If you’re an Amazon FBA import UK seller bringing stock in from overseas, your goods still need to clear UK customs before they can reach an Amazon fulfilment centre, in exactly the same way as any other commercial import. Many first-time sellers are caught out by this, assuming Amazon or their supplier handles it automatically. Our warehousing and fulfilment support can help bridge the gap between customs clearance and getting stock FBA-ready.
Why E-Commerce and Amazon FBA Sellers Need to Understand Customs Clearance
Amazon does not act as your customs broker. If you’re importing stock from overseas, whether that’s finished products from a manufacturer or wholesale goods for resale, you (or your supplier, depending on the agreed incoterm) are responsible for making sure the goods are correctly declared, and that any duty and VAT owed is paid, before they can move onward to an Amazon warehouse.
This applies whether you’re a sole trader shipping a single pallet or a growing brand importing container loads.
What Happens When FBA Stock Arrives in the UK?
When your stock arrives in the UK, it needs to go through standard customs clearance first. Only once that’s complete can it be forwarded to an Amazon fulfilment centre or, more commonly, to a UK warehouse or prep centre first, where it may be relabelled, checked, or repackaged to meet Amazon’s requirements before being sent onward.
Many sellers use a prep centre or warehousing service at this stage, since Amazon has strict requirements around labelling and packaging that goods often don’t arrive ready to meet.
Do You Need an EORI Number and VAT Registration?
Yes. As with any commercial import, you will need a valid EORI number to clear goods through UK customs. If you’re VAT-registered, you’ll also need to account for import VAT, which can often be handled through postponed VAT accounting rather than paid upfront.
If you’re a non-UK based seller importing into the UK to sell via Amazon, there are additional VAT registration obligations you’ll need to be aware of, since selling to UK customers as a non-UK business carries its own requirements.
Common Customs Mistakes E-Commerce Sellers Make
Some of the most frequent issues we see with e-commerce and FBA imports include:
- Assuming the freight forwarder or supplier has handled customs clearance when they haven’t
- Using an incorrect or overly generic commodity code, leading to the wrong duty rate being applied
- Under-declaring the value of goods, which can trigger delays, penalties, or seized goods
- Not accounting for VAT correctly, leading to cash flow issues or compliance problems further down the line
- Missing documentation, such as a commercial invoice or packing list matching what’s actually been shipped
How Does Customs Clearance Work Before Goods Reach an Amazon Warehouse?
In practice, the process usually looks like this:
- Goods arrive at a UK port and a customs declaration is submitted, including EORI, commodity code, and value
- Any duty and VAT due is accounted for, often via postponed VAT accounting
- Once cleared, goods move to a warehouse or prep centre for any relabelling or repackaging Amazon requires
- Goods are then sent on to the relevant Amazon fulfilment centre as inbound FBA stock
Getting the first two steps wrong can hold up the entire chain, delaying your stock reaching Amazon and potentially affecting your seller performance metrics.
Which Ports Does This Apply To?
E-commerce and FBA stock typically arrives via major container ports. MartinTrux handles customs clearance for shipments arriving via ports including Felixstowe and Tilbury, both common entry points for goods sourced from overseas manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon handle customs clearance for FBA sellers?
No. Amazon is not your customs broker. As the importer, you (or your supplier, depending on the agreed terms) are responsible for arranging customs clearance before goods can be forwarded as FBA inventory.
Can I use my personal details instead of a business EORI number?
If you’re importing for business purposes, including FBA resale, you need a business EORI number, not a personal one, even if you’re a sole trader.
Do I need a UK warehouse before sending stock to Amazon?
Not always, but many sellers use a UK-based warehouse or prep centre to handle relabelling and packaging checks before goods are sent on to an Amazon fulfilment centre, since goods rarely arrive already meeting Amazon’s exact requirements.
How MartinTrux Can Help
MartinTrux has supported UK importers, including e-commerce and online sellers, with customs clearance since 1982, with over 500 years of combined team experience across our Dover, Heathrow, and Manchester offices. We are accredited by HMRC as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), and our warehousing facilities can support goods that need to be prepped before reaching an Amazon fulfilment centre.
This article is intended as general guidance and not formal customs or tax advice. E-commerce import requirements can vary depending on your specific setup, so if you’d like help getting your FBA stock through customs smoothly, get in touch with our team and we will help.