CONSUMER LAW | AGCM fines Giorgio Armani companies for misleading ethical claims

On 1 August 2025, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) concluded proceedings PS12793 by imposing a fine of € 3.5 million on Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and G.A. Operations S.p.A. (the Companies) for engaging in unfair commercial practices in breach of the Italian Consumer Code. According to AGCM, the Companies disseminated misleading ethical and social responsibility statements in their Code of Ethics and on their websites which were contradicted by actual working conditions observed at suppliers and subcontractors responsible for producing branded leather goods. Police inspections revealed serious breaches, including the removal of safety devices from machinery, unhygienic environments, and widespread undeclared employment. By this decision, AGCM reaffirmed that the use of unsubstantiated sustainability claims as a marketing strategy to enhance brand perception and influence consumer choices may constitute a misleading commercial practice, subject to sanction under the Italian Consumer Code.

Newsletter n. 110 – August/September 2025