How to become seller in Amazon.fr (France)?

By accessing Amazon.fr, Chinese manufacturers can tap into one of the largest e-commerce markets in the European Union. France has a high level of purchasing power, strict consumer protection standards and a well-developed logistics infrastructure. In order to begin selling on the French marketplace, sellers must ensure they are properly prepared legally, understand their tax obligations and comply with the regulatory requirements, which are traditionally more stringent in France than in most other European countries. Before registering a seller account, the type of market presence must be determined: a Chinese company can operate remotely or through a European legal entity. While operating without a company registration in France is permitted, sellers still need to obtain a French VAT number and maintain accurate tax reporting. They must also comply with the TVA’s Loi Anti-Fraude (Anti-Fraud Law), which regulates protection against tax abuse in e-commerce. Selling to France without a VAT registration will result in the account being blocked and funds being withheld. The registration process on Amazon.fr involves multi-level verification of identity and corporate structure. Sellers must provide company incorporation documents, details of directors and beneficiaries, proof of address, a bank account for receiving payments and evidence of financial stability. Amazon conducts rigorous KYC and AML checks, paying particular attention to the origin of goods, ownership structure, and compliance with international standards. Any discrepancies in the documents will delay account activation.

After verification, a French VAT number must be obtained. France has a complex VAT system, applying a standard rate of 20% to most goods and reduced rates of 10%, 5.5% and 2.1% to certain categories. Sellers must submit periodic returns and charge VAT at the point of consumption. Goods stored in Amazon warehouses in France or neighbouring EU countries are subject to tax not only in France, but also in other jurisdictions. In such cases, transactions must be properly administered through the OSS system or multiple VAT registrations are required, depending on the logistics model. The French regulatory environment places strict demands on product quality. Before listing goods, compliance with EU directives (CE, EMC, RoHS and WEEE) and national regulations must be ensured. This includes ecolabelling requirements and Triman regulations, which are mandatory for the packaging of goods entering the French market. It is also important to consider the REP (Responsabilité Élargie du Producteur) system, which is based on the principle of extended producer responsibility. This system requires sellers to register with specialised French environmental organisations, depending on the product category. These categories include electronics, packaging, toys, textiles, furniture, batteries and other groups. Failure to comply with REP leads to sanctions and the automatic removal of Amazon.fr listings. Logistics organisation is an essential part of preparation. The French market values fast and predictable deliveries, so using FBA France can significantly increase conversion rates. When shipping goods to an Amazon warehouse in France, it is essential to correctly register the import, classify the goods according to the TARIC system and pay duties and import VAT. Errors at customs can lead to delays and increased costs. For sellers working through FBM, transparent return policies are critical, as French law strictly regulates consumer protection.

Product listings must be adapted for French consumers. The French market pays particular attention to language, so all descriptions, instructions, technical documentation and packaging must be in French. Original content, high-quality images and accurate listings can have a significant impact on Amazon indexing and product perception. Cultural considerations are also important: For example, French consumers place particular emphasis on environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, and product safety. The choice of financial model also plays a key role. Sellers must ensure transparency of cash flow, recognise revenue accurately, manage Amazon commissions and plan for logistics, VAT and storage costs. Due to the complexities of the French tax system, it is advisable to engage the services of professional accountants who are familiar with the intricacies of e-commerce and cross-border trade. Successfully launching Chinese manufacturers on Amazon.fr requires a comprehensive approach involving legally correct registration, a well-thought-out tax model, compliance with safety and environmental standards, and the creation of fully localised listings. Product quality and documentation are highly valued in the French market, so entrepreneurs must prepare a project that considers all the legal and operational aspects of the country.

Is it necessary to open a company in France to sell on Amazon.fr?

