UK-EU EXPANSION. SIMPLIFIED.

Customs clearance and shipping services with Amazon

With the AVASK and Amazon small parcel and pallet solutions, you can ship inventory seamlessly across the UK/EU customs border, and reach millions of customers through the Amazon FBA network.

Make 5+ shipments to qualify for our Advantage Loyalty programme!*

Containers being lifted by crane at a port
Smiling woman at desk
Quick links

Learn more about the Amazon-AVASK customs and shipping service

Book your call with AVASK

Talk to us about our shipping services at a time that suits you – it only takes 15 minutes

Book a time

View the Amazon Handbook and FAQ

Read the Amazon Customs Clearance & Shipping Services Handbook, which covers what you need to know about shipping between the UK and the EU

Read the handbook (PDF)

Are your products eligible?

Log in to the Amazon platform to check your products’ eligibility

Check now
young-adult-organizing-documents

View the terms and conditions

Read the small print for each of our shipping solutions:

*UPS SCS Freight fees differ based on postcodes. Read the UPS UK-EU rate card

Book a call
Handbook
Products
T&Cs and rates

Book your call with AVASK

Talk to us about our shipping services at a time that suits you – it only takes 15 minutes

Book a time

View the Amazon Handbook and FAQ

Read the Amazon Customs Clearance & Shipping Services Handbook, which covers what you need to know about shipping between the UK and the EU

Read the handbook (PDF)

Are your products eligible?

Log in to the Amazon platform to check your products’ eligibility

Check now
young-adult-organizing-documents

View the terms and conditions

Read the small print for each of our shipping solutions:

*UPS SCS Freight fees differ based on postcodes. Read the UPS UK-EU rate card

Advantage Loyalty programme benefits

 

  • Faster shipping to UK customers: reach your UK customers quicker by storing inventory in a secondary EU region
  • Prime Badge eligibility: become eligible for the coveted Prime badge and attract more Prime members
  • Local fulfilment fees: access lower FBA fees for your stored inventory

You’ll be automatically enrolled when you’ve made the minimum 5 C2S2 shipments through AVASK.

Expanding from the UK to the EU?

  • FREE account setup
  • Shipping to Germany and France
  • €‎200/year for indirect representation
  • €‎60/shipment (first shipment FREE)
  • Enrol on expansion packages – expand more, save more on customs, VAT and EPR packages
Delivery man delivering parcels

See our UK-EU shipping solutions:

ATS-AVASK parcels and pallets

  • Domestic transportation: pay for shipments to an Amazon sort centre in the UK using only non-partnered carrier DHL/DPD. International: FREE ATS
  • Max amount/shipment: Unlimited
  • Inbound time: 4-8 business days
Articulated lorry on a map of Europe

ATS-AVASK parcels

  • Domestic and international transportation: Collection from the domestic warehouse, delivery directly to cross-border FBA fulfilment centre. Negotiated fees: UPS
  • Max amount/shipment: 200 parcels
  • Inbound time: 6-11 business days
Pallets and parcels on a map, with a model plane and articulated lorry

ATS-AVASK pallets

  • Domestic and international transportation: Collection from the domestic warehouse, delivery directly to cross-border FBA fulfilment centre. Negotiated fees*: UPS
  • Max amount/shipment: 30 pallets
  • Inbound time: 8-12 business days

Expanding into the UK?

  • FREE account setup
  • €‎200/year for indirect representation
  • €‎60/shipment (first shipment FREE) with our solutions for shipping
  • Enrol on expansion packages – expand more, save more on customs and VAT packages
Two men talking in a warehouse

See our EU-UK shipping solutions:

Shipping from Germany

  • Domestic: Collection from domestic warehouse, delivery direct to cross-border FBA fulfilment centre. Negotiated fees: UPS
  • Max amount/shipment: Unlimited
  • Inbound time: 4-8 business days
UK and European Union flags

Shipping from Germany, France, Italy, Spain

  • Domestic: Collection from the domestic warehouse, delivery direct to cross-border FBA fulfilment centre. Negotiated fees: UPS
  • Max amount/shipment: 200 parcels
  • Inbound time: 6-11 business days

