amazon-fullFrance last week enacted a new law that does not allow online book retailers to offer free delivery and discounts. The legislation was implemented in part to protect independent bookstores from corporate companies like Amazon.

So, in response, Amazon is now abiding the law by charging a one-cent delivery fee for customers who order books online. Amazon is also still offering free shipping to its Amazon Prime customers.

France’s new law is a win for smaller brick-and-mortar booksellers, who are still allowed to ship books for free and at up to a 5 percent discount — both of which Amazon can no longer do in the country.

Here’s the full note posted on Amazon’s France site, translated into English:

A new law forbids us to continue to offer you 5% discount and free shipping in France for your book orders. However, you are very likely to express your wish to have access to the widest offer, quickly delivered where you live, and at the best price.

We think you’re right.

That is why we have decided to maintain free shipping for books shipped by Amazon for all clients subscribed to Amazon Prime program.

Our customers do not subscribe to Amazon Prime program, we have set the shipping costs to the minimum permitted by law, or just 1 penny per order containing books and shipped by Amazon.

Most importantly, we work every day to offer: a wide choice of 5 million French titles, new or used, the latest rare books; 150,000 eBooks French downloadable in 60 seconds; customer reviews and customized to help you choose your next book recommendations; Fast and Free Shipping with Amazon Prime, anywhere in France (excluding Corsica); and innovative services such as guaranteed delivery on release day for new or redemption of your used books.

Thank you for your trust and good reading,

The Amazon Books team. Fr

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