If you’ve been wondering how to sell on Amazon Germany, you’re not alone, and you’re asking the right question. As Europe’s largest economy and one of the fastest-growing ecommerce markets, Germany presents a powerful opportunity for ambitious brands ready to expand internationally.
But here’s the catch: while the market potential is enormous, success doesn’t come from jumping in blind.
Many sellers underestimate the intricacies of German regulations, consumer expectations, and cross-border logistics. The result? Lost money, suspended listings, and unnecessary headaches.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to avoid those pitfalls and sell on Amazon Germany the right way. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is your roadmap to making Amazon.de your next success story.
If you’re already successfully running a business on Amazon.com, it’s time to consider scaling globally, and selling on Amazon Germany can be a good opportunity. The German market offers one of the most lucrative opportunities available today for global sellers. This is because, unlike emerging markets, Germany has the digital infrastructure that ensures consistent sales if your offer resonates.
With Amazon.de positioned as Europe’s largest Amazon online marketplace, learning how to sell on Amazon Germany could be the move that gives your business a successful new turn, from a national brand into a global one.
Let’s dive deep into why expanding to Amazon.de is a smart move:
Germany boasts the largest economy in Europe and holds the fourth rank globally. Amazon.de is the second-largest Amazon marketplace globally, trailing only behind the US.
In 2024, German ecommerce sales are projected to cross $141 billion, with Amazon Germany capturing over 50% of all online retail transactions.
While Amazon.com is considered the biggest online marketplace, it’s saturated with intense competition. Selling on Amazon Germany allows you to access a highly active ecommerce market where buyers are accepting of international brands with the budget to opt for even premium products.
Expanding to Amazon.de means you’re not just adding your footprint to another marketplace— you’re essentially tapping into a prime, less-crowded territory with immense sales potential.
Understanding the German customers’ nature of consumption is critical when planning how to sell on Amazon Germany. German consumers are highly loyal once trust is earned.
They value quality over price, prefer accurate product information about your offerings, look for reliable shipping and seamless returns, and if you have government certifications or are eco-conscious in your business practices, your brand will thrive on Amazon.de.
While American consumers believe in fast fashion and impulsive purchases, German buyers are far more deliberate. They research products thoroughly before purchasing and expect excellence in service and superior quality. While an average American consumer will give in to the hype of old money aesthetics and buy a white and blue pinstripe shirt just for the looks of it, a German consumer will check the thread count of the shirt before adding it to their cart.
One significant advantage of selling on Amazon Germany is the affordable advertising opportunities. CPC (cost-per-click) rates on Amazon.de are generally much lower than in the U.S. CPCs in the Amazon.com marketplace are incredibly competitive and stand at $2–$4, while average CPCs in Germany range from $0.50–$1.50.
With fewer competitors actively bidding on keywords, sellers often achieve lower ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales) and a more substantial return on their investment. So, early birds who learn how to advertise efficiently on Amazon Germany and adapt to that ecosystem will dominate keyword rankings at a fraction of the cost compared to the US.
Another primary reason to sell on Amazon Germany is that it acts as your easy launchpad into the broader European market. Through Amazon’s Pan-European FBA program, you can store inventory in Germany and fulfill orders across over 26 EU countries (including France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland) with Prime eligibility.
While US Amazon sellers cater to 50 states, Amazon Germany gives you access to 400+ million European customers— all with a single operational hub. Mastering how to sell on Amazon Germany from the UK or US can position your brand as a pan-European player, without the need for a local warehouse in every country you serve.
Selling on Amazon Germany introduces an additional financial benefit. The Euro’s currency strength is higher than that of the US dollar. Higher listed prices on Amazon.de mean higher gross revenue (HGV) for you. Innovative currency conversion practices are prevalent globally, and they naturally incur higher profits.
A well-optimized Amazon.de operation can generate higher adequate margins than equivalent US sales due to favorable exchange rates.
Amazon ensures that managing a presence in Amazon.de requires significant experience. But the best part is you can still learn and adapt to the ecosystem with limited pre-exposure to Amazon. This is because it indicates a shallow learning curve. This is because the Amazon Seller Central of Amazon.de closely resembles that Amazon Seller Central of Amazon US.
Full access to Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, A+ Content, and Amazon Brand Registry makes product advertising easier. The Amazon Vine program is available to build reliability through social proof on Amazon.
But most importantly, the barrier to entry is far lower than many assume. Selling on Amazon Germany simply requires localized listings, VAT compliance, and a slight adjustment to ad strategy, not reinventing your entire business model.
