A PYMNTS Company

Spain’s Watchdog Says Apple and Amazon Fell Short on Antitrust Order

By  |  February 25, 2026
Spain’s Watchdog Says Apple and Amazon Fell Short on Antitrust Order

Spanish competition authorities have accused Apple and Amazon of failing to promptly comply with a regulatory order tied to a long-running antitrust case, escalating scrutiny of the two technology companies.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission, known as the CNMC, said Wednesday that the companies did not move quickly enough to amend contractual terms related to Amazon’s role as an authorized reseller of Apple products. According to the Wall Street Journal, the regulator determined that the companies only removed the disputed clauses in May 2025, well after being instructed to do so.

    The case dates back to 2023, when the CNMC imposed fines totaling about 194 million euros, roughly $228.4 million, on the two companies. Per Wall Street Journal, the regulator concluded at the time that certain provisions in Amazon’s reseller agreement with Apple limited competition in Spain by restricting how many sellers could offer Apple products on Amazon’s Spanish platform.

    Authorities argued that the arrangement effectively narrowed the pool of independent resellers permitted to sell Apple products through Amazon’s website in Spain. Alongside the financial penalties, the CNMC issued a cease-and-desist order requiring the companies to revise the relevant contractual terms.

    In its latest statement, the CNMC said Apple and Amazon failed to meet the order within the expected timeframe, asserting that the problematic clauses remained in place until May of this year. According to the Wall Street Journal, antitrust officials are now asking the competition directorate to consider opening new proceedings against the companies over the delayed compliance.

    Related: Spain Turns Up the Heat on Apple in Escalating Antitrust Case

    The original 2023 ruling has been appealed to Spain’s high court, the Audiencia Nacional, where it remains under review.

    Apple said it disagrees with the regulator’s assessment. “We respect the CNMC, but disagree with this decision and believe we’ve always complied with the authority’s order,” an Apple representative said. The company also said it continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, resellers and online marketplaces to combat counterfeit goods and safeguard customers.

    Amazon likewise pushed back on the regulator’s conclusions. A spokesperson said the company’s business model depends on the success of independent sellers and noted that the range of products available to Spanish customers has more than doubled on its platform over the past four years.

    “We have appealed as we disagree with this resolution of the Spanish Competition Authority,” the spokesperson said. “We also disagree with the Competition Authority’s suggestion that Amazon benefits by excluding sellers from our store.”

    The dispute marks the latest chapter in a yearslong legal battle between Spanish regulators and the two U.S.-based companies, with further legal and administrative steps likely as the appeals process continues.

    Source: The Wall Street Journal