Amazon's six distribution centres in France have been closed for almost a month. The internet giant fears a billion-dollar fine and therefore dares not start operational activities yet.
The DCs will remain closed at least until Monday 18 May, reports Reuters. The court in France ruled in April that Amazon employees in distribution centres were too at risk of being infected with the corona virus. The e-commerce giant is therefore only allowed to ship essential goods from its DCs, such as groceries, medical supplies and office supplies. If Amazon does not comply, a fine will follow.
Chance of billion-dollar fine too high
Amazon decided to then close the distribution centres altogether and send its 10,000 employees on paid leave. "Our distribution centres are safe. We can only be fined over a billion euros a week if 0.1 per cent of items shipped are labelled 'non-essential'."
Customers can otherwise order as usual on Amazon.fr, from external parties selling through Amazon or through the retailer's global logistics network.
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