The ecommerce landscape is continually evolving, with Amazon implementing significant changes that impact sellers worldwide.
This article provides a chronological overview of key developments affecting Amazon Marketplace operations, offering insights to help sellers navigate these changes effectively.
New EU Regulations for Online Marketplaces - January 2021
Effective January 1, 2021, the European Union introduced new regulations aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in online platform trading. These rules require marketplaces to provide clear terms and conditions, establish transparent ranking criteria, and offer dispute resolution mechanisms. The objective is to create a more equitable environment for businesses operating on these platforms, enhancing trust and accountability.
Challenges Faced by Online Marketplaces and the Role of BME – April 2020
In April 2020, the pandemic's impact on traditional retail led to a significant increase in ecommerce activity. Online marketplaces faced challenges, including supply chain disruptions and logistical constraints.
Fulfillment partners like BME played a crucial role in assisting sellers to maintain operations and meet customer demands during these challenging times.
Suspension of Inbound FBA Shipments – March 2020
On March 17, 2020, Amazon temporarily suspended inbound Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) shipments for non-essential products in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure, affecting regions such as Italy and France, was implemented to prioritize essential goods and manage the surge in demand. Sellers were advised to explore alternative fulfillment methods during this period to maintain their operations.
Trademark Registration with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) – March 2020
In March 2020, Amazon announced that sellers in the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) could register their brands on Amazon using a trademark from the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP). This initiative aimed to streamline the brand registration process, granting sellers access to Amazon's Brand Registry across all its marketplaces. Benefits include enhanced brand protection and greater control over product listings.
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