While establishing a company in France is not a legal requirement to sell on Amazon.fr, it is advisable for entrepreneurs to consider doing so. However, the lack of a local legal entity does not exempt sellers from complying with French tax and regulatory requirements. A Chinese entrepreneur can sell through a foreign company, but they must obtain a French VAT number, charge VAT at rates set by French law, submit regular reports and keep records in line with distance selling regulations. France is one of the strictest EU jurisdictions for e-commerce. It has the Loi Anti-Fraude TVA (VAT) anti-tax compliance system, the Triman eco-label and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, which covers a wide range of categories including electronics, toys, packaging, furniture, batteries, cosmetics and textiles. All of these obligations apply equally to French and non-French companies. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in Amazon.fr blocking listings, restricting withdrawals or requiring supporting documentation. Tax authorities may also impose fines. While formally establishing a French company is not required, having a local legal entity significantly simplifies seller operations. It facilitates interactions with tax authorities, expedites VAT registration, simplifies the import of goods into Amazon warehouses in France, ensures better management of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) environmental obligations and enhances Amazon’s credibility during compliance audits. Furthermore, conducting business through a French or other European legal entity reduces the risks associated with account suspensions, products being excluded from FBA and accounting errors. While establishing a company in France is not mandatory, from a practical standpoint, this solution increases the resilience of the operating model, simplifies compliance with French regulations and creates better conditions for scaling up sales on Amazon.fr.

Is it necessary to obtain a French VAT number to sell products from China on Amazon France?

Obtaining a French VAT number is mandatory for any seller supplying goods to end consumers in France, even if the products are shipped directly from China and not stored within the European Union. French law follows the principle of taxation at the point of consumption, meaning VAT must be assessed and paid where the buyer is located. Therefore, any B2C seller targeting the French market must register with the tax authorities, obtain a local VAT number and submit regular reports. Amazon.fr also requires valid VAT registration, as under European regulations, the platform is responsible for monitoring sellers’ tax compliance. Without a registration number, Amazon may block sales, withhold payments or request additional supporting documentation.

If a seller uses FBA warehouses in France, the obligations become even more stringent: the physical storage of goods in the country creates a tax presence, making VAT registration inevitable regardless of the company’s registration address. In addition to VAT, sellers are obligated to comply with environmental requirements such as the Triman label, participation in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system and packaging registration. These rules apply to all participants in the French market, including foreign companies. Therefore, regardless of the logistics model or the product’s country of origin, registering for a French VAT number is a prerequisite for legal and sustainable trading on Amazon.fr, guaranteeing that the seller’s activities comply with French and European regulatory requirements.

Where are Amazon’s warehouses located in France?

Amazon is developing an extensive network of logistics and distribution centres in France to ensure order processing, product storage and prompt delivery throughout the country. The company’s largest facilities are located in key transport hubs and regions with well-developed infrastructure.

One of the largest centres is the Saran warehouse (Loiret), known internally as ORY1. Considered one of Amazon’s first major logistics hubs in France, this facility has remained a strategic element of the entire operational network for many years.

In the north of the country, there is a hub in Boves (in the Somme department), designated BVA1. It handles a significant proportion of orders for northern regions and provides convenient access to transport corridors leading to Belgium and Germany.

Another key warehouse is located in Lauwin-Planque in the Hauts-de-France region and is known as LIL1. Located close to Lille, it serves as an important hub for the entire north-eastern region.

Near Paris, there is a centre in Châtres (Île-de-France region). This facility serves a densely populated area and provides fast delivery to the capital and neighbouring departments.

In addition to these logistics hubs, Amazon is developing more sorting and distribution facilities across the country to expand its network of delivery points and strengthen its last-mile capabilities.

Which Chinese products are in demand on Amazon France?

Amazon’s French marketplace is a highly active consumer market with high demands for product quality, delivery speed and localisation. Chinese manufacturers planning to enter this market should select product niches where demand is stable and competition is manageable, while also attracting French consumers through high-quality localisation and compliance with European standards. According to market analysis, the most popular categories on Amazon.fr include consumer electronics and accessories (e.g. smartwatches and wireless headphones), home appliances and kitchen gadgets, and smart home products. These categories are showing steady growth thanks to consumer trends towards convenience and automation. A Chinese manufacturer that can offer competitive pricing and reliable quality has a significant chance of establishing a niche.

Furthermore, kitchen and home goods such as containers, accessories, and compact appliances are in demand in France as consumers value functional solutions when space is limited, and the Chinese market offers a wide range of such products. In the toy, children’s accessories, and leisure goods segments, Chinese suppliers can profitably target peak holiday sales and seasonal promotions, but they must pay maximum attention to safety and EU certification. Interest in cosmetics, personal care accessories and portable gadgets is also growing as long as product positioning and quality meet European consumer expectations.

