Amazon fined R$2 million for married selling on MG

Amazon received a BRL 2.2 million fine from the Minas Gerais State Consumer Protection and Defense Program (Procon-MG). The platform would violate Brazilian law by: Requires a minimum purchase of Amazon Prime members to qualify for free shipping. The application was considered an affiliate sale.

The punishment was given for the harm done to society. Minas Gerais Procon has received several complaints about the practice as well as registering several protests on the Reclame Aqui website.

The company cited economic justification for the limitation, but Procon-MG thought the practice violated the Consumer Protection Act. Amazon may appeal the decision within 10 business days upon notification. The value of the fine should be allocated to the Minas Gerais State Consumer Protection and Defense Fund.

How Amazon Prime Free Shipping Works

Amazon charges BRL 14.90 per month for customers to access Prime Video streaming content and also offers its subscribers unlimited free shipping across Brazil. However, the platform claims that only some products are exempt from the delivery fee.

According to the platform, The benefit does not apply to products offered by Amazon partner sellers. In addition, products directed to the Mailbox cannot benefit from the exemption.

The site also offers 20% off same-day shipping in certain regions of Brazil. Therefore, the product must be identified with the Prime seal on the purchase page.

For non-subscribers, free shipping is offered on purchases over R$129, but it is also possible to take advantage of the first purchase or with discount coupons.