Shipping from the UK to Amazon FBA Centres in Spain - good Spanish customs agent?

[Freedom2023]

Goodmorning all,

I am a small startup and I am having some roadblocks sending shipments from the UK to Spanish FBA Centres:

1) I cannot list the product on Amazon UK to use the EFN network as it has an EU plug on it and Amazon UK will not allow products with an EU plug on it

2) I cannot ship directly from the UK to Amazon FBA centres in Spain as Spanish customs need Amazon to verify the customs invoice and accept the shipment, Amazon FBA centres will not help you clear customs. I tried both DHL and UPS including DHL delivery duty paid service which hit the same issue with customs.

3) Amazon have suspended the UK to Spain SPD service using their approved carrier service, I cannot even send full pallet loads to Spain using their approved shipper.

4) I do have NL and Spanish VAT, originally my plan was to send stock to Amazon NL and then onto Spain and other FBA centres from the Netherlands. The issue is that Amazon NL do not store their stock in the Netherlands, they store it in Germany. German customs are just as, if not more difficult to deal with than Spanish customs.

Has anyone used a good but reasonably priced Spanish customs agent?

Amazon support and forums are useless when it comes to this, I just get radio silence from Amazon support, its not their issue, its a customs issue.

Anyone found a way around this?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

1) I cannot list the product on Amazon UK to use the EFN network as it has an EU plug on it and Amazon UK will not allow products with an EU plug on it

Change the plug ot add an adaptor?

do have NL and Spanish VAT, originally my plan was to send stock to Amazon NL and then onto Spain and other FBA centres from the Netherlands.

Is there a lot of margin in the product?


Why do you need an agent in Spain? Any decent UK agent will have offices or relationships in Spain!

 

[Freedom2023]

Thanks for the reply. It’s a product for the EU market so changing the plug isn’t an option. The shipment needs to be cleared by a Spanish entity with fiscal representation in Spain. Any UK companies will need to also contact a customs agent in Spain so using a UK company is just adding a needless middle man to the problem.

 

[Customs Geek]

What I assume Paul Kelly means is that many UK customs agents will have a Spanish branch or partnership with a Spanish customs agent. As you have to make both an export declaration from the UK and an import declaration into Spain it’s quite efficient to use someone in the UK who you can communicate with.
As you have identified you need to have fiscal representation and as you are not EU resident usually indirect customs representation which isn’t always easy to find. This is because the financial risk falls on the representative so many are not willing to act for overseas importers particularly ones who are not well established or having small infrequent shipments.
I can’t give any recommendation as those I know will not act as indirect representative.

 

[Mister B]

Are you only selling in Spain and NL, or are you part of the pan EU programme?

I ask as for us, and pretty much everyone I know, Spain is one of the smallest markets. If you are pan EU, then send the goods into France.

We send all of our stock there without issue, and Amazon then move it around the eurozone as they see fit.

 

[Abelnicholas]

Hi Freedom2023,

I’ve been in your shoes—navigating post-Brexit FBA shipments to Spain can feel like untangling a plate of spaghetti! Based on my experience (and lessons learned the hard way), here’s what’s worked for me and other sellers:

1. Use Amazon’s Own Customs Solutions (AVASK Partnership)​

Amazon offers integrated customs clearance via AVASK for UK→EU shipments. This is likely your smoothest path forward:

• How it works:
  • Enroll in their ATS-AVASK or UPS-AVASK program .
  • Ship to a UK sortation center (e.g., Amazon’s Dartford hub), and Amazon’s partners handle Spain-bound customs clearance including fiscal representation.
• Costs:
  • €200/year for indirect representation (required for non-EU entities).
  • €60 brokerage/shipment (first shipment free until Dec 2024).
• Why it works: AVASK acts as your Spanish importer of record, bypassing Amazon Spain’s refusal to assist with clearance. DHL/UPS issues vanish since Amazon’s partners pre-resolve customs docs.

2. Leverage Pan-European FBA via France (Avoid Spain Altogether)​

If AVASK isn’t feasible, route inventory through France instead:

• Ship to Amazon France (e.g., FBA center XBEJ1). Pan-European FBA then redistributes stock to Spain/other EU centers without additional customs filings.
• Benefits:
  • French customs are more predictable than Spain/Germany for inbound UK goods.
  • Avoid Spanish agents entirely—Amazon handles intra-EU moves.
  • Still access Spanish customers via FBA.
• Note: Ensure your NL/Spanish VAT numbers are linked to your Pan-EU account.

3. UK-Based Forwarders with Spanish Partnerships​

If you prefer a UK intermediary:

• FBA Ship UK offers a "forward service" (£4/box). They provide a UK address for customs, then forward goods to Spanish FBA centers using their EU partners. This avoids juggling Spanish agents yourself.
• Key tip: Confirm they offer indirect representation in Spain (critical for non-EU sellers). Many "reasonably priced" agents skip this, causing clearance rejections.

