Selling on Amazon.de & eBay Germany: Platform Compliance and Legal Pitfalls
Selling on Amazon.de or eBay Germany is a powerful way to tap into one of Europe’s largest e-commerce markets. However, these platforms have specific compliance requirements that align with strict German laws. Failing to meet them can result in account suspensions, fines, or loss of customer trust. Whether you're a new seller or looking to expand your international presence, here's what you must know for 2025.
1. VAT Registration and Tax Compliance
If you store goods in Germany or exceed certain sales thresholds, you’ll need to register for German VAT (Umsatzsteuer). Both Amazon and eBay require:
- A valid German VAT ID (USt-IdNr.)
- Proper invoicing according to German tax law
- Displaying VAT information on your seller profile
Tip: Use the OSS (One-Stop Shop) scheme for EU-wide VAT reporting—but local VAT registration is still mandatory if you store inventory in Germany.
2. Marketplace Tax Obligations (Marktplatzhaftung)
German marketplaces like Amazon.de and eBay.de are legally required to ensure third-party sellers are tax compliant. If you're not, the platform may block your listings or request:
- A tax certificate (Bescheinigung nach §22f UStG) from the German tax office
- Your VAT registration details
Sellers outside the EU must appoint a fiscal representative in some cases.
3. Product Compliance and Legal Labelling
Amazon and eBay enforce EU product safety and labelling laws. When selling in Germany, you must ensure your products meet:
- CE marking (for electronics, toys, etc.)
- WEEE registration (for electronic goods)
- Proper labeling (e.g., energy efficiency, recycling info)
Missing or incorrect compliance info can result in product removals or account warnings.
4. Language and Customer Communication
By law, all pre-contractual and contractual information must be available in German. This includes:
- Product listings and descriptions
- Terms and conditions (AGB)
- Return policies and cancellation rights
Amazon.de and eBay.de buyers expect German-language customer service. Using automated translations can lead to misunderstandings and complaints.
5. Return Rights and Refunds
German consumers benefit from strong return and refund rights under EU law, including:
- A 14-day right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)
- Clear information on return procedures
- Prompt refunds upon receipt of returned goods
Failure to comply can result in negative reviews or legal action.
6. Packaging, WEEE, and Recycling Compliance
If you're selling physical goods, you must comply with Germany’s environmental regulations:
- Register with LUCID (Verpackungsregister) for packaging waste
- Join a dual system for recycling contributions
- Register electronics with stiftung ear under ElektroG for WEEE compliance
Even small sellers are required to meet these obligations.
7. Platform-Specific Policies
Each platform has its own rules:
- Amazon.de requires product testing documentation, German AGB, and certain product categories (e.g., toys, cosmetics) need pre-approval.
- eBay.de focuses heavily on accurate category listings, customer communication, and item condition descriptions.
Failure to comply with platform-specific rules can result in account suspension or restricted selling privileges.
Conclusion: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Selling on Amazon.de and eBay Germany offers massive potential—but only if you take legal and platform compliance seriously. The best strategy? Be proactive. Understand the requirements, prepare your listings properly, and work with experts where needed.
By doing so, you avoid legal pitfalls, build trust with German consumers, and create a solid foundation for long-term success in the DACH region.
In 2025, compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s a business strategy.