The choice of product group should be based on three factors: demand in the French market; the legal and technical feasibility of complying with European standards, such as CE marking, warranty obligations and return services; and logistical feasibility, such as the availability of an EU warehouse or the ability to ship quickly from China, including customs and VAT. French law requires sellers to provide clear return policies and instructions in French, as well as complying with environmental obligations, such as Triman packaging labelling. Failure to comply with these requirements reduces competitiveness and creates the risk of non-compliance.

From a Chinese manufacturer’s perspective, a European logistics model is essential: warehousing in France or neighbouring EU countries allows for increased sales through fast delivery and better product ratings. However, tax implications must be considered in advance, as warehousing in the EU entails tax liability and the need for VAT registration, requiring advance planning. The quality of packaging and accurate labelling are equally important. ‘Made in China’ is acceptable, but the origin, composition and safety must be transparent. The ability to provide returns and warranty service is also important to French buyers.

In summary, Chinese manufacturers interested in selling on Amazon.fr should prioritise the following: selecting popular, stable-demand categories (e.g. electronics, kitchen/household goods, home gadgets, beauty accessories); ensuring full legal and technical readiness (e.g. certification, labelling, language localisation, environmental compliance); and building flexible logistics (e.g. an EU warehouse and optimised customs clearance). This strategy creates a solid foundation for successful entry into and sustainability within the French e-commerce market.

How can Regulated United Europe help Chinese manufacturers access the French Amazon market?

Successfully entering the French market via Amazon.fr requires comprehensive preparation, including tax structuring, compliance with French law, robust logistics and adherence to European product safety standards. As one of the most highly regulated jurisdictions in the EU, successfully entering the French Amazon market begins with the right legal framework. Sellers must ensure that their products comply with EU directives, including CE, EMC, RoHS and WEEE, as well as national requirements for Triman labelling and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations. French environmental legislation makes participation in REP mandatory for many product categories, including electronics, packaging, toys, textiles, furniture and cosmetics. This requires registration with several industry environmental organisations. Errors or a lack of registration result in Amazon automatically blocking listings and withholding payments.

Particular attention is required when working with French VAT. Sellers must obtain a local VAT number, charge VAT at 20% or reduced rates, file tax returns and comply with France’s anti-fraud legislation (Loi Anti-Fraude TVA). If goods are stored in Amazon warehouses in France or cross-border FBA warehouses in the EU are used, it is necessary to properly manage import VAT, duties and OSS accounting, as well as maintain comprehensive tax documentation. Foreign companies without experience of the French market often encounter difficulties in correctly classifying goods under TARIC, determining the VAT rate, accounting for environmental obligations and confirming product origin.

Logistics is an equally important factor. To achieve high conversion rates, it is essential either to use FBA warehouses in France to ensure fast delivery and high product ratings, or to build a sustainable FBM model that takes returns, warranties and packaging requirements into account. The French consumer market places particular emphasis on instructions in French, transparent return policies, and comprehensive product information. Listings must be fully localised and specifications must comply with European standards and be accurate. Using high-quality photos, clear descriptions, and legally correct wording has a significant impact on product positioning on Amazon.fr.

Working with Amazon in France also requires regular compliance checks. The platform meticulously monitors product origin, ownership structure, supply chain and compliance with all EU regulations. Non-resident accounts are subject to enhanced scrutiny, so it is important to prepare corporate documents, bank details, evidence of logistical stability and proof that products comply with EU and national regulations in advance. Failure to do so can result in delays to verification, listing blocks and lengthy legal proceedings with Amazon.

Regulated United Europe provides practical and legal support to Chinese manufacturers entering the Amazon.fr marketplace in these areas. The company helps clients to determine the optimal EU presence model, obtain a French VAT number, register with mandatory environmental systems (REP), prepare products for compliance with EU directives, ensure proper import clearance, build a legally sound logistics model, localise listings and set up FBA or FBM operations. This support mitigates regulatory risks, ensures compliance with French law and establishes a solid foundation for long-term, successful trading on Amazon France.

How much does Regulated United Europe charge Chinese manufacturers to access Amazon France?

