Amazon Germany marketplace sellers face potential account restrictions if their company information and tax addresses don't match records held by German tax authorities. The e-commerce platform has mandated all Germany-based sellers to complete a thorough account verification by March 1 to maintain uninterrupted selling privileges.
Compliance Deadline and Requirements
According to Amazon's official notice, starting March 1, 2023, sellers who fail to meet compliance requirements after receiving performance notifications may face restrictions on their Germany marketplace access or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) capabilities. The key requirement involves ensuring complete consistency between company names and tax addresses listed in seller accounts and those registered with Germany's Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
The verification process aims to confirm the authenticity of seller information and its alignment with official tax records. Discrepancies may trigger Amazon's risk assessment protocols, potentially leading to account limitations.
Consequences of Information Mismatches
Sellers with inconsistent information risk multiple operational disruptions:
- VAT registration rejection: Non-compliance within 60 days of initial notification may result in VAT number rejection, affecting tax calculations and invoice generation
- Tax calculation errors: Invalid VAT registration can create accounting inaccuracies and potential tax liabilities
- Service suspensions: VAT-dependent services including Amazon's VAT calculation tools may become unavailable
- FBA disruptions: Suspension of Fulfillment by Amazon services would prevent access to warehouse and logistics networks
Verification and Correction Procedures
Sellers identifying discrepancies between their Amazon account information and BZSt records should follow these remediation steps:
Step 1: Identify Discrepancy Type
Determine whether the inconsistency involves the company name, tax address, or both elements.
Step 2: Correct Inaccurate Information
For errors identified in VAT registration certificates, sellers must contact German tax authorities or their tax representatives to submit updated information. Upon certificate updates, sellers should promptly notify Amazon.
For inaccuracies within Amazon Seller Central, sellers should only modify the specific incorrect fields, avoiding unnecessary changes to other account details.
Detailed Correction Instructions
Company Name Mismatches
1. Access the "Business and Contact Information" tab in Seller Central's identity verification section
2. Select "Click to provide information" adjacent to the legal entity name field
3. Update the official business name and save changes
4. Submit verification request and email confirmation with supporting documentation
Address Discrepancies
1. Navigate to Tax Settings in Seller Central
2. Select "Edit" next to the associated VAT identification number
3. Input the accurate address, verifying all details
4. Submit verification request with confirmation email
Special Circumstances
Sellers experiencing mismatches due to character limitations in tax certificates should submit explanatory documentation for manual review.
Critical Reminders
Sellers are advised to complete all verifications before the March 1 deadline to prevent service interruptions. Attention to detail during information updates is crucial, as minor discrepancies may trigger compliance flags. Amazon recommends direct communication through official support channels for unresolved issues.