At GLS*, we are committed to doing the right thing and strive to apply the highest standards in every aspect of our operations, ensuring ethical practices and responsible growth on both the local and global level. Transparency, accountability and legal compliance ensure that the trust placed in us is protected and upheld with the utmost integrity.

This page offers insights into our policies, ratings, and further key documents that reflect our dedication to responsible business practices.

In our dedication to advancing ESG initiatives, we actively engage in external certifications and ratings. We seek verification, external confirmation, and appreciate external feedback. This approach not only reinforces our commitment but also offers valuable insights from independent experts. Their assessments boost transparency and provide critical feedback, guiding us in the effective implementation of our ESG strategy.

CDP logo

Carbon Disclosure Project

GLS, as part of International Distribution Services plc (IDS), once again completed the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) rating with a “B” grade (on a scale of A to D-). The CDP rating assesses companies’ progress towards environmental stewardship. The latest assessment was completed in October 2024. The answers to the questionnaire are submitted and reassessed annually.

 
CSA Sustainability Yearbook Member

S&P GLOBAL

GLS as part of IDS, has met the criteria to be featured in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). This assessment evaluates various aspects of ESG across industries. Companies listed in the Yearbook must rank within the top 15% of their industry and achieve a CSA Score within 30% of their industry’s top-performing company. IDS scored in the top 10% of companies assessed, a significant accomplishment considering the increased number of companies assessed this year - 9,400, up from 7,800 in the prior year.

 
Dekra certificate

ISO14083 - Verification Statement 2024

DEKRA Certification GmbH has verified the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport chain operations of General Logistics Systems B.V.. The reasonable assurance of the information provided in the GHG statement, as well as its conformity with the criteria set out in ISO14083:2023 has been confirmed. ISO 14083:2023 provides the standardised methodology for quantifying GHG emissions from transport chain operations.

The conformity was attested in Verification Report No. A23071350 and issued on 09.10.2025. The organizational scope covered all GLS subsidiaries in Europe and North America as well as the European net-work provider GLS International.

 
Dekra seal

EN 16258

All entities operating under the GLS trademark have gained the 🔗EN 16258 certification for the establishment and maintenance of a standardised methodology for calculating and declaring both energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with transport services. The conformity was attested with audit report no. A-21011499, certified by DEKRA . The latest certificate was received in December 2023 and will be valid until December 2026.

 
Dekra seal

Environmental Management System

ISO 14001

All entities operating under the GLS trademark in the EU and Serbia** have gained the ISO14001:2015 certification for their environmental management system, certified by DEKRA . The certification attests that all above-mentioned GLS entities have established and maintain an environmental management system. The conformity was attested with audit report no. A20011337. Our latest certificate was issued in September 2023 and will be valid until September 2026, including yearly surveillance audits.

 

As an internationally operating parcel service provider GLS stands for fair competition, integrity and responsibility.

Parcel delivery
 

Code of Business Standards

The Code of Business Standards forms the basis of all business activities of GLS. Furthermore it shows the obligation of GLS towards its stakeholders.

Employee at a depot

Supplier Code of Conduct

GLS expects its suppliers to respect the standards laid out in this Supplier Code of Conduct, implement them using appropriate measures and adhere to them in their business activities.

 
Conveyor belt & employees
 

Modern Slavery Act Statement

GLS is a subsidiary of IDS. As a UK company, IDS is subject to the requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act.

Whistleblowing

GLS Group has introduced an informant/ombudsman system to enable employees, business partners and third parties to report criminal acts and similar serious offences on a confidential basis.

More information

*Unless specifically mentioned, GLS refers to all affiliated companies of GLS B.V., operating under the GLS trademark.
**Except General Logistics Systems Italy S.p.A. which is certified by a local certification body

Leader in parcel logistics operating throughout Europe, the GLS Group is fully aware of its responsibilities vis-à-vis the environment and society.

GLS understands sustainability as a whole, taking an interest in with ecological and social aspects, but also economic aspects of social responsibility. Its objective is to guarantee its customers a logistics service of optimal quality and to ensure to its collaborators a stable position within a solid company. Both go hand in hand for GLS.

Through this service, GLS also contributes to the mobility of goods and reliable deliveries, which are the backbone of the economy.
For future generations, the company intends to achieve sustainable economic success in connection with protecting the environment.

EcoVadis Certification

EcoVadis Bronze Medal

GLS Group received the EcoVadis Bronze Medal * in 2025 with 70 points, ranking in the top 16% of companies assessed globally.

*This certification is renewed annually, evaluates sustainability across Environment, Procurement, Ethics and Labor & Human Rights.

EcoVadis 2024

ISO & GDP certification

ISO & GDP Certificate

GLS is certified according to DIN ISO 9001: 2015 and 14001: 2015 by DQS.

Certified quality and sustainability throughout Europe

GLS guarantees, controls and improves its quality and sustainability with a pan-European quality and environmental management system. It is certified according to DIN ISO 9001: 2015 and 14001: 2015 by DQS, one of the largest and highly respected international suppliers of certifications for management systems With its quality management system,

GLS meets high, internationally recognized standards. The comprehensive quality assurance from GLS includes precisely defined work processes, quality guidelines with control routines and regular audits. The most important quality figures are continuously monitored and adjusted.

GLS is an environmentally aware company and actively implements various sustainability projects in all its national subsidiaries. These have obtained ISO 14001 certification for their environmental management systems. Manufacturers and service providers consider this internationally accepted standard to be one of the most important with regard to environmental management.

GLS also received Good Certification Practice (GDP) certification in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland and Luxembourg. The GDP directive is mandatory throughout the EU for the wholesale distribution of medicines. GLS now meets the strict safety and hygiene requirements for the non-refrigerated transport of medicines for human use in six countries.