While many sellers are already asking how to sell on Amazon Germany from the UK and the US, few have taken decisive action. The hesitation often stems from:
But sellers who move quickly and establish brand presence now will gain first-mover advantage in key categories, build organic ranking and reviews ahead of future competition, and solidify brand reputation with a European customer base. If you’re ready to level up, consider partnering with SellerApp’s cross border expansion consultation services to accelerate your growth.
Germany is known for its quality preference. Fundamentally, German consumers and regulators expect nothing less than full compliance with safety and quality standards.
These rules are designed to protect buyers, ensure transparency, and hold sellers accountable for delivering the best products.
Now, let’s get into the core regulations you’ll need to understand before entering the Amazon.de market.
The EU has rolled out an updated product safety law from December 13, 2024. GPSR. If you’re a seller on Amazon Germany, here’s what it demands:
Here are the conditions one must meet to be a Responsible Person (RP) in Germany:
If anything goes wrong with your product, the EU wants someone they can contact. Someone accountable within EU borders.
If you’re selling electronics, toys, medical devices, or similar products, CE marking is a non-negotiable requirement. The CE mark (Conformité Européenne) signifies that your product complies with all applicable EU directives related to health, safety, perfo7rmance, and environmental protection. It’s not just a label, it’s a declaration of conformity backed by technical documentation and, in some cases, third-party certification.
If your product contains chemicals—think cosmetics, textiles, electronics, then REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) comes into play. It ensures that any chemical substances used are safe for human use and the environment.
If you’re selling lunchboxes, coffee mugs, utensils, or any item that comes into contact with consumables, Germany’s LFGB regulation is your next compliance checkpoint. Products must pass safety tests and carry the “Glass & Fork” symbol to show they’re food-safe. Even non-electric items like wooden spoons or silicone bakeware need this.
Yes, the list sounds intense—but it’s manageable if you follow a plan. Here’s how to simplify the process:
Your compliance roadmap
Assess your product to know if it’s restricted. Does it fall under categories that require extra certifications? Such as electronics, food-contact, or cosmetics. Knowing this shapes everything that follows.
Do your regulatory homework
What rules apply to your product? GPSR, CE marking, LFGB, REACH—it depends on what you’re selling. So, have a better understanding of requirements and your product portfolio.
Gather documentation
Certification is non-negotiable while you wonder, ‘how to sell in Amazon Germany?’. Get your CE test reports, LFGB food safety approvals, or REACH assessments ready to avoid unavoidable interruptions.
Get your labeling right
Your packaging must clearly show product information, warnings, and the Responsible Person details, in German.
Use Amazon’s Service Provider Network (SPN)
Amazon’s SPN is a curated directory of third-party service providers that offer a wide range of Amazon-approved services to sellers. These providers are vetted by Amazon and specialize in helping sellers manage various aspects of their business, from product compliance and logistics to taxes and translations.
Think of SPN as Amazon’s way of connecting you with trusted experts who already understand the rules and best practices for selling in different countries, including the highly regulated EU and German markets.
Unlike general freelancers, Amazon’s Service Provider Network (SPN) connects you with vetted professionals who specialize in Amazon Germany and EU regulations. Amazon handpicks these providers for their expertise, so you’re not rolling the dice on quality or compliance.
From VAT registration to product safety certification, SPN partners know the marketplace inside out—saving you time, minimizing risk, and helping you launch with confidence. If you’re serious about expanding into Germany, SPN is your direct line to expert support that gets it right the first time.
So you’re eyeing Amazon.de, the third-largest Amazon marketplace in the world. Maybe you’re already selling on Amazon in your home country. Perhaps you’re just starting out and wondering:
“Do I need a company in Germany? What about VAT? And how hard is it to sell on Amazon Germany from the UK or elsewhere?”
You’re not alone. Selling on Amazon Germany is one of the most innovative ways to tap into a stable, high-spending European market—but it’s also one of the most regulated. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—no fluff, no bureaucratic waffle.
But, do you need a business in Germany?
No, you don’t need to set up a business entity (like a GmbH or Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) in Germany to start selling on Amazon.de. Whether you’re based in the UK, the US, India, or anywhere else, you can use your existing business entity to register as a seller. Amazon Germany welcomes international sellers, as long as you’re compliant with a few key rules. We’ve mentioned the certifications required for entering the market, but there are some more critical factors to consider.
