Amazon finds loophole in law and delivers books for free again

Amazon has found a loophole in the law which imposes delivery charges on books: by offering to deliver books to collection points rather than directly to the customer, the distribution giant no longer has to pay the 3 € shipping costs. But the government doesn't see it that way.

Since October 2023, Amazon and other online sales platforms are required to pay a minimum of €3 on the delivery of new books. The argument of free or almost free delivery for books has taken off in order to preserve cultural diversity and the territorial network of bookstores. To the great dismay of the e-commerce giant, which ended up finding a solution.

A hole in the racket operated by Amazon

Amazon customers can now choose free delivery of their books to more than 2,500 collection points throughout France. Collection can be done in one of the lockers set up by Amazon, or directly at the store counter. The new option is available “ for a selection of collection points located in businesses selling books in particular », Explains the company which adds that 70% of these collection points are located in rural areas and small towns.

On the Amazon website, once the book is added to the cart, customers can select the free collection point when paying. Home delivery obviously remains possible, with shipping costs.

The company is exploiting a hole in the law's racket. This in fact states that the delivery service cannot be offered free of charge by the retailer (here, Amazon), “ unless the book is collected from a book retail store “. However, businesses where you can collect Amazon orders – generally supermarkets – generally sell books.

Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture, contacted the Mediator of the book “ because there is a question of interpretation “, she indicated to the Senate. The procedure will last four months during which the two parties will try to find common ground. If nothing succeeds, the ball will go into the court of the Competition Authority. In any case, Amazon saves time and can once again offer free delivery of books.

The rapporteur of the Council of State, contacted by Amazon, recommended in the spring that the Court of Justice of the European Union take a decision on this matter. The high court could decide to cancel these shipping costs.