Reduced fees for 2026 = bigger margins. This is how much you can saveReduced fees for 2026 = bigger margins. This is how much you can saveComply with regulations when selling in Amazon's European stores
We know that compliance requirements for selling in the EU can be complex and confusing. That's why we've put together the information you might need to comply with the regulations and protect yourself and your business — depending on where the business is located and where you want to sell to.
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What is compliance and why is it important?
From verifying your identity and VAT requirements to product guidelines and sustainability obligations, we'll provide you with important insights and show you how you can comply with regulations when selling in European Amazon stores.
Compliance is one of the most effective ways we can ensure that the products sold in Amazon stores are safe, of high quality and as environmentally friendly as possible. This also makes it easier to build trust between our customers and selling partners — and makes customers feel safe when they buy from us.
If you do not comply with verification and taxation rules, you may be prohibited from selling products in certain areas. If products lack the correct compliance documentation or fail to meet EPR standards, your listings may be removed. And if non-compliant items are shipped internationally, they could be held at customs.
The following are the five most common compliance categories that you will encounter when selling in EU stores.
Compliance is one of the most effective ways we can ensure that the products sold in Amazon stores are safe, of high quality and as environmentally friendly as possible. This also makes it easier to build trust between our customers and selling partners — and makes customers feel safe when they buy from us.
If you do not comply with verification and taxation rules, you may be prohibited from selling products in certain areas. If products lack the correct compliance documentation or fail to meet EPR standards, your listings may be removed. And if non-compliant items are shipped internationally, they could be held at customs.
The following are the five most common compliance categories that you will encounter when selling in EU stores.
Verification obligation
We have developed industry-leading tools that combine advanced technology and expert human reviews to make verifying your identity as simple as possible. Verification as a seller is a legal obligation — but also one of the ways in which we build trust with our customers.
Tax compliance
Which existing provisions in European tax law apply to you as an Amazon selling partner? Learn more about your VAT requirements to ensure a seamless retail experience with your customers.
Product compliance
By selling on Amazon, your products get the attention they deserve, enabling you to reach millions of buyers. Product compliance helps to ensure that your customers—and your business—are protected during the sales process.
Compliance with environmental regulations
Compliance with environmental guidelines involves more than simply doing the right thing for our planet. Learn more about compliance with environmental regulations, extended producer responsibility (EPR), waste electronic and electrical equipment and other obligations that may apply to you as a seller.
While we cover the most important environmental protection requirements, there may be others you need to comply with. We recommend that you consult your legal advisor to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable environmental protection requirements for each of your chosen countries of sale.
While we cover the most important environmental protection requirements, there may be others you need to comply with. We recommend that you consult your legal advisor to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable environmental protection requirements for each of your chosen countries of sale.
Compliance with international trade regulations
Expanding your sales to international customers is a great way to grow your business on Amazon even faster. However, in addition to benefits, global expansion also brings its own challenges — especially when it comes to compliance with regulations. Find out what you need for international trade and speed up customs clearance for your shipments.
This page is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice from tax, legal or other compliance service providers.
FAQs
How long does verification take with Amazon DE?
It generally takes between 24 hours and 5 business days to verify an Amazon seller once all required documents have been submitted. However, during busy periods or if documents are illegible, this process may take up to 10 business days. Amazon uses advanced technology combined with manual checks to confirm your identity.
To speed up the process, be sure to note the following points:
1. Submit high-quality colour copies of your identity documents.
2. Make sure that the name on your “Seller Central” account matches your bank account and ID exactly.
3. Avoid submitting expired documents, as this is the most common reason for delays in verifying Amazon sellers.
To speed up the process, be sure to note the following points:
1. Submit high-quality colour copies of your identity documents.
2. Make sure that the name on your “Seller Central” account matches your bank account and ID exactly.
3. Avoid submitting expired documents, as this is the most common reason for delays in verifying Amazon sellers.
How can I avoid customs delays when shipping to Germany?
In order to avoid customs delays when shipping to Germany, ensure exact adherence to international trade regulations and provide the correct documentation. Since Germany has strict import rules as part of the EU, missing information often results in goods being held at the border.
Follow these steps for trouble-free import:
1. Make sure that every shipment includes a correct commercial invoice with a detailed description of the goods.
2. Use the correct HS codes (customs tariff numbers) for your products to avoid incorrect tax calculations.
3. Apply for a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which is mandatory for imports into the EU.
4. Check whether your products comply with all EU safety standards (e.g. CE marking), as customs also checks product safety.
Follow these steps for trouble-free import:
1. Make sure that every shipment includes a correct commercial invoice with a detailed description of the goods.
2. Use the correct HS codes (customs tariff numbers) for your products to avoid incorrect tax calculations.
3. Apply for a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, which is mandatory for imports into the EU.
4. Check whether your products comply with all EU safety standards (e.g. CE marking), as customs also checks product safety.
Is compliance with regulations mandatory for all Amazon DE sellers?
Yes, all selling partners on Amazon DE must adhere to compliance regulations, regardless of the size of the company. Amazon enforces strict standards to ensure customer trust and meet the legal requirements of the European Union and Germany.
The main compliance categories include:
1. Identity verification: The seller account must be fully verified before you start selling.
2. Tax compliance: You must provide a valid German VAT number (USt-IdNr.) if your goods are warehoused in Germany.
3. Environmental compliance (EPR): Sellers must register with the LUCID packaging register and meet electronic waste (WEEE) requirements.
4. Product safety: Products must have the required EU declarations of conformity.
The main compliance categories include:
1. Identity verification: The seller account must be fully verified before you start selling.
2. Tax compliance: You must provide a valid German VAT number (USt-IdNr.) if your goods are warehoused in Germany.
3. Environmental compliance (EPR): Sellers must register with the LUCID packaging register and meet electronic waste (WEEE) requirements.
4. Product safety: Products must have the required EU declarations of conformity.
Which documents are required for Amazon seller verification in Germany?
For successful verification as an Amazon seller in Germany, you must provide documents that prove your identity and business activity beyond doubt. The requirements differ slightly depending on whether you are selling as an individual or as a registered company.
Prepare the following documents:
1. Proof of identity: A valid passport or identity card for all beneficial owners. If applicable, please submit both sides of the identity card.
2. Business registration: A current extract from the commercial register or the trade licence (not older than 90 days).
3. Proof of address: An electricity, gas or water bill, or a bank statement, that clearly shows the company's address.
4. Bank Account Information: Proof of a valid bank account that can receive payments in euro.
5. Tax documents: Proof of tax registration (VAT number), if applicable.
Prepare the following documents:
1. Proof of identity: A valid passport or identity card for all beneficial owners. If applicable, please submit both sides of the identity card.
2. Business registration: A current extract from the commercial register or the trade licence (not older than 90 days).
3. Proof of address: An electricity, gas or water bill, or a bank statement, that clearly shows the company's address.
4. Bank Account Information: Proof of a valid bank account that can receive payments in euro.
5. Tax documents: Proof of tax registration (VAT number), if applicable.
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