Amazon may discontinue operations in India


New York, Nov 2 (PTI): Global e-commerce company Amazon has said it sees "substantial uncertainties" in interpretation of Indian laws, which could impact its business in one of the world's fastest-growing multi-billion dollar online shopping market.

The US-based firm expressed similar views on rules in China.

"There are substantial uncertainties on the interpretation of China and India's laws, and is possible the government will take a view contrary to ours," Amazon said in a regulatory filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The firm said: "Our Chinese and Indian businesses and operations may be unable to continue to operate if we or our affiliates are unable to access sufficient funding or if China enforces contractual relationships with respect to the management and control of such businesses."

Amazon added if its international activities were found in violation of any existing or future China or India's laws or regulations, its businesses in those countries could be subject to fines and other financial penalties, have licences revoked, or be forced to shut.

It said in India the government restricted ownership or control of Indian companies by foreign entities involved in online multi-brand retail trading activities.

Amazon, like its domestic rivals Flipkart and Snapdeal, operates under a marketplace model, where it offers its platform to sellers across the country. "For www.amazon.in, we provide certain marketing tools and logistics services to third-party sellers to enable them to sell online and deliver to customers. Though we believe these structures and activities comply with existing laws, they involve unique risks," Amazon added.

The disclosure comes amid reports of Amazon facing tax issues with local authorities in Karnataka.

In July, Amazon had said it will invest $2 billion (Rs 12,000 crore) in India to expand business, after its largest Indian rival Flipkart announced $1 billion in funding.

Amazon, which launched its marketplace in India last year, said the country is one of its fastest-growing markets and on track to touch $1 billion in gross sales.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Nov 02 2014

    Slowly every one will move out ..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • kuldesh, bangalore

    Sun, Nov 02 2014

    amazon of usa and alibaba of china

    plz no need to enter india by investing 10 billion dollars and then taking 200 billion dollars out of india.

    online commerce is a booming industry with $ 1 trillion potential in next decade in india.

    and we have indian companies like flipkart,snapdeal,olx etc to take care of indian online retail buisness so that indian money remains inside india.
    good day,thanks.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Sun, Nov 02 2014

    Yes, it is true that in India we have unlimited laws and notifications.
    This leads to numerous and unclear interpretations of law.
    To make India a stronger economy and reduce corruptions, we should revamp our laws and bring clarity.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh Poojary, Kundapura/Bengaluru

    Sun, Nov 02 2014

    Siddu officials created problems for Amazon in Bengaluru and demanded bribe in September month. Retail players have paid huge money to Siddu to get rid of E-Commerce which is affecting their business.

    Amazon had only one warehouse in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. In the beginning of this year, they opened 2nd and biggest warehouse in Jakkur, in the outskirts of Bangalore.

    Siddu failed to attract new investments and more sad part is he is kicking out existing companies. I think for the unemployment created he will compensate with Anna Bhagya.

    Future is E-Commerce, only sleeping siddu kind of incompetent people will not understand this. It is very very unfortunate.

    Bad time ahead for Kannadigas.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • gm, mlore

    Sun, Nov 02 2014

    No where said that KARNATAKA'S Laws, then how come siddu is responsible. Here clearly mentioned that Indian Laws.....

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roshan, Mangaluru

    Sun, Nov 02 2014

    Yes, Siddu has not gone to China like yeddy who promised 4lakh crore investment within 3 yrs. It is understandable now, how come the millions of tons of iron ore disappeared overnight to china.

    The state is showing significant improvements in GDP, in comparison to anytime low in the history of karnataka under BJP.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse


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