Upcoming webinars

LanguageSubjectDate and timeRegister
EnglishShipping Smarter: Discover How to Streamline and Save on Your Amazon ShipmentsTuesday 28 January 2025, 1:00 PM BSTRegister
EspañolEnvíos más eficientes: Descubra cómo agilizar y ahorrar en sus envíos de AmazonMiércoles 29 de enero 2025, 14:00 CETRegístrese
DeutschClever versenden: Jetzt Amazon-Versand optimieren und dabei Geld sparenDonnerstag, 30. Januar 2025, 11 Uhr CETRegistrieren

Watch past webinars:

Latest customs news and blogs

Amazon shipping and customs: the top new changes for sellers 

See what’s new for all sellers based in the EU and UK.

Amazon and AVASK shipping and customs: see the new and improved booking system

Our new shipping booking system will enhance efficiency and speed up the process for our clients.

Expanding into the UK or Europe? Here’s how to ship and store across the customs border 

By AVASK 8 min read

Seamlessly expand your business into the UK and EU with the AVASK and Amazon small parcel and pallet solutions

As a seller, I need to know more about…

Payment

What are import duties, why do I need to pay them and how much are they?

The amount of import duties and VAT you need to pay depends on several factors, including:
  • the type of goods
  • their value
  • their origin
Import duties (also known as customs duties) are taxes charged by a country’s government on imported goods. These taxes are typically calculated as a percentage of the total value of the goods being imported, and the revenue generated is collected by the country’s customs authorities.
How are import duties calculated?
They’re based on the commodity code of the goods, which determines the applicable duty rate.
Also, the country of origin can affect the duty rate due to trade agreements that may offer reduced or zero rates for certain goods.
For further information, please reach out to pcppromo@avaskgroup.com, listing the ASINs you are sending and the commodity codes.mi

Will I have to pay import VAT when sending products to France?

Import VAT is deferred when importing into France by default if you are filing French VAT.n

Will I have to pay import VAT when sending products to the UK?

Import VAT can be deferred to your quarterly VAT filings when importing into the UK.

You must ensure that you tell AVASK that you would like to utilise Postponed VAT Accounting (PvA) and that your VAT agent in the UK files correctly.g

How do I make payment for any import VAT/duties incurred with my booking?

Use the “Pay Now” link located at the bottom of the invoice.

I think I've overpaid import duty/VAT – what should I do?

Email pcpshipments@avaskgroup.com attaching your import entry and commercial invoice, and add an explanation for why you believe you have paid more import duties than you should have.

How do I get an invoice for our brokerage fee?

You can download this from the AVASK portal. Select the ‘My Bookings’ tab to download individual invoices.

How do I get invoices for any import VAT/duties which are owed?

These will automatically be sent to you. If you’re missing any, send the FBA reference to pcppromo@avaskgroup.com.

Will I have to pay import VAT when sending products to Germany?

AVASK utilise Limited Fiscal Representation (LFR) when sending goods from the UK to Germany. The goods are cleared via Netherlands, so import VAT doesn’t need to be paid. You will need to log an acquisition on your German VAT filings, which AVASK will guide you on.

What is LFR?

Limited Fiscal Representation (LFR) is a system used in the EU to make it easier for businesses to handle VAT when importing goods.

  1. Importing goods: Normally, when you import goods into an EU country, you have to pay VAT upfront.
  2. Using LFR: With LFR, you can bring goods into one EU country and sell them in another without paying VAT immediately.
  3. Appointing a representative: You appoint a fiscal representative (such as AVASK) in the country where you import the goods. This representative handles the VAT paperwork.
  4. Deferring VAT: Instead of paying VAT when the goods enter the EU, you pay it when the goods are sold in the destination country.

 

What are import anti-dumping duties, and why do I have to pay them?

Import anti-dumping duties are specific import duties that are levied on goods that are being sold in the importing country at prices lower than the normal value of similar goods in the exporting country.

The aim of these duties is to protect domestic industries from unfair competition caused by the dumping of foreign goods at artificially low prices.

Read more about import anti-dumping duties

I believe I have underpaid import duty/VAT – what should I do?

Email pcpshipments@avaskgroup.com attaching your import entry and commercial invoice and add and explanation for why you believe you have paid less import duties than you should have.

