by “imposing” the availability of the two distinct services upon users, potentially harming competitors.

According to the Authority, there is thus a risk that users may become “locked in” or functionally dependent on Meta AI, not least because, by using the information provided over time, it appears that the responses generated by the service become increasingly useful and relevant.

An inspection at the premises of Meta’s Italian subsidiary, Facebook Italy S.r.l., was carried out yesterday by the Authority’s officials, assisted by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza).

Rome, 30 July 2025

Testo del provvedimento

During its teleshopping broadcasts, the company advertised mattresses as discounted compared to a price that was never actually charged and persuaded consumers to arrange home visits to purchase the mattresses at the advertised discount. During subsequent home visits, sales representatives pressured consumers into buying alternatives items at significantly higher prices

The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a 3 million euro fine on Emme Group S.p.A., owner of the Materassi Marion trademark, over a complex unfair commercial practice that was both misleading and aggressive in the promotion and sale of Marion-branded mattresses.

The company spread misleading claims about pricing, perceived savings on the advertised product and the availability of tax incentives during its frequent teleshopping broadcasts on leading national and local TV networks, to induce consumers to schedule a home visit with a Marion sales representative. As a matter of fact, the teleshopping promotions consistently advertise a special offer and a steep discount compared to a strike-out price (or market value) – which, however, is never actually charged. Moreover, the lowest price from the previous 30 days is not shown, even though the offers are advertised as promotions. While the conduct dates back to 2024, the company’s recent adjustments to its advertising communications do not seem to have addressed the concerns raised.

During subsequent home visits, sales representatives pressured consumers –some of whom elderly – into purchasing alternative mattresses at significantly higher prices, also using misleading or disparaging claims about the features and delivery times of the teleshopping-promoted mattresses. This conduct allowed the company Emme Group to sell a significantly higher number of mattresses at prices up to 3,000 euros above those promoted in its teleshopping broadcasts, which had been advertised as discounted offers.

Rome, 23 July 2025

Testo del provvedimento

According to the Authority, Revolut spread misleading information about its investment services and employed aggressive methods in the management of banking services.

The Italian Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Revolut Group Holdings Ltd, Revolut Bank UAB and Revolut Securities Europe UAB.

In connection with its investment services, Revolut seemingly promoted stock investment opportunities by placing emphasis on the absence of fees and failing to clearly disclose the additional costs and limitations involved in commission-free investments. Furthermore, it appears that Revolut neglected to mention an important aspect, namely that “commission-free” investments include fractional shares, which – when compared to full shares – involve significant differences, particularly in terms of voting rights and transferability of shares. With regard to cryptocurrency investments, which are inherently high-risk, it seems that Revolut did not make clear that once the investment is underway, stop-loss and take-profit settings – key risk management tools – can no longer be modified.

With respect to its banking services, it appears Revolut omitted or disclosed in an unclear manner essential information regarding the terms and procedures for suspending, limiting or blocking an account. The companies are believed to have adopted aggressive methods in the suspension or blocking of accounts, without providing clients with sufficient advance notice, a chance to respond or adequate assistance. This seems to have prevented users – also for extended periods – from accessing their funds and related services, thus hindering the exercise of their contractual rights. Lastly, Revolut seemingly failed to provide clear and exhaustive information on the requirements for obtaining an Italian IBAN (starting with IT) instead of a Lithuanian IBAN (starting with LT).

On Tuesday, 8 July, the Authority’s officials carried out inspections at the premises of the Italian branch of Revolut Bank UAB, with the support of the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza).

Rome, 10 July 2025

Federcosorzio, together with the twelve participating Consortia, is believed to have engaged in an anti-competitive agreement aimed at fixing local skipass prices and the relevant sales policy

The Italian Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Federconsorzio Dolomiti SuperSki (full name: Federazione dei Consorzi di zona degli imprenditori esercenti il trasporto di persone Dolomiti SuperSki) and the twelve local participating Consortia over a suspected violation of section 2 of Law 287/1990 and article 101 of the TFEU. The twelve Consortia are: Consorzio esercenti impianti a fune Cortina d’Ampezzo, S. Vito di Cadore, Auronzo/Misurina; Consorzio esercenti impianti a fune Skirama Plan de Corones - Kronplatz; Consorzio impianti a fune Alta Badia; Consorzio esercenti impianti a fune Val Gardena - Alpe di Siusi; Consorzio impianti a fune Val di Fassa e Carezza; Consorzio esercenti il trasporto di persone a mezzo impianti a fune Alpe Lusia - San Pellegrino; Consorzio impianti a fune Civetta; Consorzio impianti a fune Arabba - Marmolada; Consorzio 3 Zinnen Dolomites; Consorzio impianti a fune Val di Fiemme - Obereggen; Consorzio impianti a fune San Martino di Castrozza e Passo Rolle; Consorzio Rio Pusteria - Bressanone.

Specifically, several clauses contained in Federcosorzio’s By-Laws point to two substantial anti-competitive practices: the first consists in fixing the price of the local Consortia’s skipasses within Federconsorzio Dolomiti SuperSki; the second practice places limitations on the local Consortia’s ability to sell their skipasses through third parties.

An inspection at the premises of Federconsorzio Dolomiti SuperSki and the twelve local Consortia was carried out yesterday by the Authority’s officials, assisted by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza).

