Amazon to Appeal Italian Fine Despite Reduction, Reports Say
On January 14, 2026, Amazon surprised many by saying it will appeal an Italian court ruling related to a big antitrust fine. The company was originally fined €1.13 billion in 2021 for how it runs parts of its online and logistics business in Italy. That fine was cut to €752.4 million after a court review in September 2025, but Amazon still says it shouldn’t be penalized at all.
This move is unusual. Large companies often accept a reduced penalty and focus on paying it. But Amazon is fighting the decision by taking it to a higher court. At the same time, Italy’s competition authority may also appeal the reduction.
This story matters not just for Amazon. It could shape how big tech companies are regulated in Europe going forward.
Background: The Origin of Italy’s Antitrust Fine on Amazon
In December 2021, Italy’s antitrust authority, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), hit Amazon with one of the largest fines ever seen in the country. The penalty was set at €1.13 billion.
Regulators said Amazon had abused its dominant market position in e-commerce logistics services. They claimed the company used its own logistics arm, known as Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), to give certain sellers unfair benefits. These benefits included better visibility and access to the powerful Prime label and major promotions like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sellers who did not use FBA were said to be at a big disadvantage, which hurt competition among logistics providers in Italy.
Amazon disagreed with the ruling and began legal challenges right away. The company said the penalty was excessive and that its marketplace model helped many sellers rather than hurt them.
The Reduction of the Amazon Fine: What Changed?
In September 2025, a major shift happened in the case. The Regional Administrative Court of Lazio reviewed the fine. It did not reject the finding that Amazon had engaged in anti-competitive conduct. Instead, the court said the way the fine was calculated needed revision. The original penalty included a discretionary 50 % increase that the court found lacked proper justification.
Because of this ruling, on January 12, 2026, Italy’s antitrust authority announced the fine would be lowered. The new amount became €752.4 million. This figure represents a significant reduction from the original €1.13 billion but still reflects a major penalty. The Italian regulator said the substance of the violation remained the same.
This decision was important for two reasons. First, it confirmed the authority’s view that Amazon had distorted competition. Second, it showed that penalties must meet strict legal standards to stand up in court.
Why Amazon Is Still Appealing?
Despite the reduction, Amazon has taken the next legal step. On January 14, 2026, the company said it would appeal the court decision that upheld the reduced fine. Amazon argues it should not have been fined at all. The firm said it “strongly disagreed” with the antitrust authority’s position and would keep fighting in court.
Amazon’s decision to appeal even a lowered penalty is unusual. Most companies would accept a reduction and move on. But Amazon appears to be aiming for a full legal victory. The company’s stance is not just about saving money. It is also about arguing that its business model and how it manages logistics and seller services do not break competition laws as claimed.
Some industry observers think Amazon is also trying to set a broader legal precedent. If courts accept the antitrust authority’s view, this could affect how other tech platforms operate across the EU. This concern makes the appeal about more than just one case.
Italy’s Antitrust Authority is Also Appealing
At the same time, Italy’s competition watchdog is preparing its own appeal. It disagrees with the Lazio court’s decision to lower the fine. The authority says the reduction does not match the scale of harm it believes Amazon caused.
This creates a rare legal situation. Both Amazon and the regulator are challenging part of the same court decision. That means the case will likely move to higher courts and could take years to resolve. Meanwhile, Amazon must set aside funds for the fine and continue its legal fight.
Broader Context: What This Means for Digital Regulation in Europe
This legal battle plays out at a time of intense scrutiny of big tech in Europe. Authorities across the European Union are enforcing competition laws more strictly. Italy’s case reflects a push to ensure large online platforms do not use their power to squeeze out rivals.
The dispute also overlaps with other regulatory actions. In 2025, the European Commission pursued separate probes of Amazon under broader digital market rules. At the same time, Italian tax authorities pushed Amazon on different fronts, including claims over unpaid VAT totaling about €1 billion.
For sellers and consumers, these moves could lead to changes in how major marketplaces operate. If regulators win more cases, large platforms might have to alter pricing, logistics, and access to promotions. That could open space for more competition and choice.
What to Expect Next: Legal & Market Outlook for Amazon Fine Appeal
Looking ahead, more appeals are almost certain. Amazon will likely argue its case at higher judicial levels. The Italian antitrust authority will press to maintain the original penalty’s intent. Future rulings could tighten or loosen competition enforcement against big platforms.
The outcome may also influence how other EU countries handle similar issues. If Amazon wins a broader legal argument, other tech firms might have stronger defenses. If regulators prevail, enforcement could become stricter across Europe.
Investors and market watchers are paying attention. Decisions in this case could affect how digital marketplace giants operate and how legal risk factors into their strategies.
Final Words
Amazon’s decision to appeal the Italian antitrust fine, even after its reduction, shows how high the stakes are for big tech companies. This is not just about the size of the penalty. It is about how digital markets are governed and how rules are applied to dominant players. The outcome will matter to regulators, businesses, and consumers across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Amazon is appealing because it believes the ruling is unfair. On January 14, 2026, the company said it should not face any penalty under Italian competition rules.
After a court review in September 2025, Italy reduced Amazon’s antitrust fine to €752.4 million. Regulators confirmed the updated amount in January 2026.
Italy fined Amazon in December 2021 for giving special benefits to sellers using its delivery service. Regulators said this limited fair competition in the logistics market.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
