How to launch on Amazon UK as a Singapore seller
The UK marketplace offers huge potential for Singapore brands, but expanding across the globe requires careful planning. You must handle strict tax rules and customs compliance before you send your first shipment to a fulfilment centre.
The short version
Expanding your Singapore business to the UK can grow your revenue, but it comes with rigid legal requirements. If you intend to store physical stock in a UK fulfilment centre, you must register for VAT immediately because your threshold is zero. You will also need an EORI number to clear customs and compliant software to file your tax returns. Done properly, right from the start, this creates a strong, safe foundation for your brand.
Why you still need to register for UK VAT
Many overseas sellers assume that because Amazon acts as the marketplace facilitator and collects VAT at checkout, they do not need to worry about tax registration. This is a dangerous misconception. While Amazon does collect the output VAT on most consumer sales, storing physical inventory in a UK FBA warehouse triggers an immediate legal requirement to register for UK VAT.
Because your Singapore business does not have a physical establishment in the UK, you are classed as a Non-Established Taxable Person. This means you do not benefit from the standard UK VAT registration threshold. The threshold for holding stock in the UK is exactly zero. You also must file UK VAT returns to report your transactions and account for any sales that Amazon does not cover.
Importing your products safely
Securing an EORI number
To get your goods through UK customs and into a British warehouse, you need a UK EORI number linked to your UK VAT number. Without this, your shipments will be rejected at the border.
Postponed VAT Accounting
Being VAT-registered allows your business to utilise Postponed VAT Accounting. This prevents you from having to pay massive, upfront import VAT charges at the border that could severely hurt your cash flow.
Making Tax Digital
All VAT-registered businesses in the UK must keep a digital audit trail of every sale. You must use compatible software, like Xero or QuickBooks, to automatically calculate and file your returns.
Account verification
Amazon requires strict identity checks for Singapore businesses. You must provide your ACRA Business Verification Certificate, valid identity documents, and bank statements to prove your business relationship.
Three steps to start selling
1. Prepare your business documents
Gather your legal business name, your ACRA registration number, and your registered address. Providing accurate and consistent information reduces the likelihood of delays during the Amazon verification process.
2. Submit your VAT application
You can apply through the online system or submit a postal form. Take care to select the correct entity type to avoid misclassification and delays. Remember, this is legally required before you store goods in the UK.
3. Connect your accounting software
Once registered, you must submit VAT returns every quarter. These returns include details of VAT charged on sales and VAT incurred on purchases. Setting up proper software ensures you stay compliant from your very first sale.
Let me handle the expansion
Launching in a new country is complicated, but you do not have to figure it out alone. If you are a Singapore business ready to grow in the UK, but you are not ready for a big agency, I can help you navigate the setup and manage your ongoing account. You work directly with me, there are no long-term contracts, and I will give you honest, plain English advice on what will work for your brand.
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