What is the per shipment fee?

The customs brokerage fee is:

  • €‎60 for a shipment inclusive of 3 HS codes
  • €‎5 per code for additional HS codes

 

What is the annual fee?

The charge for indirect representation is €200 per year.

Onboarding

How do I reset my password to the AVASK portal?

Visit https://clientportal.avaskgroup.com/ and follow the steps to reset your password.

How do I link the AVASK portal with Seller Central via API?

How do I complete the onboarding form?

What documents are accepted for ‘Proof of address’?

  • Company bank statement
  • Company utility bill

What's the difference between small parcels and pallets?

Pallets are typically larger and can take a larger weight than small parcels.

Amazon’s current requirements for the maximum dimensions for small parcels are 63.5 x 63.5 x 63.5cms, with 23kgs max weight.

How do I de-register?

Complete this form to de-register from our cross-border solutions: https://avaskgroup.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jjy8mAE6cc9pCS

What's the transit time for my shipment?

Our estimates are based on deliveries to major destinations – they don’t include time in customs, and are provided as a guide only.
Transit times can vary depending on:
  • the size and content of the parcel
  • the chosen carrier
  • the origin and destination locations within eachh country
  • public holidays
  • circumstances that are beyond C2S2’s control, such as adverse weather conditions
For more information, refer to Customs Clearance and Shipping Services (C2S2) program:
Email Amazon’s customer service at c2s2-customer-service@amazon.co.uk for with queries about the Amazon and AVASK customs programs.

I'm an offline seller. How do I approve the commercial invoice?

Once a shipment is created, go to the AVASK portal to upload commercial invoice information with SKU / HS code details and get approval.
Watch how to use AVASK portal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPGUvXA00IE
Further reading on the Clearance and Shipping Services (C2S2) program:

Why does my commercial invoice contain fewer items than I booked? (split shipments)

It was caused by shipment splits. Shipment splits are an expected behaviour of FBA Inbounding. It’s optimal to fulfil the prime promise for customers to have products in multiple fulfilment centres. If the shipment is split, the commercial invoice will be split, too.

I am receiving errors when trying to upload my packing list – how can I proceed?

Refer to:
a). Packing List Guidelines: https://m.mediaamazon.com/images/G/02/crossborder/ABACUS/AVASK_Packing_List_Upload_Guide.Pdf
b). Packing List Template: https://m.mediaamazon.com/images/G/02/crossborder/ABACUS/Packing_List_Template.xlsx

UPS have returned my shipment. What do I need to correct to prevent this happening next time?

Have you tried to request to reconcile your shipment for missing units with guidance on this page: https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/201214140
If not,  do this first.
Once the case is resolved and you don’t get satisfactory resolution, contact us again with the list of the missing units and resolved case.
If a previous case regarding this issue was already resolved but you are not satisfied with the
outcome:
provide the following details: FBA Shipment ID/MCID, Case ID, Program (ATS), Arc (Lane), and proof of delivery.
We’ll engage with Amazon on your behalf to further investigate and address your concerns.

What is the declared price work sheet?

This is a supporting document for valuations which is a mandatory requirement for the UK>DE UPS lane.

Can I send shipments on different routes?

The routes listed here are accepted on the AVASK programme:

UPS (Parcels):
If you are incorporated in the UK you can ship on the below routes:
• UK > DE
• DE > UK
If you are incorporated in the EU you can ship:
• DE > UK
• FR >UK
• IT >UK
• ES >UK
If you are registered outside of the UK or EU, you are not eligible for the UPS promotion.
ATS:
The routes you can ship are:
• UK >DE
• UK > FR
• DE > UK
• NL > UK
• PL > UK
• AT > UK
• CZ >UK
UPS Pallets:
The routes you can ship are:
• UK >DE
• UK > FR

How do I get a new e-mail login for the AVASK portal?

Email pcppromo@avaskgroup.com with the email address and full name.

What documents are accepted for ‘Director’s ID’?

  • Passport
  • Driving license

Why do you need me to sign POA documents?

AVASK require POA documents to allow us to complete customs declarations on your behalf.

Do I require EORI numbers for the UK and EU?

Yes, you require UK and EU EORI numbers to import/export into the UK.

