How to sell in EU, UK, UAE and Australia marketplaces?
Expand Your Amazon Business in UK, Europe, UAE and Australia for Amazon Sellers
If you are an Amazon seller currently operating in the USA, Canada, or Mexico and are considering expanding to other marketplaces like Germany, France, the UK, Australia, or the UAE, then you need to read this article. Here, you’ll find step-by-step guidelines to help you navigate the expansion process smoothly. I’ve documented the problems I faced when I started my expansion journey and lost quite a chunk of money, so you don’t have to go through the same challenges.
Germany
VAT Registration
How to Get It? You can apply for a German VAT number through the German Federal Central Tax Office or hire a local tax advisor to assist you.
Time: It typically takes 4-6 weeks to get a VAT number.
Cost: The cost can range from €100 to €300 if you do it yourself or €500 to €1,500 if you hire a tax advisor.
LUCID Number
How to Get It? Register through the German Packaging Register LUCID’s website.
Time: The registration process is immediate, but compliance activities must be ongoing.
Cost: There is no cost for the LUCID registration itself, but compliance costs with a recycling scheme can range from €200 to €800 annually.
EORI Number
How to Get It? Apply through the German Customs Authorities’ website.
Time: It typically takes 1-2 weeks to get an EORI number.
Cost: There is no cost associated with obtaining an EORI number.
Local Certifications:
Ensure your products comply with local certifications and regulations, such as the CE marking for electronic goods.
Preparation: Research the specific certifications required for your product category and apply for them before shipping inventory.
Cost: Varies widely based on the certification and product type.
France
VAT Registration
How to Get It? You can apply for a French VAT number through the French Tax Authority or hire a local tax advisor.
Time: It typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Cost: The cost can range from €100 to €300 if you do it yourself or €500 to €1,500 if you hire a tax advisor.
EORI Number
How to Get It? Apply through the French Customs Authorities’ website.
Time: It typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Cost: There is no cost associated with obtaining an EORI number.
Local Certifications: Special Categorized Products must meet French and EU standards, such as RoHS for electronics and other specific industry requirements.
Preparation: Obtain necessary certifications before sending special categorized inventory.
Cost: Varies based on the product and certification requirements.
UK
VAT Registration
How to Get It? Apply for a VAT number through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or hire a local tax advisor.
Time: It typically takes 2-6 weeks.
Cost: The cost can range from £100 to £300 if you do it yourself or £500 to £1,500 if you hire a tax advisor.
EORI Number:
How to Get It? Apply through the HMRC website.
Time: It typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Cost: There is no cost associated with obtaining an EORI number.
Local Certifications:
Special Categorized or medicated products must comply with UK-specific regulations post-Brexit, such as UKCA marking.
Preparation: Secure necessary certifications before shipping products.
Cost: Depends on the product type and required certifications.
Australia
GST Registration
How to Get It? You can register for GST through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website or hire a local tax advisor.
Time: It typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Cost: There is no cost for the registration, but hiring a tax advisor can cost between AUD 100 to AUD 500.
Australian Business Number (ABN)
How to Get It? Apply through the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
Time: It typically takes a few minutes to a day.
Cost: There is no cost for obtaining an ABN.
Local Certifications:
Ensure compliance with Australian standards, such as C-Tick for electronics.
Preparation: Obtain required certifications before shipping.
Cost: Varies depending on the product and certification.
UAE
Trade Business License
How to Get It? Apply through the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authorities.
Time: It typically takes 1-4 weeks.
Cost: Costs can range from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 depending on the type of business and location.
UAE Bank Account:
How to Get It? Approach a local bank with your trade licence and other required documents.
Time: It typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Cost: There may be an account opening fee ranging from AED 500 to AED 2,000, depending on the bank.
Local Certifications:
Products must comply with UAE standards, such as ESMA certification for electronics.
Preparation: Secure necessary certifications before shipping.
Cost: Depends on the product and required certifications.
For detailed information on launching a product in the UAE, consider reading this article: Launch in UAE.
Pan-European Program
The Pan-European FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program allows you to store your inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers across Europe and have Amazon handle the logistics of shipping your products to customers throughout the European Union. To participate in this program, you need to comply with specific VAT registration requirements.
VAT Registrations
How to Get Them? You need to register for VAT in at least two EU countries. Typically, sellers choose Germany and France, but it can be any two countries where Amazon has fulfillment centers.
Time: It generally takes 4-6 weeks for each VAT registration.
Cost: The cost for VAT registration in each country can range from €100 to €300 if done independently or €500 to €1,500 if using a tax advisor.
Handling Returns
Amazon does not ship returns internationally back to you, so it is essential to have a local solution in place for handling returns. Here’s what you can do:
Arrange a 3PL Warehouse
Partner with a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider in each country where you sell.
Benefits: They can handle returns, inspect returned items, and manage your inventory locally.
