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amazon-3pl-compliance-mobile

Amazon's Menu Change for FBA Inbounds

At first glance, Amazon’s removal of a single menu option for FBA inbounds in Seller Central might not seem significant. However, for those who use this option, the implications are far-reaching.

New Compliance Requirements

Earlier this year, Amazon’s FBA warehouses were required to fully comply with HMRC’s Fulfilment House Diligence Scheme. While this scheme has been in place for 3PLs for some time, Amazon allowed sellers to skip some requirements due to the high turnover rate of stock in their facilities. Now, with the eCommerce landscape slowing down and stock sitting longer in storage, full compliance is necessary.

The Key Change: EIN Requirement

The main change is that all inbound shipments from overseas into UK FBA facilities must now provide an EIN number as proof of valid import tax payment. Previously, there was an option to omit this information, but this menu option has been removed.

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What is an EIN?

When goods clear the UK border, they are subject to tax duty and any applicable tariffs. Upon payment of these fees, a statement is produced with a unique identification number (EIN) to prove lawful import. Amazon requires this traceable reference number, along with a copy of the statement, to ensure they are working with registered, appropriate sellers in the country.

Impact on Sellers

Amazon sellers are typically already checked for compliance, but freight forwarders and shippers might not automatically provide EIN information. Until May 1st, Amazon offered the menu item “I am unable to provide this information.” This option will be removed by May 1st, 2025. After this date, Amazon will no longer process outbound orders for SKUs associated with inbound deliveries that do not have a valid EIN number logged against them.

Solutions for Sellers

  1. Manual Collection: Collect the EIN statement from your shipper and upload it to Seller Central.
  2. Freight Forwarders: Use a freight forwarder who automatically submits these details.
  3. Expandly’s Solution: Use Expandly’s comprehensive all-in-one solution to manage your inbound shipping.

Challenges with Manual Processes

Many sellers are frustrated by old-fashioned and manual shipping processes, often still paper-based, which makes providing this essential information more challenging. A scheme designed to prevent unregulated online sales is now being challenged by an industry unable to cope with the needs of responsible sellers.

Expandly's Automated Solution

While some freight forwarders have caught up with this requirement, Expandly’s seamless all-in-one solution automates and coordinates your inbound journey through our own 3PL warehouses in both the UK and Europe, directly or indirectly into FBA. Customs clearance and EIN entry numbers are automatically collected and transmitted with each shipment.

Avoid Disrupting your sales

As always, the devil is in the detail, and often the smallest trips can lead to the biggest falls. Ensure compliance to avoid disruptions in your eCommerce operations.