In Europe, being an Amazon seller requires not only focusing on product sales, but also complying with a series of compliance requirements, from VAT registration to environmental compliance, which are important steps to ensure the smooth operation of the store. Let’s take a closer look at the compliance guide for sellers on European sites.
VAT Registration and Tax Compliance
Sellers who generate inventory in the UK or EU countries need to apply for a VAT number in the country where the inventory is located. The registration, declaration and payment of the VAT number are the first step to ensure the smooth sales and long-term operation of the store. Only the country where the inventory is generated needs to register the corresponding VAT number. For example, if the warehouse is in the UK, you only need to register the UK VAT number. Sellers can choose to cooperate with a tax agent and submit relevant information to the tax bureau to apply for a VAT number. Once a valid VAT number is obtained, the seller needs to submit the tax number information on the Amazon seller platform. Taxes that have not been withheld need to be paid in time, and overpaid taxes can apply for a tax refund. In the UK, it takes a relatively long time to obtain a VAT number, about 10-12 weeks, so sellers should upload a valid VAT number to the Amazon seller platform within 90 days from the time the inventory is generated to avoid affecting sales rights.
Environmental Compliance (EPR)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires producers to be responsible for the entire life cycle of the products they launch on the market, including product design, production, sales, use and waste disposal. In Europe, Amazon requires sellers in Germany, France and Spain to comply with EPR requirements. This means that sellers need to cooperate with waste collection and treatment companies that meet compliance requirements to ensure sustainable management of the product life cycle.
Product Certification Compliance
According to EU product safety regulations, the sale of products with the CE mark requires a responsible person located in the EU, and the contact information of the responsible person must be affixed to the product. If you sell CE-marked products in the EU but there is no EU responsible person, it will be illegal. In addition, sellers on the German site need to pay special attention that if you sell packaged products, you need to upload the LUCID registration number in advance and pass Amazon verification. For products covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, Amazon will collect and verify the seller’s WEEE registration number when selling in Germany. Products that do not meet compliance requirements may be discontinued after June 5, 2023.
In summary, sellers on European sites need to consider multiple compliance requirements when operating stores, from VAT tax number registration to environmental compliance and product certification compliance. Only by ensuring compliance within the legal framework can the long-term and stable development of the store be ensured.