amazon Transportation Services User Guide

amazon Transportation Services User Guide

Customs Clearance and Shipping Services on Amazon
Shipping Guide: ATS AVASK

Introduction

IMPORTANT: The purpose of this Handbook is to provide end to end guidance on how to use Amazon’s Customs Clearance and Shipping Services to send your stock to FBA Fulfilment Centers in the EU using the ATS AVASK Solution.

A basic understanding of the requirements for selling into the EU is necessary to know what selection is eligible before creating a shipment. You can find information on compliance by downloading our UK to EU Cross-Border Shipment Manual here. 

Why ship cross-border?

Amazon Customs Clearance and Shipping Services simplify the process for shipping inventory across the EU customs border and offers you the opportunity to increase your reach to millions of new customers.

For the UK sellers, you can access 8 new marketplaces and benefit from reduced shipping costs by selling through the Pan-European FBA Program. Through this, by shipping into either France or Germany, you can also start selling in Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden and Belgium, increasing your customer base.

By storing locally in these marketplaces, you will receive a range of benefits including:

• Local FBA fulfilment fees – full breakdown can be found here.
• Eligibility for the Prime badge
• Fastest shipping times to customers
• Eligibility for Pan European FBA – check which ASINs are eligible here.

What you need to know about shipping between the UK and the EU

As of 1st January 2021, the UK has now left the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union and there is a customs border between the UK and the EU, affecting the movement of goods shipped across the border. What this means is that most sellers will need to use a customs broker as well as freight forwarder to ship between the UK and the EU, to ensure compliance. For more information, go to Check if you’re established in the UK for customs.

Amazon Customs Clearance and Shipping Services

Shipping cross-border between the UK and EU

“Selling back into Europe has been a lot simpler with this solution. With a more streamlined approach and being cost-effective for us, it has allowed us to scale up again in the EU”
– Philip, Managing Director of The Golden Bear

We have two small-parcel shipping solutions and one pallet shipping solution that will enable you to inbound directly into an EU FBA Fulfilment Centre when shipping from UK.

The solutions provide the services of third-party service provider AVASK Accounting & Business Consultants, in addition to cross-border freight forwarding with Amazon Transportation Services and UPS. AVASK operate as a fully integrated customs partner to help alleviate the post-Brexit complexities.

There are two small-parcel shipping solutions to choose from:

1. Amazon Transportation Services (ATS) AVASK – Ship from your warehouse to a domestic Amazon Sort Centre, and ATS will ship the goods across the customs border on your behalf for free. (This guide)
2. UPS AVASK – Ship with UPS from your domestic storage facility, cross-border between the UK and EU into an FBA Fulfilment Centre and receive partnered carrier rates for the entire shipment.

There is one pallet option:

1. UPS SCS AVASK Pallets – Ship pallets with UPS SCS from your domestic storage facility, cross-border between the UK and EU directly into an FBA Fulfilment Centre.

AVASK as a Customs Broker

Given the ever-changing legislation updates in the UK and the EU in the post-Brexit period, it is very beneficial to have a specialist to help you navigate the various components of being customs compliant. A customs broker will be able to assist you with:

• The preparation and submission of documentation required to facilitate your cross-border shipments.
• Being the liaison between yourself and the respective customs authorities or even act on your behalf on on the-ground inspections at customs.
• Assisting with any additional paperwork that customs authorities may request.

Benefits of integration with AVASK:

• AVASK will provide you with end-to-end customs and brokerage services. AVASK have been working alongside Amazon for over 8 years, and alongside customs have great experience with taxation, compliance, and EPR.
• AVASK will provide you with indirect representation, brokerage services and customs requirements for shipping into the UK, Germany and France.
• AVASK has also created a dedicated customs portal for you to use when shipping cross-border, meaning that the shipping process should be smooth and easy.
• AVASK will ensure that your products are checked before your shipments are dispatched, meaning that you can obtain full guidance and a personal touch to your customs experience.

Promotion – FREE: Account Set Up, Indirect Representation & Brokerage:

We are currently offering a promotion on our shipping solutions whereby once registered, you will receive: FREE Account Set up, FREE Indirect Representation (1st year), FREE Brokerage (for first shipment).
See T&Cs: ATS AVASK, UPS AVASK, UPS SCS AVASK Pallets.

Compliance

What do you need to ensure your products can be sold in the EU?

You will need to ensure your selection is compliant with new EU regulations before sending cross-border to be stored locally. This includes EPR, WEEE, EU Responsible Person requirements. You can learn whether these are applicable to your selection and how to become compliant in our Compliance Handbook here.

