The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has fined Saglietti Srl, an online retailer of automotive accessories and tools, €40,000 for unlawfully imposing additional fees on payments made by credit or debit card and PayPal. The fine comes as part of AGCM’s ongoing efforts to prevent discriminatory surcharges on payment methods, which are prohibited under Italian consumer protection laws.
The AGCM’s investigation revealed that Saglietti Srl applied a €3 surcharge for credit and debit card payments, and an €8 surcharge for PayPal transactions on its website, raptor4x4.it. These extra charges contravene Article 62 of the Italian Consumer Code, which prohibits retailers from applying fees based on consumers’ choice of payment method.
The rule is part of broader EU and national measures designed to foster a unified, non-discriminatory payment system across Europe. The AGCM underscored that prohibiting payment-based surcharges protects consumer rights and prevents unfair practices in online transactions.
With this ruling, the AGCM reaffirms its commitment to enforcing consumer protections in digital transactions, ensuring that consumers in Italy are not penalized for their choice of payment method.
Source: https://www.agcm.it/media/comunicati-stampa/2024/11/PS12727
