Governments in both France and Germany are working on banning the disposal of remaining stocks and returnable products. The measures follow after it was revealed last year that Amazon was destroying products on a large scale in both countries.
In France, the measure is for unsold goods that are still usable. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expects the law to come into force within two to four years.
Germany working on legal framework
In Germany, the Greens are calling for a ban on destroying stocks. The German environment ministry is not aiming for a complete ban, but wants to curb product destruction. Retailers will be given a "duty of care" over the products in their management. They are no longer allowed to destroy them immediately.
An exemption from sales tax on goods that are given away is also being considered. Now retailers still pay tax on products they donate, making destruction cheaper in many cases.
Outcry over destruction of products
An uproar arose in both countries last year when it was revealed that products at Amazon are not long-lived. Product lists, photos and employee statements allegedly show that Amazon destroys both returns and new products. Even third-party sellers can send their unsold stock to Amazon, which then takes care of the destruction.
Amazon does not appear to be the only retailer guilty of this; research by the University of Bamberg shows that four per cent of return products are destroyed in Germany.
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