What do you need to start using the shipping solutions?

Once you are sure that your selection is meeting all requirements to be sold in EU marketplaces, for shipping you will need to ensure you have the following information:

VAT Registration:

When storing goods in a warehouse (i.e. Amazon FBA, Third Party Logistics Centers) in the EU you are required by law to register for VAT so that you can declare your sales activity. VAT (Value Added Tax) is chargeable at various rates across Europe, see here for more information.

• You will need to be VAT registered in any countries you are planning on storing in. This means you will need to be VAT registered in the country you are sending stock into.
• You can apply for VAT through Amazon here.
• You can read about VAT compliance and the process for registering here.

EORI Number:

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number refers to the registration of a Customs identification number for non-EU based sellers who intend to ship goods through customs in any of the EU 27 and/or the UK.

• If you import or export in the UK, you will need a UK EORI number.
• If you import or export in Europe, you will need an EU EORI number.
• For shipping UK to EU, you will need just one EU EORI number in any EU marketplace.
• It is likely that you will need both a UK and an EU EORI number.
• AVASK can assist you with applying for an EU EORI number for free as part of your application.
• If applying for VAT through Amazon, you can also apply for your EORI for free as a part of this process.

Power of Attorney:

Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney (or POA) in international trade enables the authorised party (i.e. fiscal representative; customs clearance agent) to act on behalf of its customers (i.e. a selling partner) when required to file customs declaration and represent its customers in cross-border customs clearance tasks. For the ATS AVASK and UPS AVASK solutions, AVASK will be acting as your POA.

A POA has normally a functional use as it may authorise the customs broker to handle clearance tasks such as:

• Process customs clearance paperwork
• Clear an unlimited number of shipments
• Or any other task that may be agreed between the two parties

HS Codes:

Harmonized System (HS) codes (or otherwise HS Nomenclature) are used when goods are exported internationally.
HS codes form part of the internationally standardized system of specified code digits for various goods classifications and commodities. It is important to verify an HS code both at an international level but also at the destination customs classification system An example of HS classification is here.

• Your product manufacturer and your appointed customs broker could assist you in finding out the correct HS code for your goods.
• A 10-digit commodity code is required for importing into the UK. These codes determine the duties and import VAT for your products.
• Each different ASIN will need to be classified with the correct commodity code. It is important to ensure that you are using the correct commodity code for your items. Both the UK government and the European
  Commission provide more information.
• You can also download a list of ASINs and corresponding tariff codes, then filter for ASINs that you might have. This list is for guidance only and should be verified with your own research. Amazon does not take responsibility for any incorrect tariff codes.

Country of Origin:

• The country of origin determines the customs duties and import tariffs that will be applied. Work directly with your supplier to determine the country of origin for all of your products and ensure that you are compliant. For more information, go to the UK government’s website and the European Commission’s Rules of origin.

There are two types of country of origin: preferential and non-preferential. Preferential country of origin relates to any free trade agreement (FTAs) supported by duty free arrangements for a number of goods in the bilateral customs status provided that the country of origin status can easily be clarified.

To determine the country of origin status you are required to ensure that the product is wholly produced in one country with no involvement from any other country. Once any other country is involved in the production process duties may be applicable in a preferential country of origin scenario.

There are 4 rules on how to determine the country of origin test: Last, Substantial, Economic and Process:

• Last: the last place that processing took place;
• Substantial: processing took place at a reasonable level;
• Economic: there is added value to the finished product;
• Process: The product should undergo a level of manufacture which transforms the combined materials to that of the finished product often changing tariff heading.

If your product has passed those 4 rules, the ‘nationality’ (non-preferential origin) of your product will be listed in 1. ‘Last’. i.e. GB, FR, IE. This is your country of origin.

Example: If I am selling handbags produced in the UK and I import a handle from China and I incorporate it in my handbag, it is likely that this is not going to alter the country of origin.

Valuation of Goods Methodologies:

Customs valuation of goods refers to the determination of the economic value of goods declared for importation. Such valuation is essential for assessing any customs debt. There are six methods for valuing your goods. The primary method is the transaction value method which comprises the total amount paid (or to be paid) for the imported goods – for more information read Union Customs Code.

Commercial Invoice:

A commercial invoice is issued by the exporter (i.e. manufacturer of your goods) for the importer (Selling Partner) and outlines the description of the purchased goods, the actual event of the purchase of the goods in question, the cost of goods and the details of the producer and the intended buyer.

