Starting a business on Amazon Seller Central UK is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to sell products online. However, the registration process involves several legal and financial requirements. To make the process easier, RTRSupports Limited offers services to assist businesses, especially for non-UK residents who want to sell on Amazon UK.
Here’s a detailed guide on the requirements and steps to establish your business on Amazon Seller Central UK with the help of RTRSupports Limited.
1. Choose Your Business Structure
Before you can start selling on Amazon UK, you need to decide on the right business structure. The most common options are:
Sole Trader: A simple structure where you are personally responsible for your business.
Partnership: A business run by two or more individuals sharing responsibilities.
Private Limited Company (Ltd): A separate legal entity that provides limited liability protection.
If you are a non-UK resident, setting up a Limited Company (Ltd) is the best option because it helps with compliance and tax advantages. RTRSupports Limited can guide you through the process of selecting the right business structure.
2. Register Your Business in the UK
Once you choose your business type, the next step is registering your business with the appropriate UK authorities.
If you are registering a Limited Company, you must do so through Companies House. You will need:
A unique company name
A registered UK business address
At least one director (can be yourself)
A shareholder (can be the same person as the director)
A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code (this categorizes your business activity)
If you are a sole trader, you need to register with HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) to obtain a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
RTRSupports Limited offers company formation services, handling all the paperwork for you.
3. Obtain a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is necessary for tax purposes. HMRC provides this number when you register your business. You will need this number when setting up your Amazon Seller Central account to ensure tax compliance.
If you need help obtaining a UTR, RTRSupports Limited can assist with the registration process.
4. Get a UK Registered Business Address
Amazon requires sellers to provide a UK registered address for their business. If you are not based in the UK, you can use a virtual office address to fulfill this requirement.
RTRSupports Limited provides virtual office and registered address services, allowing non-UK residents to meet Amazon's requirements.
5. Open a UK Business Bank Account
To receive payments from Amazon, you must have a UK business bank account. For non-UK residents, opening a business bank account can be challenging due to banking regulations. However, there are online banking solutions available, and RTRSupports Limited can help set up an account for you.
With RTRSupports Limited, you can get assistance in setting up the right banking solution for your Amazon business.
6. Get a UK Phone Number
Amazon requires sellers to have a UK phone number for account verification and customer support. If you are a non-UK resident, you may need a virtual phone number that allows you to make and receive calls in the UK.
RTRSupports Limited provides UK phone number services for Amazon sellers.
7. Register for VAT (if applicable)
If your annual sales exceed the UK’s VAT threshold (currently £85,000), you must register for VAT with HMRC. Even if your sales are below the threshold, registering for VAT can be beneficial, as it allows you to reclaim VAT on business expenses.
RTRSupports Limited offers VAT registration services, making it easy for you to stay compliant with UK tax laws.
8. Prepare the Required Documents for Amazon Seller Central
When setting up an Amazon Seller Central UK account, you will need to submit the following documents:
✔ Proof of Identity – A passport or driver’s license
✔ Proof of Address – A recent utility bill or bank statement
✔ Business Registration Documents – Certificate of Incorporation (for Ltd companies)
✔ Bank Account Details – A bank statement showing the business account information
RTRSupports Limited ensures that you have all the correct documents ready for Amazon’s verification process.
9. Create an Amazon Seller Account
With all the necessary registrations and documents in place, you can proceed with creating your Amazon Seller Central UK account:
Go to Amazon Seller Central UK (sellercentral.amazon.co.uk).
Select Your Selling Plan: Choose between an Individual Plan (pay-per-sale) or Professional Plan (monthly fee).
Enter Your Business Information: Provide your company details, bank information, and tax registration.
Verify Your Identity: Amazon will request identity documents to complete the verification process.
Set Up Your Amazon Store: Once your account is verified, you can start listing and selling products.
If you need assistance during this process, RTRSupports Limited provides step-by-step guidance to ensure successful registration.
10. Understand Amazon’s Policies and Compliance Requirements
To operate successfully on Amazon, you must comply with its selling policies, including:
✔ Product Listing Rules – Ensure your products meet Amazon’s guidelines.
✔ Customer Service Standards – Maintain high-quality customer support.
✔ Returns and Refunds – Follow Amazon’s refund and return policies.
RTRSupports Limited can guide you on maintaining compliance to avoid account suspension.
11. Manage Your Tax and Accounting Responsibilities
As an Amazon seller, you must keep proper records of your sales and expenses to comply with UK tax laws. RTRSupports Limited offers accounting and bookkeeping services to help you manage your finances efficiently.