Supporting Chinese manufacturers entering Amazon.fr involves comprehensive preparation covering tax, legal, technical and operational aspects. The process begins with an analysis of the business model and definition of all seller obligations in the French market, including VAT requirements, distance selling rules and environmental regulations. Based on this analysis, a bespoke action plan is developed to help you properly organise your operations on Amazon France and minimise regulatory risks. The next step is to obtain a French VAT number, which is required for both shipments from China and for using Amazon warehouses in France. This involves preparing documents, interacting with tax authorities and setting up tax parameters in the seller’s account. Simultaneously, registration with mandatory environmental systems is carried out, including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation and the Triman label, which apply to a wide range of categories, from electronics to packaging. The French market strictly regulates environmental reporting, so proper registration is essential for product approval.

Particular attention is paid to ensuring that products comply with EU directives and standards. Technical documentation, labelling, packaging and instructions are checked to ensure compliance with CE, EMC, RoHS, WEEE, food contact and toy safety regulations, among others. Proper preparation of certificates and declarations reduces the risk of products being blocked by Amazon or facing regulatory claims. Import work includes preparing goods for customs clearance in the EU, classifying them according to TARIC, calculating taxes and duties, and supporting FBA logistics processes. Shipments to Amazon warehouses are created, the optimal French fulfilment centre is selected, labelling is checked, and shipping documents are prepared to help avoid delays and rejections. Additionally, seller account setup is performed, including correct data entry, configuration of KYC/AML information, enabling of payment methods, and management of tax reporting parameters. Listings are localised into French, taking into account Amazon requirements, the specifics of consumer behaviour in France and the legal correctness of wording. This increases conversion and improves product visibility.

Comprehensive support encompasses integrating all of the above components, from legal and tax preparation to logistics setup and initial product launches. This approach enables Chinese manufacturers to enter the French Amazon market with confidence, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and a high level of competitiveness within the European market. Amazon emphasises that its French subsidiary plays a key role in its European structure and makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy. In official statements, the company notes that Amazon.fr’s operations are fully integrated into the local tax system, with sales made in France being reflected in the French subsidiary’s accounting and tax reporting. The French subsidiary independently interacts with tax authorities and pays the relevant taxes in accordance with local legislation. This approach enables the company to demonstrate compliance with French financial regulatory requirements, including those relating to transfer pricing, transparency, and the proper accounting of subsidiary activity expenses.

The French market is one of Amazon’s largest customer segments in Europe, as evidenced by significant investments in local logistics and technology infrastructure. In recent years, the company has built a network of distribution centres, sorting hubs and delivery points, thereby strengthening Amazon.fr’s national presence. This has resulted in a substantial operational base supporting thousands of employees in logistics, supply chain management, IT development, customer support and engineering. Amazon emphasises that long-term investments in infrastructure and the modernisation of fulfilment centres are key to its sustainable presence in the French market. The economic impact of Amazon.fr’s presence extends beyond job creation to the stimulation of small and medium-sized businesses. French entrepreneurs use the platform to access domestic and international markets, and Amazon Marketplace services help thousands of sellers to increase their sales and export potential. Amazon claims that its French ecosystem provides entrepreneurs with access to modern logistics tools, Fulfillment by Amazon programmes and digital infrastructure, enabling them to compete with major brands. According to the company’s estimates, independent sellers in France generate significant export volumes and additional tax revenues, both directly and through operations related to order processing, logistics and customer service.

A legal and tax assessment of Amazon.fr’s operations reveals that the company emphasises compliance with French tax regulations, including the payment of corporate tax, payroll taxes, social security contributions and other mandatory payments arising from the operations of its distribution centres and retail stores. However, Amazon’s public disclosures state that its profit tax is calculated based solely on the operating results of its French subsidiary, with the taxable base determined by investment expenses, infrastructure depreciation, and operating costs. While this approach complies with French commercial and tax law, the limited availability of public data prevents a thorough evaluation of the profit structure and distribution of intra-group transactions, which could affect the final tax liability. Entrepreneurs interested in analysing Amazon.fr’s model should consider several factors. The company demonstrates a comprehensive approach to integrating into the French economy through job creation, the development of logistics infrastructure, and the promotion of trade. However, the legal aspects of operating a multinational corporation in France require a professional assessment, covering everything from examining transfer prices and intra-group agreements to analysing the tax burden and obligations under investment projects. Amazon.fr’s example shows that establishing a sustainable presence in France requires significant long-term investment and strict compliance with local tax and regulatory regulations.