For the ATS AVASK and UPS AVASK solutions, AVASK will use the information you provide to them on the above points to fill out a commercial invoice on your behalf.

Registration for Amazon Customs Clearance & Shipping Services

Account Set Up:

If you have checked the terms and conditions and want to take part in this promotion, start by filling out this form.

You will be able to indicate on this form that you are looking to use the ATS AVASK solution. Please note:

• You can only be active on one small-parcel solution at one time (you can request to switch solution using this form).
• You can be active on the UPS SCS Pallet solution at the same time as being active on one small-parcel solution. If already on ATS AVASK or UPS AVASK and you want to enable Pallets, please complete this registration form.

This will signify to AVASK that you are looking to use the desired solution and they will set up your customs account.
AVASK will then reach out via email to confirm that the account is ready to use (can take up to 5 business days).

You will need the following information to complete the onboarding survey:

• Merchant Token (To find your Merchant Token, make sure you are signed into your UK Seller Central account and click this link. Copy and paste the “Merchant Token” into the box below, for example – A190DUARU0OG94)
• Entity Name
• Primary contact Telephone number
• Primary contact Email Address
• Company Registration Number
• Primary contact person First Name
• Primary contact person Last Name
• Registered Business Address, including:
• Street Name
• Town/City
• Post Code
• Country of Incorporation
• GB EORI
• EU EORI
• UK VAT Number
• France VAT Number (if you have one)
• Germany VAT Number (if you have one)
• Are you using Postponed VAT accounting? (UK Import Specific)
• Which country are you looking to send your products?
• Proof of address
• Proof of identity
• POA’s for Imports & Exports (Specific to the lane being used)

Broker Onboarding:

Once you have received confirmation from AVASK that you are set up, you are ready to onboard. Onboarding time is less than 5 days. If you complete all information correctly, we expect this to be 1 day.

If you have any questions before or throughout this process – please contact AVASK directly at:
pcppromo@avaskgroup.com

Or book in a 1:1 call with an AVASK Account Manager here.

TS AVASK – Overview

What is the ATS AVASK solution?

The ATS AVASK shipping solution allows you to ship from the UK directly into an EU FBA Fulfilment Centre in France or Germany. Using the ‘send to Amazon’ workflow on Seller Central the integrated customs portal, you benefit from a seamless shipment creation process. You will also have support from AVASK for customs clearance.

Active shipping lanes:

• UK to Germany
• UK to France
• Germany to UK

Rates:

Customs Brokerage Fees:

* (valid till 31/12/24) If you have never shipped with us before (ship within 3 months of onboarding) – T&Cs here 

Transportation Fees:

Transportation from your domestic warehouse to the UK sort centre in Rochester is paid directly to UPS/DPD (off Amazon)

Transportation from Rochester to EU FBA Fulfilment Centre (France or Germany) is free.

Potential Fees Incurred During Shipment:

Limited Time Promotion – FREE: Account Set Up, Indirect Representation & Brokerage:

We are currently offering a promotion on our shipping solutions whereby once registered, you will receive:

1. FREE Account Set up
2. FREE Indirect Representation (1st year)
3. FREE Brokerage (for first shipment).

See T&Cs: ATS AVASK.

ATS AVASK – Creating a Shipment

The following pages walk you through the steps to create a shipment using the ATS AVASK solution. This will show you a UK to EU shipment.

Step 1: Create your shipment on Seller Central:

Log onto your Seller Central account, and navigate to your shipping queue.

Create a new shipment on Seller Central using the “Send to Amazon” workflow.

Select ‘Marketplace Destination’ as France or Germany.

Select stock to send in this shipment. You can do this by either selecting ‘Select from list’ and adding in quantities from the below list. Or, by selecting ‘File upload’ and using the template provided.

Once you are happy with your inventory selection, select ‘Confirm and continue’ to proceed to next stage

Select the date you are planning to send your shipment.

Select your broker. For this service, you should be onboarded already and see your broker appear as an option in a ‘Amazon-partnered broker’ box.

Select ‘Small parcel delivery (SPD)’, and then ‘Non Amazon Partnered carrier’. You can use either DPD or UPS, so select the carrier you are using (if no option available for either you can choose ‘Other’), and then select ‘Ground’.

Check that the summary box looks correct. Your ship to address should automatically change to the UK Rochester
Sort Centre address (LCY8). If all correct, confirm your delivery window and click ‘Accept charges and confirm shipping’.

If the shipping address is not reflecting LCY8, please review the previous steps or ask support – having the wrong address will bring to print non-compliant labels and can affect your shipment.

