Italy: Italian Competition Authority opens investigation into Amazon alleging abuse of a dominant position in online marketplaces and logistic services

On 16 April 2019, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) opened an investigation into Amazon alleging that it has abused its dominant position in the online marketplaces and logistic services. Amazon offers logistical services to firms that sell products on its website and provides services as warehouse space or delivery services. The Competition Authority alleges that third-party sellers that use Amazon’s logistical services (FBA) have higher chances of being featured in the buy box than companies that don’t use FBA. The agency claims Amazon is discriminating against third parties that don’t use its logistic services to increase its profits as it receives a higher percentage per product if also delivers it and to artificially favour its retail and logistical services.