France proposes minimum rates for book deliveries

In France, lawmakers are considering a draft law that would stop Amazon from offering virtually free delivery for book purchases, reports Politico.

The draft law, which has the backing of president Emmanuel Macron, is designed to protect bricks-and-mortar shops from competition with Amazon, which promises virtually free shipping for books. Currently, free deliveries are not technically allowed, however policymakers believe the wide range of delivery rates—from €0.01 to up to €7 depending on the distributor—is defeating the law’s purpose.

The draft legislation would require retailers to charge for shipping books at a minimum price, set by the economic and culture ministries, based on a proposal by the telecom and posts regulator Arcep. The new bill would also require online platforms to differentiate more clearly between new books and second-hand books.

‘The objective is to reduce the distortion of competition between online players who can offer book deliveries at one cent, and the others,’ said MP Géraldine Bannier, who is in charge of the bill in the lower house.

Multiple French officials told Politico that Amazon is opposed to the new rules and is lobbying against them.

Category: International news