Read more about how long it takes to get EORI numbers in the UK and EU.

Can I switch programmes from ATS to UPS, or vice versa?

Yes. If you’re enrolled with Small Parcel Programs ATS AVASK or UPS AVASK, you have already subscribed to a customs broker and would like to change your Small Parcels Delivery transportation provider, complete and submit this form: https://avaskgroup.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jjy8mAE6cc9pCS.
The estimated timeline for processing the switching application is 14 days, but this may vary.
For further clarification on your switch, reach out to us at pcpshipments@avaskgroup.com
and read the seller Customs Clearance and Shipping Services (C2S2) FAQ:

The commodity code I have entered is not supported; how can I proceed?

In AVASK portal
If the commodity code is not supported, send the ASINs and commodity codes to pcpshipments@avaskgroup.com.
Remember: certain commodity codes, such as those for products of animal origin, explosives, and other restricted items, may be blocked.
In Seller Central
If the commodity code is not supported, please ensure it’s accurate and matches your product.
You can find the correct code in the Seller Central’s Manage Your compliance portal – navigate to ‘Edit compliance’ and use the ‘Find tariff code’ option to search for your product.
If you believe the issue persists, contact Amazon Selling Partner support or upload your information using the bulk upload template available in the compliance section.

Amazon are requesting the IEN (Import Entry Number) for my recent shipment – where can I find this information?

This can be found on your import paperwork, usually in the top right-hand corner.
What are IENs?
IENs are allocated by UK Customs Authorities when goods are imported into the UK.
Most common IEN formats
  • “Movement Reference Numbers” (replace the Entry Reference Number previously provided in the CHIEF system) (see “What do Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) look like?” in Amazon Help page)
  • S10 (see “What IEN format is used for goods shipped via the Universal Postal Union (UPU)?” Amazon Help page)
When your shipment enters the UK and has been declared to the Customs Authority, the shipment will be allocated an IEN. The IEN is issued to the customs declarant, which may be your logistics agent or freight forwarder. If you’re using a freight forwarder, they should be able to communicate the IEN to you.
If you don’t get an IEN
There may be cases in which shipments are not allocated IENs.
Check with your logistics provider or carrier before shipment handover, or with the Customs Authority at the time of importation.
Visit the FAQ on how to comply with the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS) on Seller Central UK.

Where do find my UPS tracking number for my shipment to LCY8 (ATS)?

For the ATS AVASK solution, you’ll need to organise your off-Amazon domestic shipment to the UK sort centre. This shipment must be with UPS or DPD for UK and must be off-Amazon (so not partnered carrier).
The ship to address should be shown on your Send To Amazon Workflow: LCY8.
Since you’re using a non-partnered carrier, you should provide the tracking IDs for all of the boxes in your shipments with the information the carrier shares with you, which
means you won’t obtain your tracking number from Amazon, but your own carrier.
You can provide details either in the Send to Amazon Tracking details step or in the Track shipment tab of the shipment summary page.
  • For UPS SPD:

You can track your shipment through the Send to Amazon workflow.

To check the status of your shipment at any time, go to your shipments, select the shipment using the Fulfilment by Amazon ID/shipment name and view the progress of your shipment in the Shipment events tab.
  •  For UPS UCS:

You can track your shipment through the UPS SCS tracking system. (Enter your Fulfilment by Amazon number in This value). Queries can be raised by creating a customer service ticket through the UPS portal.

How can I track my shipment?

For ATS program users:
To track your shipments directly in Seller Central:
Go to the Case Log (Help > Go to Case Log) to view historical information about all shipments sent
under the same CaseID.
You’ll receive an initial case that explains how to interpret upcoming communications. This case will also provide details on your FBA ID, departure date from the sort centre, and one of these three status updates:
a. Delivered to the import country
b. Departed from the sort centre
c. Shipment delayed along with reason if any reason delaying the delivery
Important: The case will remain at its original creation date, even if you are actively shipping. For example, if the case was created in December, it will stay in the December section.
To find your current ATS-AVASK shipment, we suggest searching for “”[Unmonitored case]””
your ATS-AVASK shipment status in the search bar.
Amazon have customer service available at c2s2-customer-service@amazon.co.uk for queries about the Amazon and AVASK customs programs.