You must understand VAT registration, invoicing, and product compliance to sell on Amazon Germany. Amazon.de takes consumer protection and tax enforcement very seriously.
If you’re researching how to sell on Amazon Germany, one thing you’ll keep bumping into is VAT. Here’s what it means:
VAT is like sales tax, but built into the price. In Germany, the standard rate is 19% (reduced to 7% for some products like books or groceries). Unlike the US or UK, where VAT might be added at checkout, EU consumers expect the price to be all-inclusive, so that 19% needs to be embedded into your listing price on Amazon.de. In a word, it’s the first step to comply with German tax regulations.
You need to register for German VAT if:
Once you’re registered, you’ll need to file regular VAT returns with the German tax authorities (usually quarterly or monthly, depending on your sales volume).
This involves:
Tracking all your sales to German customers, recording how much VAT you collected, and reporting any VAT you paid on imported goods or services. If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry, most sellers outsource this to a VAT service provider. Amazon even has a built-in VAT Services tool and recommends vetted partners through its SPN (Service Provider Network).
Note: Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you must register for German VAT if you’re selling in Amazon Germany, even if you’re only shipping from the UK.
Unlike some other countries where invoices are optional for B2C sales, German consumers and businesses expect proper VAT invoices, and it’s a part of standard practice. Your invoices must include:
Amazon’s VAT Calculation Service can generate compliant invoices automatically and let customers download them directly, so it’s a no-brainer to enable this feature.
Whether you’re launching a business in Amazon Germany, sourcing from China, or scaling your UK-based Amazon business to Amazon.de, these are common. You’ll quickly run into this requirement, such as a Certificate of Conformity to prove your product complies with EU regulations.
Sounds simple enough, but here’s the catch. Figuring out exactly which certifications and lab tests your product needs is far from obvious. So, before you start selling on Amazon.de, especially from outside Germany, you need this documentation in place, and here’s where it gets a bit more technical and essential.
Let’s say you’re selling baby toys, electronics, or kitchen accessories. Depending on the product type, you might need certifications like, CE Marking for electronics, toys, and medical devices, LFGB Certification for food-contact items, REACH Compliance for chemical content, and RoHS for electronics safety.
To get any of these certifications, your product must pass specific lab tests first. You can’t just slap a CE label on your packaging and call it a day. Lab testing is what backs up your certifications. Without test results, your Certificate of Conformity has no foundation.
That’s why working with a licensed testing facility is non-negotiable. These labs know which tests your product needs, conduct them according to EU standards, and issue the documentation required to meet Amazon’s compliance checks.
Where should you do product testing?
Here’s good news for private label sellers sourcing from China:
Your lab tests don’t need to be conducted in the EU. Testing can be done at reputable, certified labs in China, which is often faster and more cost-effective. This is especially practical if you’re using Chinese manufacturers. You can coordinate lab testing before the goods leave the factory, catch compliance issues early (and avoid expensive delays at EU customs).
Some popular testing labs include SGS, TÜV, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas.
There’s no flat fee for lab tests, but here’s a practical range:
Some smart sellers reduce costs by asking the lab to test only the most critical safety risks. This isn’t cutting corners, it’s optimizing while still staying compliant. Many labs also offer labeling guidance, so you’re not left guessing what should go on your product’s packaging.
Lab testing and certification aren’t just for documentation—they also impact how your product is labeled. Depending on the certification, your product might need: the CE mark printed directly on the product or its packaging, the Glass & Fork symbol (for food-safe items), clear safety instructions in the German language, your company’s full address, and the address of your EU-based Responsible Person.
The German or EU-based representative is not a figurehead—it’s a legal requirement under the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) starting December 2024. Their full address must be printed on your label or packaging.
If you’re a seller based out of any international Amazon marketplace, looking to start selling on Amazon Germany (Amazon.de), especially if you have no prior experience with cross-border ecommerce, the most applicable and practical shipment options are the ones that reduce complexity, ensure compliance, and allow for scalable growth.
Here’s a breakdown of the best shipment options for brands selling on Amazon Germany:
Amazon handles the entire fulfillment chain, including storage, delivery, customer service, and returns in Germany, taking the responsibilities off your plate to build your own logistics network. Imagine the visibility boost you’ll receive upon winning the Prime badge, and the consequent increase in sales within the German Amazon marketplace.
