Important information for international sellers

Important reminder of your obligations as an international seller

When selling on our website as an international seller, there are important requirements you must follow to ensure a great experience for customers. Understanding and complying with these requirements is essential for successful international selling and is required for your participation in Amazon's international selling programs.

Before you begin selling on an Amazon marketplace website in a country outside your business location, you need to provide a bank account in a country supported by Amazon in order to get paid. In addition, you should understand the laws that apply to you as a seller on our website, and you must only list and sell products that comply with those laws. The laws may be different to what you are used to in the country of your business location. You should consult with your legal and tax advisers who understand the requirements that may apply to you so that you only offer products on the Amazon marketplace website that:

• You are permitted to sell,
• You are permitted to advertise,
• You are able to deliver to the customer on time, every time with no customer surprises, and
• You are able support after the sale.

The following apply for each product you offer, promote or sell on an Amazon marketplace website:

• Customer Expectations. You will provide customers with accurate information about the location from which you are shipping your product.

  You need to provide an accurate shipping address in your seller profile and manage customer expectations by stating the actual shipping times from your location. You will be responsible for meeting the shipping expectations for all orders you receive.

• Delivery to the Customer. You must use a reliable shipping method so customers receives their purchases on time, every time.

  Do not expose customers to customs delays and additional duties and taxes on their purchases. You are responsible for complying with all import and export obligations and for payment of all applicable duties and customs fees. In short, customers must receive exactly what they order without any additional charges or fees and within the estimated delivery date posted with your offer on the Amazon marketplace website.

• Customer Service. You must be prepared to respond quickly to customer contacts in the language of the Amazon marketplace website in which you are registered to sell.

  Customers expect prompt, helpful service when they have questions or concerns about your products. You should have customer service specialists who (i) understand your products, (ii) know where the customer's product is and when it will be delivered, and (iii) are able to respond quickly (but in any case within 24 hours) to customer e-mail contacts in the language of the Amazon marketplace website in which you are registered to sell.

  Note: If you provide phone support, you are required to do so in English and/or in the language of and within the business hours of the time zone of the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website.

  When you interact with Amazon Customer Service or Seller Support, you are required to communicate in English or in the language of the applicable Amazon marketplace website in which you are registered to sell.

• Right to Sell. You must be permitted to offer, promote and sell the product on that website.

  The laws of each country are different (and laws may vary within countries). As the seller of your products, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not present customers with offers for your products unless you have confirmed that you are permitted, under all applicable laws, to sell and deliver the product to all potential customers.

  For example, you should confirm that:

  • Applicable export and import laws permit the delivery of that product to each potential customer,
  • Your product meets local regulatory standards, consumer protection, product compliance and environmental regulations. For example, the product should comply with local age restrictions, usability requirements (e.g., have accompanying product documentation in the local language) and product safety requirements and certifications (e.g., comply with all hazardous materials restrictions, include required labeling on the product), and
  • Sale and delivery of your product will not violate the intellectual property rights of others (e.g. the product manufacturer).

• Listings. You will list your products using the primary language and currency of the Amazon marketplace website in which you are registered to sell.
• Customer charges. Your listing will include all applicable charges and taxes (including VAT, customs duty, excise taxes, etc. as applicable). You will provide VAT invoices compliant with local laws in respect of all taxable sales to customers.
• Returns. For details about Amazon's policies and procedures for international returns, see Customer returns for international sales.
• Taxes. You are solely responsible for (i) determining whether any taxes apply, and (ii) accounting for any taxes due. You are responsible for any potential income tax liabilities and filing obligations as a result of owning inventory located within the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website. You are responsible for meeting any VAT obligations that apply, including VAT obligations in the country in which you are based, the country to which you deliver your products, and any other applicable countries.
• Your Selling Agreement. You will, at all times, comply with the terms and conditions of your selling agreement.

Important reminder of your obligations when using Fulfillment by Amazon

Before you begin using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) in the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website outside your business location, you need to provide a bank account in a country supported by Amazon in order to get paid. In addition, please carefully consider the following matters with your legal and tax experts (as you deem necessary) and only participate in the FBA service when you comply with all of the following:

Delivery of Inventory

If you choose to send inventory directly to Amazon from outside the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website, you must use an import broker. All inventory shipped directly to Amazon must be sent under "Delivery Duty Paid” destination freight terms with all relevant import duties and other taxes paid. Amazon will not be responsible for any import duties, taxes, collect freight or miscellaneous charges associated with importation of goods into the Elected Country or with any transactions related to those goods post import.

Surety Bond

If you choose to send inventory directly to an Amazon fulfillment center from outside the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website, you will need to obtain an import surety bond.

Importer and Consignee.

If you choose to send inventory directly to an Amazon fulfillment center from outside the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website, you will list yourself as the importer and consignee. Under no circumstances shall Amazon be mentioned as the importer or consignee for the goods, and you or your service partner will register as a non-resident importer as necessary. Amazon will not act as importer of record or consignee of this inventory and reserves the right to reject any such inventory. You shall remain solely responsible for any requirements arising from transactions relating to those goods post import into the relevant Amazon marketplace country.

Return Shipping Address.

Amazon is currently unable to return FBA inventory to an address outside of the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website. Furthermore, the FBA service does not currently support pick-up options for sellers at our fulfillment centers. If you wish to have your inventory returned to you, you must supply a return address in the country where the goods are located as represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website.

Taxes.

By having inventory located within the country represented by the relevant Amazon marketplace website, you may be liable for certain taxes (whether direct or indirect) in that country. You must determine this potential tax liability for yourself (including with your advisors) and must register with the appropriate tax authority if applicable. We have provided certain guidance to help you do so on the Tax Policies page, along with these Frequently Asked Questions.