The impact of Brexit on Amazon sellers and trademark strategies

As the UK officially leaves the EU on January 1, 2021, Amazon sellers are facing a series of new challenges and opportunities. This article aims to explore the specific impact of Brexit on Amazon sellers and how to adjust your trademark strategy to adapt to this change.

1. Four major changes faced by Amazon sellers

1. Changes in storage and distribution regulations

Effective January 1, 2021, the UK has officially withdrawn from the EU single market and customs union, which means the establishment of a customs border between the UK and Europe. As a result, Amazon has officially stopped border shipping and deliveries between the UK and EU. This regulation not only means that the UK and EU will apply warehousing restriction rules respectively, but also requires sellers to store goods in the UK and EU respectively.

2. Changes in product conformity certification marks

From January 1, 2021, manufacturers of products sold in the UK need to use the UKCA mark to replace the previous CE mark. However, if the goods have been placed on the market before that date, they will not be affected. Sellers only need to provide relevant proof such as orders and logistics orders to continue selling in the UK.

3. Brand changes

After Brexit, sellers with European brands will automatically split into a British brand for use in the UK. For sellers who want to operate both the European and British sites but have not yet registered their brands, they need to register the British brand and the European brand respectively when registering.

4. Changes in VAT regulations

Effective January 1, 2021, the UK has implemented a new set of VAT regulations. Sellers need to understand the specific new regulations and take appropriate measures when shipping to UK buyers.

2. Suggestions on adjusting trademark strategy

1. The importance of registering a British trademark

As the UK plans to officially leave the EU on March 29, 2019, EU laws will no longer apply to the UK from March 30, 2019, and the effectiveness of previously registered EU trademarks will no longer continue within the British territory. efficient. Therefore, for companies that have registered trademarks in the EU, timely registration of British trademarks has become a top priority. On the one hand, this helps avoid the risk of trademark registration by others; on the other hand, considering that trademark registration usually takes 6 to 8 months, early registration can ensure that sellers can complete Amazon brand registration as soon as possible.

2. Pay attention to customs protection issues

Currently, the right holder of an EU-registered trademark can obtain protection from the customs of all member states by applying for registration protection from the customs of any member state of the EU. However, once the UK leaves the EU, this protection will no longer apply to the UK. Therefore, sellers need to apply for protection from British Customs separately and pay close attention to subsequent relevant legislative developments in the UK.

3. Conclusion

Although Brexit has brought many challenges to Amazon sellers, through reasonable planning and timely adjustment of strategies, sellers can still overcome these difficulties and achieve a smooth transition of their business. It is important to stay aware of the latest policy changes and take necessary actions to protect your interests.

This article combines key information from two reference articles to help Amazon sellers better understand the impact of Brexit on their business and provide practical advice.