Selling on Amazon Europe offers massive growth potential for global entrepreneurs. However, to build a sustainable business in this market, you must fully comply with European Union (EU) product legislation, directives, and standards. Sellers who prioritize these requirements secure their Amazon presence and significantly reduce operational risks.
Compliance is more than just a legal hurdle; it is a strategic advantage that protects your account health. Recent regulations now require marketplaces like Amazon to actively monitor seller compliance. In fact, Amazon often maintains a stricter inspection mechanism than many national audit authorities.
So, what are the essential product documents for selling on Amazon Europe? Which certificates do you need to ship products to FBA warehouses? Let’s answer these frequently asked questions together.
Key EU Compliance and Certification Requirements
When you provide documents that meet EU rules, you build a much stronger foundation for your Amazon store. If you sell in the European Union, you must obey the specific regulations and standards set by the region. Amazon does not actually create extra rules; it simply requires that your products comply with existing EU laws.
Amazon monitors certain compliance requirements more strictly than others. You should pay close attention to these specific areas:
-
Product groups requiring the CE mark,
-
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR),
-
EU Authorized Representative (AR) requirements,
-
REACH and chemical substance restrictions,
-
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for packaging,
-
Food Contact Materials (FCM) regulations.
CE Marking and Essential Documentation
Before listing a product on Amazon Europe, verify if it requires a CE mark. Your manufacturer must meet these specific standards and provide the necessary certification. Products such as toys, electronics, personal protective equipment, and medical devices cannot be sold in the EU without a valid CE mark.
Amazon may request these documents at any time. You should have the following evidence ready:
-
Up-to-date test reports from accredited labs,
-
Declaration of Conformity (DoC),
-
Product and packaging label files,
-
Samples of user manuals in the local language.
Missing documents or incorrect labeling can lead to immediate listing suspensions.
Understanding the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
The GPSR requires every product sold in the EU to be safe for consumers. This rule applies even if your product is not subject to a specific industry directive. You prove safety by complying with relevant European standards.
With new regulations, Amazon now tracks product safety much more actively. To ensure GPSR compliance, follow these steps:
-
Identify the safety standards related to your specific product.
-
Perform the necessary safety tests.
-
Prepare labels that include manufacturer and importer information, warnings, and safety instructions.
-
Maintain a complete technical file for your records.
The EU Authorized Representative (AR) Requirement
To sell products in the EU, you need a legal entity located within the region to act as a point of contact. If you do not have a company within EU borders, you must appoint an EU Authorized Representative (AR).
This requirement is mandatory for all direct sales coming from outside the EU. You must include the name and contact information of your representative on the product packaging or an accompanying document.
REACH Regulation and Material Restrictions
The REACH regulation restricts harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury in consumer goods. While Amazon may not request this report for every listing initially, they often demand it during routine checks or if a safety concern arises. Ensure your suppliers provide REACH-compliant raw materials.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging
When selling in the EU, you are responsible for the environmental impact of your packaging. Under EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), you must follow this process:
-
Register with the packaging waste system in each country where you sell.
-
Contract with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
-
Report your annual packaging quantities and pay the relevant fees.
EPR compliance is now a mandatory step to keep your Amazon account active in regions like Germany and France.
Food Contact Materials (FCM)
If you sell lunch boxes, kitchenware, or water bottles, you must comply with FCM regulations. Amazon verifies the safety of these products by requesting laboratory test reports and an FCM Declaration of Conformity. Pay close attention to these if you operate in the Home & Kitchen category.
Does Every Global Seller Need to Follow These Rules?
If you ship products to EU countries for sale on Amazon, these rules apply to you regardless of where your business is based. However, if you only sell in the United States or other non-EU markets, you should examine the specific requirements for those regions instead.
Stay updated on the latest marketplace news for Amazon, Walmart, and eBay by following our LinkedIn account. E-com Group team is here to support your global e-commerce journey with professional expertise!
