Amazon temporarily stops shipping non-essential goods in France and Italy

We almost missed it but apparently Amazon is currently no longer shipping "non-essential" goods via its Amazon.it and Amazon.fr websites. The web shopping giant is taking measures because the lock-downs in Europe have resulted in a massive spike in online orders. As such, Amazon decided to focus on the products customers need the most.

Essential products include baby products; health and household items; beauty and personal care; groceries; and industrial, scientific, and pet supplies. Non-essential products from sellers who do not use Amazon's distribution chain can still be bought via the platform.

An Amazon spokesman said the company made the decision due to a spike in orders and the need to respect anti-coronavirus safety measures in the workplaces.

“We will temporarily stop taking orders on some non-essential products on Amazon.it and Amazon.fr,” Amazon.com said in a statement. “This lets fulfillment center associates focus on receiving and shipping the products customers need most at this time.”

Last week, Amazon already decied to stop stocking non-essential products at its US and European warehouses until April 5 to clear inventory space for household goods and medical supplies.