Your responsibilities as a seller,
If you are an Amazon seller in the UK or have the permit to store your products in the UK, you can use EFN to fulfill orders to German customers on Amazon.de. No need to add another stop to your inventory— you can ship products to customers in Germany directly through EFN. Remember, it’s not applicable to you if you’re not already selling in the UK.
Note: Post-Brexit, shipping from the UK to Germany via EFN now requires customs clearance. VAT registration may still be necessary for this.
This is the way to go if you’re an FBM seller with a local advantage. You can partner with a German-based 3PL warehouse that will help store your inventory and ship products as orders come in. This is an excellent substitute for the FBA, and with local delivery, you get a German address for product return and processing.
Your responsibilities as a seller,
Pan-European FBA: You’ll need VAT registration in multiple EU countries, which is complex and expensive for beginners.
FBM from outside Europe: Long shipping times (7–21 days), high shipping costs, and low customer trust. Not Buy Box competitive.
Direct international shipping (non-3PL): This method can lead to customs issues, lost packages, delayed delivery, and negative reviews.
Every city has a Gewerbeamt )Trade Office” or “Commerce Office” with the central authority for registering businesses. This is where you can register a business. You can register as:
among other forms.
You should do your due diligence to understand the process for each type. The time it takes to register can vary significantly, from one day up to four to six weeks.
You need both a tax ID number (Steuernummer) and a VAT ID number (Umsatzsteuer-ID number); either of them will do.
While German regulations might allow small businesses not to collect VAT if they stay below certain thresholds (€22,000 in the first year and €55,000 in the second year), this does not apply when dealing with Amazon, as Amazon requires you to have your VAT number almost immediately for a professional account.
You can register for these numbers through the Elster platform ( elster.de ), which is the website provided by the German tax authorities for businesses to communicate with them. Registering with Elster involves a specific process, not just creating an account.
The Elster platform is primarily in German, though you can translate it with a browser. Alternatively, you can use third-party services that offer this for free.
At this step, your patience is your virtue. Getting the VAT number and tax ID number can take up to six to eight weeks or longer.
The tax ID number comes from your local Finanzamt, while the VAT ID number comes from the Bundeszentralamt. But it is not necessary that you keep your process on hold expecting your VAT OR tax number at this point.
While waiting for these numbers, you should either educate yourself on the German tax and VAT system or get an accountant (Steuerberater). You should also get a separate bank account specifically for your business (not mixed with personal finances) and a dedicated email address for your online business. Yes, you can use a U.S. bank account to open a seller account on Amazon Germany (Amazon.de).
There are two account types: an individual account and a professional account. If you intend to sell professionally, you need the professional account, which costs €39.99 plus an additional €8 for each additional EU country you include, totaling around €47 or €49 per month.
When applying for the Amazon account, you will need a scanned copy of your passport, a PDF file of your bank statement, and a credit or debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. At the end of the application, a video verification of your identity seals the deal.
This is a significant change that happened recently, and everyone is now obligated to register with LUCID. LUCID is Germany’s official packaging register, established under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG). It mandates that any business that provides packaged goods to the German population. Be it domestic or international, the business must register with LUCID.
This is the final part of the initial setup. You can use product research tools for this, such as SellerApp’s product intelligence tool for product research you can choose your market from the dashboard and carry on with the process. After deciding on your business model and researching products, you can start listing on Amazon.
Note: Throughout the process continue product compliance checks and collect certifications for the items you’ll sell.
These are the five significant steps outlined to start selling on Amazon Germany.
If you’re exploring how to sell on Amazon Germany, chances are you’ve already done some basic research. But entering Amazon.de (Germany’s localized Amazon marketplace) as an international seller, especially from the US or UK, isn’t just about listing your product and hoping for the best. Selling on Amazon Germany demands sharp insight, strategic setup, and compliance with EU-specific regulations that many sellers overlook.
Below, we break down expert-level strategies that successful cross-border sellers are actually using.
One of the most overlooked tips when figuring out how to sell on Amazon Germany from the UK or US is establishing a legitimate EU-based footprint. Why? The EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) requires every product to have a designated “Responsible Person” within the EU. This isn’t optional, it’s a legal must.
Smart move: Hire an Authorized Representative in Germany or use Amazon’s Responsible Person Service (Amazon’s Responsible Person Service, offered via the Service Provider Network (SPN), connects you with Amazon-approved compliance providers who can act as your official RP in the EU). This ensures you meet safety regulations and don’t get flagged for non-compliance when selling on Amazon.de.
