Overview of All EU Regulations and Requirements Enforced by Amazon
Selling on Amazon within the European Union requires more than just setting up an account and listing your products. To ensure compliance with European regulations, Amazon enforces a variety of legal and tax obligations on its sellers. This article outlines the key requirements you need to meet and how to address them.
Tax Obligations (VAT, OSS)
Basic tax obligations, such as registering for VAT in the countries where you sell and using the One Stop Shop (OSS) system, are already well-known to most sellers. We won’t go into detail about these standard requirements here, as they are a prerequisite for selling in the EU.
EPR – Extended Producer Responsibility
One of the main requirements enforced by Amazon in the EU is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This system focuses on producer accountability for the environmental disposal of packaging, batteries, electronics, and other waste.
Germany (DE): Mandatory LUCID Registration
In Germany, it is mandatory to register in the LUCID system (the central registry for waste management). You must have a registered partner who will handle these responsibilities on your behalf. Once registered, you will receive a number that must be uploaded to Amazon Seller Central. The same applies to WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and batteries, where each brand selling these products must be registered.
List of EPR Partners in Germany:
1. Der Grüne Punkt (www.gruener-punkt.de)
• Comprehensive solutions for packaging, WEEE, and batteries.
2. Interseroh+ (www.interseroh.plus)
• Services focused on EPR registration and waste management.
3. Landbell Group (www.landbell.de)
• Specializes in EPR compliance for both small and large sellers.
Single Use Plastics (SUP)
For single-use plastics (e.g., food packaging), there are additional regulations in the EU. You must register on the DIVID portal (www.verpackungsregister.org) and upload the required number to your Amazon account.
GPSR – General Product Safety Regulation
Another key regulation Amazon enforces is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which ensures the safety of all products sold in the EU.
Requirements:
1. Manufacturer and Responsible Person Information:
The product packaging must include the name of the manufacturer and a responsible person accountable for placing the product on the EU market.
2. Photos of Packaging and Instructions:
Amazon may require you to upload photos of the product, its packaging, and user instructions. These photos must clearly display CE markings, manufacturer details, and other required information.
Compliance with EU Regulations
All products sold on Amazon must comply with applicable EU regulations, such as:
• REACH Regulation: Controls chemicals in products.
• CE Marking: Mandatory for products such as toys, electronics, and medical devices.
• RoHS Directive: Restricts hazardous substances in electronic devices.
DAC7 – Tax Questionnaires
Amazon is required to report seller activities to tax authorities across the EU under the DAC7 directive. Once every three years, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire to confirm your compliance.
What to Do:
• Complete the DAC7 questionnaire in Amazon Seller Central.
• Ensure your tax information is accurate.
Other Requirements Amazon May Enforce:
1. Certification Requirements: Specific certifications may be required for certain products (e.g., cosmetics, electronics).
2. Waste Labeling: For example, the crossed-out bin symbol on electronics.
3. Data Security: GDPR compliance for protecting customer data.
Conclusion
If you sell on Amazon in the EU, you must be prepared to meet not only tax obligations but also a wide range of regulatory requirements. Failure to comply can result in the removal of your products or even account suspension.
We recommend regularly checking that you have all required registrations, certifications, and documentation in place. If you are unsure, consult experts or contact Amazon support directly.
TIP: Regularly audit your products and Amazon account to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary complications! 😊