Also fill in the Delivery Window here, this is when you expect the shipment to arrive at the EU Fulfilment Centre and should be ~10 days after collection.

Step 2: Provide customs compliance information:

You are now on the stage of shipment creation where you can provide your customs information. You can submit this directly to your broker through Seller Central, and any information inputted and approved will be saved for future shipments.

For ATS AVASK, because you are sending an off-Amazon shipment to Rochester, you are requested to add in your estimated shipping fees and insurance fees (if you have this).

You can now add in SKU specific customs information. Please refer to the Customs Clearance Guide for walkthrough on how to complete this step.

1. Edit Compliance – here you will add SKU level compliance information.
2. Once complete, you can click ‘Send To Broker’ for your Customs Broker to review.
3. You can check on the status of your customs information in Step 2 as this shows whether your shipment has been approved by your Customs Broker.
   

Step 3: Print Amazon box labels:

Once your shipment has been approved by the broker, you can print your box label(s). Ensure that there is a label on each parcel.

You will only be able to print these labels once your customs compliance information has been approved by the Customs Broker.

Step 4: Book your collection and pack your shipment:

Box dimensions follow Amazon’s small-parcel guidelines here. (box dimension is restricted to 63.5cm per side; box weight restricted to 23kg).

For the ATS AVASK solution, you will also need to organize your off Amazon domestic shipment to the UK Rochester sort centre. This shipment must be with UPS or DPD and must be off-Amazon (so not partnered carrier). The ship to address should be shown on your Send To Amazon Workflow: LCY8/ILN2 Amazon Sort Center, Medway commercial park James, Unit 1a London, Swallow Way, Rochester ME3 9GX. On each box you should have both the Amazon label and the UPS/DPD label stuck side by side.

Download the box label(s) and ensure:

• Label address is “LCY8/ILN2 Amazon Sort Center, Medway commercial park James, Unit 1a London, Swallow Way, Rochester ME3 9GX.”
• In the presence of QR code
• Visual sortation marker (perfect image on the right)

Print box label(s) from Seller Central and add label(s) on each box.

Wait for the pick-up of your box(es) by UPS or DPD.

Step 5: Track your shipment:

You can now track your shipment on Seller Central using your Case Log.

Log in to the Case Log (Help > Go to Case Log) and find historical information about all shipments sent under the same Paragon case:

IMPORTANT: the opened case will remain at the stage of the First case’s creation date, meaning that even if you are actively shipping you won’t see the case appearing within the recent cases – i.e. if the case was created in December, the case will remain under December. We suggest you to manually search for ATS in the search bar. You will find the case as “[Unmonitored case] Your ATS-AVASK shipment status”

You will receive a first case that explains how to read the upcoming communications:

If you are not be interested in receiving these notifications, you can unsubscribe clicking here.

You will receive details on i. FBAID ii. departure date from SC along with one of the following two status a.

departed from SC or b. delivered to the Import Country:
A. Shipment Departed

B. Shipment delivered to Import Country and you will have the possibility to rate your experience

Step 6: Pay your Broker

Payment procedure:
For customs brokerage and duties, you will receive an email from your broker after shipments have been completed to process payment.

Payment deadlines:
The payment for your Customs brokerage and duties are paid by the broker at the time of declaration. It is therefore critical that you process payments after the shipment has been cleared to avoid delays and ensure future shipments are not blocked due to non-payment of previous shipments.

Penalties for Late Brokerage Payments:
Currently no penalties are applied for late payments. However, it is advised that you clear payments with your broker at the earliest. Brokers will reject future shipments if dues on previous shipments haven’t been cleared

FAQs:

Resources to learn more

Contact information for support teams:

How to get support from AVASK and their contacts details:

• You can book in a call with an AVASK Account Manager here.
• You can reach out directly to AVASK via email here: pcppromo@avaskgroup.com

Registration Links:

• Register for the ATS AVASK solution here
• Switch from UPS AVASK to ATS AVASK here

Seller Central Pages:

• Customs Clearance and Shipping Seller Central Page
• Compliance Page

T&Cs:

• ATS AVASK T&Cs
• AVASK T&Cs

Amazon Customs Clearance & Shipping Services Handbooks:

• Customs Clearance Guide (Manage Your Compliance)
• UPS AVASK – Small-Parcel – Shipping Guide
• UPS SCS AVASK – Pallets – Shipping Guide

EU Selling Handbooks:

• PanEuropean FBA Handbook
• VAT Handbook
• Compliance Handbook

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