If you’re selling in Germany, speak their language—literally and figuratively. German shoppers are detail-oriented and expect precision in product descriptions and customer service.
Smart move: Don’t rely on automated translations. Hire a native German copywriter to craft your listings. Localize not just language, but also metric units, cultural expectations, and even customer service tone. Use Amazon’s Customer Service by Amazon (CSBA) program to ensure fast, native-language support 24/7.
As mentioned earlier, if you’re storing goods in Germany or crossing the distance selling threshold (EUR 10,000 across all EU countries), you need to register for VAT.
Smart move: Register for German VAT ahead of time. Use Amazon’s VAT Services or third-party tax advisors to handle returns and invoicing automatically. This avoids severe fines and suspension risks.
If you’re shipping from the US or UK to Amazon Germany, logistics can get pricey and slow. Enter Pan-European FBA—Amazon’s service that distributes your inventory across Europe, positioning it closer to German buyers.
Smart move: Once your product gains traction, enroll in Pan-EU FBA. It significantly cuts down delivery times and enhances Buy Box competitiveness—critical if you’re scaling.
Before you even ship, Germany’s Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act) kicks in. You’re legally required to register with LUCID and ensure your packaging is recyclable. LUCID is a mandatory registration system for producers, importers, and online retailers who introduce packaging into the German market.
Smart move: Partner with a dual system provider like Interseroh or Der Grüne Punkt. A dual system provider in Germany is a government-approved organization that helps businesses fulfill their packaging waste obligations under the German Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz or VerpackG). Failing to do so can result in fines and your listings being removed from Amazon.de.
For private label sellers, Brand Registry isn’t optional—it’s the key to unlocking higher conversion rates in competitive German niches.
Smart move: After registering your trademark (either in the US or EU), enroll in Amazon Brand Registry. You’ll gain access to Amazon A+ Content, Sponsored Brand Ads, and brand protection tools that dramatically increase your credibility in the German market.
Running ads on Amazon Germany isn’t about copying your US campaigns. Germans shop differently. They’re analytical and search-intent driven.
Smart move: ‘
Build a localized funnel:
This helps retarget users who viewed your product on Amazon Germany but didn’t convert. Use it to re-engage them in their native language, with benefits and value tailored to their cultural preferences.
Drop in a Facebook Pixel or Google Tag on your landing page. This gives you data on user behavior and lets you run precision retargeting campaigns outside Amazon.
Launch Google Ads or Facebook campaigns in German, featuring localized visuals and product benefits. Highlight reviews, trust signals, and features that matter to a German audience.
Amazon Attribution allows you to track which external ad clicks are leading to conversions on Amazon.de—so you can double down on what drives real sales.
Success on Amazon.de is not static. The best sellers monitor metrics like conversion rates, return reasons, and reviews obsessively and adapt accordingly.
Smart move: Set up alerts for negative reviews, and use tools like SellerApp business alerts.
Entering Amazon Germany might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re navigating cross-border logistics, compliance hurdles, or language barriers. But once you’ve laid the groundwork, it opens the door to one of Europe’s most active and mature online markets.
Whether you’re launching with FBA or FBM, building a private label brand, or acting as a reseller, using Seller Central, Vendor Central, or a hybrid approach. Success ultimately comes down to a few core pillars: choosing the right products, pricing them competitively, delivering great customer experiences, and staying consistent.
And here’s something many overlook. Tariffs and tumultuous trade dynamics are the reasons profit margins are fluctuating and market accessibility. With uncertainty around international shipping costs and EU import duties, now’s the right time to diversify—geographically and logistically. Selling on Amazon Germany not only spreads your risk but also gives your brand a firmer footprint in the EU marketplace.
Taking the first step to enter a new foreign market can be overwhelming, so SellerApp is there to help. SellerApp specializes in amplifying your success on the Amazon marketplace— be it in the US market or Europe. Smart PPC ad automation and expert suggestions are all you need to boost your visibility and make a mark. Ready to scale? Book your free demo today.
Remember, selling on Amazon Germany isn’t a one-time setup—it’s an evolving process. Stay agile, watch your performance metrics closely, optimize your Amazon product listings regularly, and above all, keep the customer at the heart of everything.
Additional Readings:
How to Sell on Amazon India – A Complete Guide
Amazon Unique Selling Points: A Comprehensive Guide to Create one For your Products
Best Selling Products on Amazon: Discover the Best in Every Category!
What Does Fulfillment By Amazon Mean And How To Setup One?