Rome, 9 July 2025

Testo del provvedimento

After conducting a market investigation into pricing algorithms in passenger air transport to and from Sicily and Sardinia, the Authority has opened talks with the European Commission on the initiatives required to foster price comparability and improve competition

The market investigation into pricing algorithms in passenger air transport on routes to and from Sicily and Sardinia continues to draw attention to the need for greater transparency. This is why, having received feedback from airlines following the publication of its Preliminary Report, the Authority has opened talks with the European Commission on the adoption of initiatives within its remit aimed at increasing the comparability of airfares and thus improving competition in the relevant markets. Air transport is heavily regulated at EU level and this also affects price transparency and comparability.

The Preliminary Report outlining the main findings of the Authority’s market investigation has raised potential concerns on the transparency and comparability of airline ticket prices. Feedback on the Report from stakeholders, along with subsequent analysis, continues to point to poor comparability in the way flight ticket and ancillary service prices are displayed to users. This lack of comparability complicates flight searches for customers and limits their awareness of price components when making purchasing decisions, as the actual price of airline tickets is difficult to determine and compare.

The significance of price comparability lies in the fact that almost half of air passengers purchase ancillary services, particularly seat selection, carry-on baggage and checked baggage. Moreover, these services account for a considerable share of the revenues generated by airlines. This is why, in order to foster demand mobility and, as a result, promote price-based competition among companies, the Authority considers it crucial to adopt mechanisms that enable full and effective price comparability, including for ancillary service fees.

Rome, 3 July 2025

The company abused its dominant position in the national markets for raw materials used in the production of bags (lightweight and ultra-lightweight for fruit and vegetables) by engaging in exclusionary practices targeting competitors.

The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a 30,359,000.00 euro fine on Novamont S.p.A., with an additional 1,701,052.08 euro imposed jointly and severally with parent company ENI S.p.A. for abuse of dominant position spanning at least the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023.

Novamont operates in the national markets for bioplastic raw materials (so-called bio-compounds) used in the production of shopping bags and ultra-lightweight bags (e.g., for fruit and vegetables). This sector plays a key role in reducing environmental impact, given that bags often end up as waste. This is why, as part of its transposition of EU Directive 2015/720, Italy’s Legislative Decree 152/2006 mandates that all shopping and ultra-lightweight bags be biodegradable and compostable. Ultra-lightweight bags must also contain no less than 60% renewable raw materials.

The Authority found that Novamont developed a product compliant with applicable standards (named Mater-Bi) and acquired a dominant position in the national market for the production of bioplastics used in shopping bags (with a market share above 50%) and ultra-lightweight bags (with a market share above 70%).

In these markets, Novamont set up a two-tier system of supply agreements imposing exclusivity clauses operating at two levels of the supply chain, as a result of which:

• converters (i.e., manufacturers purchasing bio-compounds to produce shopping and ultra-lightweight bags) were prevented from buying materials other than Mater-Bi, which consequently denied Novamont’s competitors access to the market (these converters accounted for around 52% of national demand for bio-compounds for shopping bags, and 70% of demand for ultra-lightweight bags);
• Large-scale retailers (customers of the converters, serving as the primary purchasers of the bags in question) were obliged to buy exclusively Mater-Bi bags from converters partnered with Novamont. During the period under examination, the large-scale retailers under contract with Novamont accounted for as much as 44% of total demand for shopping and ultra-lightweight bags in the retail sector, and for a substantial share (up to 51%) of the revenue generated by converters affiliated with Novamont.

This system resulted in an exclusionary practice targeting Novamont’s competitors, through a circular mechanism producing the following effects:

1. As long as leading large-scale retailers agree to buy exclusively Mater-Bi bags from converters affiliated with Novamont, those converters have a strong incentive to accept the exclusivity clauses imposed by Novamont.
2. As long as the majority of converters supplying large-scale retailers are bound to Novamont by exclusivity clauses, large-scale retailers benefit from signing contracts with Novamont containing reward-based exclusivity clauses and/or incentive mechanisms.

Novamont’s exclusionary practice hindered the development of fair competition in the national markets for the production and sale of bio-compounds for shopping and ultra-lightweight bags. It effectively prevented competitors from finding viable outlets for their products and from operating successfully in those markets.

Limiting the development of alternatives to Mater-Bi not only harms competition, but also has significant environmental implications. A truly competitive market in the bioplastics sector is essential to achieving the environmental objectives established by European and national policymakers. Effective competition would enable the emergence of alternative, more efficient bioplastics and contribute to the availability of more sustainable products, offering improved quality or lower costs.

Rome, 24 June 2025

Testo del provvedimento

The company, which manages 40 fitness and wellness centres across Italy’s major cities, did not adequately inform customers about subscription terms and renewal conditions.

The Italian Competition Authority has closed its investigation launched in December 2024 into Virgin Active Italia, imposing a fine of 3 million euro. Prompted by numerous consumer complaints, the investigation confirmed that the company engaged in unfair practices. Virgin Active Italia – which reached over 100,000 subscriptions in 2024 – provided consumers with inadequate information regarding the terms and conditions of subscription, automatic renewal, cancellation and early termination. Furthermore, the company neglected to inform consumers in advance about the automatic renewal of their subscription and the deadline to exercise their cancellation rights. It also failed to clearly disclose the price increases introduced in 2024.

These actions – carried out as part of an integrated strategy – amount to a coordinated and complex unfair commercial practice adopted by Virgin Active Italia in breach of articles 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, letter f) and 65-bis of the Consumer Code.

In particular, Virgin Active Italia’s customers were in no position to make an informed decision about whether to subscribe to the services offered, cancel their subscription, or exercise their right of withdrawal. As a result, they found themselves contractually bound to a service they had not knowingly agreed to and were charged with the relevant costs.

Rome, 18 June 2025

Testo del provvedimento