// Amazon faces class action lawsuits by suppliers over alleged breaches of competition law
// The Responsible Online Commerce Coalition collecting evidence over claims including sellers not having equal access to the platform and the freedom to set prices and offer discounts
Amazon could soon be faced with several class action lawsuits from suppliers over alleged breaches of competition law and Groceries Supply Code of Practices.
A group of high-profile lawyers have created The Responsible Online Commerce Coalition (ROCC), which is lining up evidence for claims, including that sellers do not have equal access to the platform, the freedom to set prices and offer discounts, and have no dispute resolution processes, The Grocer reported.
The ROCC said it is hoping to gain support from the small and large businesses among the some 250,000 companies selling on the marketplace.
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Speaking to the publication, ROCC lawyer and partner at Geradin Partners Tom Smith said it views the Groceries Supply Code of Practice as “part of its arsenal” to use against Amazon.
Amazon has made several changes to its practices recently including committing in January to provide “reasonable written notice” when products are red flagged by its system.
However, it continues to review complaints from suppliers that it is allowed to operate in ways traditional retailers cannot.
The move by ROCC is timed to take advantage of new UK legislation coming into force in April via a new Digital Markets Unit within the Competitions Market Authority.
The new legislation will outline new rules for competition and fairness in online markets of which Amazon is expected to come under greater scrutiny.
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