Amazon launches Export Central: A new tool supporting sellers in expanding to European markets

Amazon is continuously enhancing its tools to help sellers reach international customers. The latest step in this direction is the introduction of Export Central, a tool that allows sellers to expand their business to 39 European countries. With Export Central, sellers can reach millions of potential customers, even in countries where Amazon does not have a local platform, such as Austria, Portugal, and Greece.

Easy access to new markets

Export Central is a key component of Amazon’s European Export Program, which enables sellers to export from six stores: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. This tool allows sellers to export products without needing to create new accounts or duplicate existing listings, greatly simplifying the process of entering foreign markets.

One of the most significant features of Export Central is the ability to enable international shipping settings across multiple stores at once, and the process is so simple that it requires only three clicks. Sellers can easily adjust shipping options, and Amazon provides default rates and delivery times, which sellers can modify before finalizing the settings.

Automatic support for FBA sellers

The Export Central program is available to sellers using both Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN), meaning those who handle their own shipments. FBA sellers are automatically included in the program without any additional fees, allowing them to use the tool without making any further changes. For MFN sellers, the process only requires setting shipping rates and delivery times.

According to Amazon, sellers who use export features through their European stores see an average sales increase of 10%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the tool in growing businesses in foreign markets. Expanding into new markets such as Austria, Portugal, and Greece creates new sales opportunities, especially for businesses that previously had no access to consumers in these regions.

Adapting to VAT requirements

One of the challenges of expanding to foreign markets is complying with VAT regulations. Each country has its own rules, which require sellers to understand and follow them. Amazon does not automatically manage VAT compliance, meaning sellers must ensure their own correct tax filings.

To make it easier for sellers to meet tax obligations, they can use the One Stop Shop (OSS) system, which allows them to report VAT liabilities from multiple EU countries with a single registration in a selected member state. This enables sellers to submit one consolidated quarterly report, significantly reducing administrative burdens.

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The benefits of Export Central

Export Central offers numerous benefits to sellers, both in terms of increasing sales and simplifying logistics operations. Sellers who choose to use this tool can expect an average sales increase of 10%, thanks to the ability to reach new customers. The automatic registration for FBA sellers and the ease of configuring international shipping make the tool user-friendly and not time-consuming.

For MFN sellers, Export Central allows them to independently manage their shipping settings. Sellers can set their own rates and delivery times, giving them full control over the order fulfillment process. Amazon supports them by providing standard rates that sellers can modify to suit their needs.

Challenges with international shipping

MFN sellers who wish to use Export Central must keep several important aspects in mind, especially regarding managing shipping costs and times. To remain competitive in foreign markets, it’s advisable to regularly analyze competitors’ shipping rates and collaborate with various carriers to secure better terms. Additionally, introducing flat shipping rates could simplify the shopping process for customers.

Well-managed shipping costs can increase customer satisfaction, leading to higher sales. Optimizing these elements allows sellers to offer competitive prices, which is crucial for competing in international markets.

Summary: The future of Amazon exports

The launch of Export Central by Amazon is an important step in facilitating sellers’ expansion into European markets. With a simple interface, automatic registration for FBA sellers, and the ability to easily adjust shipping settings for MFN sellers, this tool is extremely useful for small and medium-sized businesses looking to expand their operations beyond their home country.

With access to customers in 39 European countries, including those where Amazon does not have its own platform, Export Central opens up new growth opportunities for sellers. However, it’s important to remember that success in international markets requires proper logistics management and VAT compliance, which can be a challenge.

In conclusion, Amazon continues to develop its ecosystem, offering sellers increasingly advanced tools to support their expansion into foreign markets. Export Central is another step in this direction, giving sellers the opportunity to grow in new markets without complex administrative barriers.