Germany is the largest Amazon marketplace in Europe, and also one of the strictest when it comes to compliance. Amazon actively checks registrations, and missing information can lead to blocked listings or delayed payouts. This checklist covers the most important requirements for brands selling on Amazon.de.
Note: this article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Requirements depend on your products and setup, so always check your own situation.
1. VAT registration and OSS
If your products are stored in Germany, for example in Amazon's FBA warehouses, you need a German VAT registration. Cross-border sales from another EU country to German consumers are reported through the EU One Stop Shop (OSS) once you exceed the EU-wide distance selling threshold. With Pan-European FBA you need VAT registrations in every country where Amazon stores your goods.
2. Packaging EPR: LUCID registration
Under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG), anyone placing packaged goods on the German market must register in the LUCID packaging register and sign a contract with a dual system (licensing the packaging). Amazon requires sellers to provide their LUCID registration number. This also covers shipping packaging.
3. Electronics (WEEE) and batteries
If you sell electrical or electronic equipment, you need a WEEE registration in Germany (ElektroG). Products with batteries also have their own registration and take-back obligations. Amazon asks for these registration numbers in the relevant categories.
4. GPSR: General Product Safety Regulation
Since December 2024 the EU General Product Safety Regulation applies. For Amazon this means, among other things:
- An economic operator (responsible person) established in the EU must be identified for the product.
- Manufacturer and responsible person contact details must be available.
- Safety information, warnings and instructions must be shown on the listing where relevant.
Missing GPSR information is one of the most common reasons for suppressed listings.
5. Single-use plastics fund (EWKFondsG)
Germany's single-use plastics fund law requires producers of certain single-use plastic products, such as some food and drink containers, cups, wet wipes and balloons, to register and report. Food brands in particular should check whether their packaging falls under the law.
6. Labelling and language
Product labels, instructions and safety warnings must be in German. Food products also have specific labelling requirements, including ingredient and allergen information.
7. Other EU markets
France, Spain and other countries have their own EPR systems. In France, for example, Amazon asks for unique identification numbers in several product categories. If you plan to expand beyond Germany, check the requirements country by country.
How to make compliance easier
You can handle the registrations yourself, work with a compliance service, or sell through a Merchant of Record who takes care of VAT and compliance on the Amazon channel. Read more about the Merchant of Record model, or see our guide to selling on Amazon Europe.
FAQ
Is LUCID registration mandatory for Amazon sellers in Germany?
Yes, if you place packaged goods on the German market. Amazon requires sellers to provide their LUCID number.
What happens if my compliance information is missing?
Amazon can suppress listings or restrict selling in the relevant category until the information is provided.
Do I need a German VAT number if I only use FBA in another country?
If your goods are only stored in another country and you ship to Germany, you normally report sales through OSS. Storing goods in Germany requires a German VAT registration.
What is GPSR on Amazon?
The EU General Product Safety Regulation requires an EU responsible person and product safety information for products sold to EU consumers, and Amazon requires this information on listings.
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