Sending stock and selling in Germany
Hi
I want to start selling certain electronic products in Germany and from my research on this forum it seems that there are a lot of hoops to jump through.
Firstly regarding shipping to Germany; I understand if I were to ship directly to an Amazon warehouse I would need an Importer of Record. I have family living in Germany, could I use them as my IOR or do they need to be a legal entity?
Alternatively, I could ship my stock to them and they would then ship it to Amazon. The only issue with this method is that I would not be able to claim the import VAT back as my company would not be named on the VAT invoice as the IOR, us this correct?
Can anyone provide any insight as to whether Amazon Vat Services is worth it and which provider to use?
It seems I would also need a “Responsible Person” can my family members act in this capacity?
Lastly the German packaging law, does Amazon take care of this for you or would I need to take care of this myself?
Have I missed out any other obligations I would need to consider?
Many Thanks
11 replies
Seller_7VbclcPFFRTnc
Are you completely new to selling electronic goods in general or have you sold them elsewhere prior to joining amazon ?
If so, are you up to date on any requirements for selling electronics in EU - plugs etc before even looking at vat registration, IOR etc
Seller_PUgTge8LPB8FY
No.
https://www.corintax.com/prepare-your-shipment.html
Yes. (As per the above.)
No.
https://www.trade-e-bility.com/news/every-product-in-germany-has-its-responsible-person/
No.
Yes. VAT registration in Germany, if storing stock there. Also, an EORI number from the GB (export from the UK) and another EORI number from any EU country (import into the EU).
Seller_ae51e0CJoHqCX
Amazon VAT services don’t really help much but it is improving whereby the information is accurate and easier to query as well as automating VAT returns.
As far as a family member, the answer to this is no. It is not just about taking responsibility for the goods but it is also about providing a a concise audit trail for where and how your goods are being stored in Germany. Just getting a family member to sign it off would be probably impossible as that family member will need a relationship with the carrier like UPS and they would have to prepare and verify the paperwork.
As for German packaging law, you would be responsible for ensuring compliance for when it arrives in the fulfillment center, thereafter and how it is sent will be down to Amazon. Any issues and Amazon will send it back or reject it.
Too many to mention on obligations and there are probably a lot more since Brexit.
I have just sent in my first consignment and received a hefty duties bill and not sure how to claim it back. I was charged both VAT and import duty even though the goods are manufactured in the UK and don’t carry any tariffs. I am trying to clear this up but to be honest it is a constant battle and not the best place to start you Amazon journey.
It will cost thousands to set up and I am only doing it now as I embarked on this before Brexit so much of the costs have already been taken care of and I am priced in. In retrospect I wouldn’t do it again especially now.
Seller_ur95RBmEBKPXJ
Thanks for all the responses and info guys!
Is there anything wrong with me sending stock directly to a family member in Germany - that way I wouldn’t need an importer of record - I would still pay tax and duties obviously and then they would send it to Amazon for me.
