UK- LTD Company Registration Guide

UK- LTD company Registration for Amazon FBA

Creating an Amazon Seller Central account in the UK as a foreign seller involves a few key steps, including setting up a UK-based business entity (a Limited Company or Ltd) to comply with UK laws and Amazon’s requirements. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements for Selling on Amazon UK

To sell on Amazon UK as a foreign seller, you typically need:

• A UK business address (You may need a physical address or virtual address in the UK).
• A bank account based in the UK or a valid international payment method (e.g., Payoneer, TransferWise, etc.).
• A business registration in the UK (typically through setting up a Limited Company or Ltd).
• A VAT registration (Value Added Tax), depending on your sales volume or whether you store goods in the UK.

Step 2: Setting Up a UK Limited Company (Ltd)

As a foreign seller from Bangladesh, creating a UK-based Ltd company is the most common route to establishing a professional business presence in the UK.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a Name for Your Company

• Your company name must be unique, so you should check if the name is already in use via the UK government’s Companies House website.

2. Register the Company

• Online Registration: You can register the Ltd company online through the Companies House website. This is a relatively quick process and costs around £12. The registration can be completed within a few hours if all documents are in order.
• Documents Needed: You will need to submit certain documents:
  • Company Name
  • Registered Office Address (this can be a virtual office address in the UK if you don’t have a physical office)
  • Directors’ Details (you can be the sole director if you wish)
  • Shareholders’ Information (you can hold all shares yourself)
  • Articles of Association (you can use a standard template)

3. Appoint Directors and Shareholders

• If you’re the only person involved in the business, you can appoint yourself as the sole director and shareholder. You don’t need to live in the UK to be a director, but you’ll need to provide a valid email and address.

4. Get a Certificate of Incorporation

• After registering, you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House. This certificate confirms that your company is legally registered.

5. Get a UK Business Address

• If you don’t have a physical office in the UK, you can get a virtual office address. Virtual office providers will offer you an official UK address for business correspondence, which you can use when setting up your Amazon Seller Central account.

6. Open a UK Bank Account or Use an International Account

• You need a UK-based bank account to receive payments from Amazon. Some online services, like Payoneer or TransferWise, offer virtual UK bank accounts, which are acceptable for Amazon Seller Central.
• Alternatively, you can open a business bank account in the UK through a bank or digital banking service (e.g., Revolut Business).

7. Get a VAT Registration Number (if applicable)

• If you plan to sell products within the UK or store products in Amazon UK warehouses (Fulfillment by Amazon or FBA), you may need a VAT registration. If your sales exceed the VAT threshold, registration is mandatory. If your sales are below the threshold, you can voluntarily register for VAT to reclaim VAT on purchases.
• You can register for VAT on the HMRC website (HM Revenue & Customs). Amazon will ask for your VAT number during registration.

Step 3: Register for Amazon Seller Central (UK)

Once your UK Ltd company is set up and you have a valid UK business bank account, you can proceed to create your Amazon Seller Central account:

1. Go to Amazon Seller Central: Visit Amazon Seller Central UK.
2. Sign Up: Click on “Start Selling” and create a new seller account. During registration, you’ll be asked for:
   • Your business details (Ltd company registration number, company address).
   • Your VAT number (if applicable).
   • Your bank account details (UK or international bank account).
   • Identity verification documents: Amazon may ask for identification (passport, utility bills, etc.) and proof of address.
3. Choose Your Selling Plan: Amazon offers two plans:
   • Individual Seller Plan (pay-per-item sold).
   • Professional Seller Plan (monthly subscription fee, suitable for larger sales volumes).
4. Payment Method: Provide a payment method (credit card, Payoneer, or other international options). Make sure your payment method can handle Amazon’s fees.
5. Complete the Verification Process: Amazon will review your application and may ask for additional documents, including proof of your company’s existence, proof of address, and identification.

Step 4: Start Listing Products on Amazon UK

Once your Amazon Seller Central account is active, you can start listing products and managing your sales:

• Product Listings: You can manually create listings or use bulk uploading tools if you have many products.
• Fulfillment Method: Choose whether you’ll handle shipping yourself (FBM – Fulfilled by Merchant) or use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
• Product Sourcing: Find suppliers for the products you plan to sell. Many sellers import products from China or other countries, including Bangladesh.

Step 5: Consider Taxes and Legal Requirements

• Tax Considerations: As a foreign seller, you’ll need to understand the UK tax system and whether you’ll need to charge VAT on your products. You should consult with a UK tax professional to ensure compliance.
• Business Taxes: Your UK Ltd company will need to file annual accounts and tax returns. You’ll also need to keep detailed records of your sales and expenses.

Summary of Steps to Start Selling on Amazon UK as a Bangladeshi Seller:

1. Create a UK Ltd company via Companies House (includes getting a company name, director, and virtual business address).
2. Register for VAT (if necessary) with HMRC.
3. Open a UK business bank account or use an international payment provider.
4. Create your Amazon Seller Central account.
5. Start selling products and manage your store via Amazon Seller Central.

If you need further assistance with any specific part of this process, feel free to ask! Whether it’s company formation, VAT registration, or setting up Amazon Seller Central, I’m here to help.