Japan Fair Trade Commission to End Investigation Into Rakuten Group

By Kosaku Narioka

The Japan Fair Trade Commission said Monday that it would terminate an antitrust investigation into Rakuten Group Inc. once it confirms that the e-commerce company has taken steps to change its practices over a free-shipping program.

Rakuten Group Inc. introduced the free-shipping program for orders of at least 3,980 yen ($35.28) in March 2020. Its sales staff told some merchants that their products would be ranked lower on search results if they don't join the program, the commission said.

Rakuten told the commission that it wouldn't treat unfairly the merchants that aren't participating in the free-shipping program and respect their choices, the commission said.

Rakuten said it took the commission's findings seriously and would continue to strive to improve its steps while listening to the voices of merchants and users.

Write to Kosaku Narioka at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-06-21 0401ET