My shipment has been received in my domestic inventory incorrectly – how can I correct this?

To correct an incorrectly received shipment, provide the following information:
FBA Shipment ID/MCID, Case ID, Program (ATS/UPS), Arc (Lane), and proof of delivery.
Then start the investigation process by emailing this information to c2s2-customer-service@amazon.co.uk

UPS have advised that they're waiting for approval from AVASK before they can proceed with collecting my pallet shipments, Why is this? (UPS Pallets)

For the ATS AVASK solution:
Select a non-Amazon-partnered carrier as the shipping carrier in the ‘Send to Amazon’ workflow in Step 2 selecting shipping carrier.
For UK to EU:
Use UPS or DPD for shipments to the LCY8 Rochester sort centre.
For DE to UK:
Use DHL or DPD, or only DPD for NL, PL, AT, CZ to UK for shipments to the DTM2 centre. Ensure each box has both the Amazon label and the carrier label before sending. The ship to address should be shown on your Send To Amazon Workflow: LCY8/DTM2.
Since you’re using a non-partnered carrier, you should provide the tracking IDs for all of the boxes in your shipments with the information the carrier shares with you, which means you won’t obtain your tracking number from Amazon, but your own carrier. You can provide details either in the Send to Amazon Tracking details step or in the Track shipment tab of the shipment
summary page.

Eligibility

Can I send shipments to non-Amazon FBA centres?

This is unavailable on this programme, but AVASK can support you with this – reach out to customs@avaskgroup.com.

Which products cannot be sent on the AVASK and Amazon programmes?

• Food products or perishable goods*
• Animal fur, skins, or similar articles
• Products of animal origin
• Articles of large value (art, antiques, precious jewellery, gold, etc)
• Dangerous goods/hazardous materials (following IATA regulations for Express and Expedited, and following ADR regulations for Standard)
• Firearms or weapons
• Live animals
• Money or banknotes
• Personal items
• Plants or seeds
• Pornographic materials
• Tobacco and tobacco products
*Food products and perishable goods may be allowed depending on the ingredients. Email pcpshipments@avaskgroup.com with your ASIN information and full ingredients list before making a shipment booking.

Can I send inventory from my UK FBA to EU FBA?

No, the inventory must be sent from your 3PL/warehouse.

If you want to send from Amazon FBA, you need to first make a removal order.

Shipping

Are these solutions suitable for B2C shipments?

No, they’re only for moving inventory. Solutions will differ based on your inventory location.

How long does approval take once my booking has been placed on Seller Central?

Once you complete editing compliance information, click ‘Send To Broker’ for your customs broker to review and approve. This standard review period typically takes up to 2 business days.
In case you don’t hear from us within 2 business days, reach out to us at pcpshipments@avaskgroup.com.

What UPS account details should I be using? (UPS)

When shipping with and Amazon Partnered Carrier, you will need to have set up your account and linked this on Seller Central.
  • Click ‘Send to Amazon workflow’ in step 2.
  • After selecting shipping carrier as UPS (Amazon partnered carrier box), you can ‘select account’ and set up a new account by clicking ‘Create New Account’.
  • Input the following detail based on which arc you are shipping:
If shipping UK >DE
• Country: Germany
• Account Number Field: 32F77V
• Postcode: 60439
If shipping UK > FR
• Country: France
• Account Number Field: W49255
• Postcode: 75116
If shipping EU > UK
• Country: United Kingdom
• Account Number Field: 21W662
• Postcode: SO15 1GA
Once UPS Account is selected, check that the shipment summary box looks correct. Your ship to address should be the cross-border destination FBA Fulfilment Centre. If all correct, confirm your delivery window and click ‘Accept charges and confirm shipping’.
Please note: you’ll also be able to see the estimated UPS Partnered Carrier shipping costs for you on the bottom right.
Further reading about the Customs Clearance and Shipping Services (C2S2) programme, and the guidance

Where can I find my shipping labels? (ATS)

Once your shipment has been approved by the broker, you can find and print your box label(s).
To download the labels, click Print box labels in step 3 of the Send to Amazon workflow.
You will only be able to print these labels once your customs compliance information has been approved by the customs broker.