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German competition regulator (Bundeskartellamt) opens investigation against Amazon . In particular, the regulator will examine the relationship between Amazon and third-party vendors on the platform.
"Its dual role as the largest retailer and largest market has the potential to annoy other sellers on its platform," said the chairman of the Bundeskartellamt, in the announcement. "Due to the many complaints we have received, we will examine if Amazon is abusing its position in the market at the expense of active sellers in its market"
And it is true that Amazon is in a difficult position when it comes to antitrust investigations. The company sells its products directly to consumers – you can even buy Amazon branded items. But many vendors directly list items on the platform and send them directly to customers.
Some choose to send articles from their own warehouses, while others participate in the "Fulfillment by Amazon" program. This program has become increasingly important for the company's results.
German regulators want to consider "product criticism, non-transparent cancellation and blocking of seller accounts, withholding or late payment, clauses granting the right to use information material that A seller must provide in respect of the products offered and the conditions of sale. pan-European shipment. "
French regulators also fined Amazon in December 2017, according to Le Parisien – a $ 11.4 million fine (10 million euros). Once again, regulators did not like the terms between Amazon and third-party companies. Vendors must abide by unfair rules and Amazon may terminate relationships at any time.
Amazon must act with caution because it serves as a bridge between customers and sellers. Let's see if these surveys in France and Germany could lead to stricter rules at European level.
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