Overview

Selling internationally through Amazon can significantly expand your customer base, but fulfilling cross-border orders comes with logistical challenges. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers several programs designed to simplify international fulfillment by handling storage, shipping, and customer service across multiple marketplaces. This reference guide breaks down the key FBA international options available to sellers, including import requirements and EU-specific fulfillment programs.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Import requirements vary by marketplace — When using FBA internationally, you generally need to import your products into the country where the fulfillment center is located. The exception is within the European Union, where goods can move between member countries without additional import procedures.
• You are the importer of record — As the seller, you bear responsibility for complying with all export and import laws, customs regulations, and duties in both the source and destination countries.
• Three EU fulfillment programs exist — Sellers in Europe can choose from Pan-European FBA, the European Fulfillment Network (EFN), or Multi-Country Inventory (MCI), each offering different levels of reach and complexity.
• Customs duties and taxes apply — Products shipped to international fulfillment centers may be subject to import taxes, customs duties, and other fees levied by the destination country.
• A seller account is required in each marketplace — Before enrolling in FBA for a specific marketplace, you must first create a seller account in that marketplace.

Import Requirements by Region

When you use FBA to sell internationally, your products must typically be imported into the country where Amazon's fulfillment center is located. For sellers based outside the United States who want to sell on Amazon.com, products need to be imported into the U.S. Similarly, selling on Amazon.co.jp requires importing into Japan, and selling on Amazon.com.au requires importing into Australia. The notable exception is within the EU marketplace countries — the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain — where goods do not need to be imported between member states. EU-based sellers using FBA can take advantage of Amazon's international programs to fulfill orders across all five European marketplaces without repeated customs procedures.