Amazon UK FC shipments require Import Entry Numbers from May 1st
I am in Ireland and usually send parcels to UK FCs via DPD as there is no partnered carrier from here. DPD don't provide IENs and neither do any carriers as far as I can find out.
AZ are saying that from May 1st all deliveries will need an IEN number, so if your current carrier doesn't provide them then either
1 -Switch to a provider who will share IENs with you.
2 -Use Amazon's expansion services, which include customs brokerage where IENs are automatically collected.
AZ expansion service isn't available for Ireland - UK services and I can't find a carrier that provides the IEN, so that seems to mean that I will have to stop selling in the UK?
Does anyone have any ideas?
11 replies
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
When you say Ireland, do you mean Eire, or NI ? If Eire then Amazon is now operational there.
Spencer_Amazon
Hello @Seller_wC0YseOohUrlJ,
Have you been able to solve your problem with the IEN number since you last posted? If you have a case ID I gladly look into it.
Regards, Spencer
Seller_QcTxwdRBrDspD
Hi,
We're in the same boat. Have you found a solution by any chance?
FedEx out right said they do not provide IEN because and I quote their response:
"After reviewing the details provided, I can confirm that inline with the official agreement between Fast Parcel Operators and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), called the Memorandum of Understanding, all shipments being exported from the UK with a value below £2000.00 are declared to Customs as a bulk entry. This means that an individual customs document is not generated for shipments falling within that bracket, if required, you may however, utilise the FedEx Air Waybill and/or the commercial invoice as a proof of export."
No point reaching out to DPD as you mentioned they don't provide it either.
@Spencer_Amazon
Any suggestions from the platform? How we're supposed to send stock to Amazon FCs now?
Any plans for Amazon to add "partnered shippers" like UPS for Irish sellers?
Amazon add UPS partnered shipper option to send to Germany, France FCs, but no UK?
We would love to comply with the "new" requirement, however, it doesn't seem that we can.
Seller_wC0YseOohUrlJ
@Seller_QcTxwdRBrDspD
Hi
No I have not found a solution yet. I also send to Germany and there is the partnered carrier for that, but nothing for sending to the UK. I am also just preparing to send to the FC in Dublin for the amazon.ie website and there is no partnered carrier option for sending within Ireland.
One of the couriers said that to get an IEN I would need to send it DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) as when it's sent DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) it goes exactly like you said as a "bulk entry", which basically means that the whole truck it is on will be given only one import number by UK Customs as there is no duty to collect.
Of course we can't send packages to Amazon DDU as they will not accept them.
@Spencer_Amazon Without a partnered carrier for Ireland to UK some sellers will have to stop selling. Any ideas on what we can do. Mainland UK is only a short distance away from Ireland, so it seems strange that we won't be able to send there?
Seller_msXOuFgmdtguf
@Spencer_Amazon
We are in the exact same position exporting from Republic of Ireland to the UK. This time with your service partner UPS.
There is a minimum value in which IEN numbers are NOT issued.
Amazon need to change their drop down menu to allow for an option where the shipment value is under this amount and where no IEN number has been issued. If Amazon do not do this they would be punishing sellers that are compliant with HM REVENUE regulation
Seller_QcTxwdRBrDspD
Fair point, and it matches what FedEx said. That £2,000 figure they mentioned probably isn’t random—it’s likely the max value for their bulk customs entries.
@Spencer_Amazon :
Why punish Irish sellers who are already following HMRC rules? Shipments under £2k don’t need an IEN, but Amazon’s demanding one anyway. As the other poster suggested - shipments under £2k should be allowed to use "no IEN was provided" drop down menu.
Amazon can see shipment total value during creation and only enforce IENs when it’s actually required. Right now, this just feels unfair.
Seller_wC0YseOohUrlJ
@Seller_msXOuFgmdtguf @Seller_QcTxwdRBrDspD
This is the answer to my query to seller support regarding this problem. It seems that we can use alternative proof of following the rules, but would have to find out which of the options the carrier will provide and then contact seller support to get confirmation that it would be acceptable.
Hello from Amazon Selling Partner Support,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us and I'll be more than happy to assist you today.
This is a common issue faced by sellers dealing with post-Brexit UK-EU trade. Here's the situation and potential solutions:
You are correct that:
The UK doesn't issue Import Entry Numbers for low-value consignments (under £2000)
These shipments typically go through as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
Amazon requires Import Entry Numbers for their records
Possible solutions:
a) Use CHIEF/CDS References:
Instead of a traditional Import Entry Number, you can use the Movement Reference Number (MRN) or Entry Processing Unit (EPU) number generated when the shipment is pre-declared
These can often be obtained through your courier or postal service
b) Alternative Documentation:
Some sellers have reported success using the shipping declaration number
Parcel tracking numbers combined with customs declaration references
Commercial invoice numbers
Recommended Actions:
Contact your courier/postal service to see what customs reference numbers they can provide
Reach out to Amazon Seller Support specifically about this issue, as they should have a protocol for Irish sellers given this common situation
Consider using a customs broker who can provide appropriate documentation
Spencer_Amazon
Thanks for sharing this @Seller_wC0YseOohUrlJ.
Regards, Spencer