Critical Compliance Checks​

• VAT/EORI: Double-check your Spanish VAT is active and linked to an EU EORI. Spanish customs reject shipments if the EORI isn’t pre-registered.
• Docs: Attach a bilingual (EN/ES) commercial invoice with:
  • Your UK/EORI as exporter.
  • Your business name (not Amazon’s!) as importer.
  • Tariff codes + declared value (use € to simplify Spanish audits).
• Plug Issue: Since EU plugs are non-negotiable, add a leaflet stating "Complies with EU Directive 2014/35/EU" to packaging—prevents Amazon warehouse rejections.

Why Avoid Direct Spain Shipments?​

As you’ve seen, Spanish FBA centers will not engage with customs brokers—their systems aren’t set up for third-party importer coordination. Even DDP services fail here because Amazon’s name can’t appear as consignee .

Hang in there—once the first shipment clears, it becomes routine. I’d start with Amazon’s AVASK solution to minimize headaches. Feel free to DM me if you hit snags!

 

[Freedom2023]

Are you only selling in Spain and NL, or are you part of the pan EU programme?

I ask as for us, and pretty much everyone I know, Spain is one of the smallest markets. If you are pan EU, then send the goods into France.

We send all of our stock there without issue, and Amazon then move it around the eurozone as they see fit.

Interesting, so for France you just had to register for French VAT? You don’t have fiscal representation in France? That’s an option but means another VAT registration fee for me.

 

[Freedom2023]

Hi Freedom2023,

I’ve been in your shoes—navigating post-Brexit FBA shipments to Spain can feel like untangling a plate of spaghetti! Based on my experience (and lessons learned the hard way), here’s what’s worked for me and other sellers:

1. Use Amazon’s Own Customs Solutions (AVASK Partnership)​

Amazon offers integrated customs clearance via AVASK for UK→EU shipments. This is likely your smoothest path forward:

• How it works:
  • Enroll in their ATS-AVASK or UPS-AVASK program .
  • Ship to a UK sortation center (e.g., Amazon’s Dartford hub), and Amazon’s partners handle Spain-bound customs clearance including fiscal representation.
• Costs:
  • €200/year for indirect representation (required for non-EU entities).
  • €60 brokerage/shipment (first shipment free until Dec 2024).
• Why it works: AVASK acts as your Spanish importer of record, bypassing Amazon Spain’s refusal to assist with clearance. DHL/UPS issues vanish since Amazon’s partners pre-resolve customs docs.

2. Leverage Pan-European FBA via France (Avoid Spain Altogether)​

If AVASK isn’t feasible, route inventory through France instead:

• Ship to Amazon France (e.g., FBA center XBEJ1). Pan-European FBA then redistributes stock to Spain/other EU centers without additional customs filings.
• Benefits:
  • French customs are more predictable than Spain/Germany for inbound UK goods.
  • Avoid Spanish agents entirely—Amazon handles intra-EU moves.
  • Still access Spanish customers via FBA.
• Note: Ensure your NL/Spanish VAT numbers are linked to your Pan-EU account.

3. UK-Based Forwarders with Spanish Partnerships​

If you prefer a UK intermediary:

• FBA Ship UK offers a "forward service" (£4/box). They provide a UK address for customs, then forward goods to Spanish FBA centers using their EU partners. This avoids juggling Spanish agents yourself.
• Key tip: Confirm they offer indirect representation in Spain (critical for non-EU sellers). Many "reasonably priced" agents skip this, causing clearance rejections.

Critical Compliance Checks​

• VAT/EORI: Double-check your Spanish VAT is active and linked to an EU EORI. Spanish customs reject shipments if the EORI isn’t pre-registered.
• Docs: Attach a bilingual (EN/ES) commercial invoice with:
  • Your UK/EORI as exporter.
  • Your business name (not Amazon’s!) as importer.
  • Tariff codes + declared value (use € to simplify Spanish audits).
• Plug Issue: Since EU plugs are non-negotiable, add a leaflet stating "Complies with EU Directive 2014/35/EU" to packaging—prevents Amazon warehouse rejections.

Why Avoid Direct Spain Shipments?​

As you’ve seen, Spanish FBA centers will not engage with customs brokers—their systems aren’t set up for third-party importer coordination. Even DDP services fail here because Amazon’s name can’t appear as consignee .

Hang in there—once the first shipment clears, it becomes routine. I’d start with Amazon’s AVASK solution to minimize headaches. Feel free to DM me if you hit snags!

Hi, thanks very much for the detailed reply. Yes this has been a nightmare for me. Initially I planned to send the Netherlands FBA centres but they are on German soil. I did try the AVASK route previously and I believe they were not dealing with Spain to UK shipments at that time. I will try them again and also contact FBA ship. Appreciate the help!

 

[Freedom2023]

Thank you for the reply.

 

[Freedom2023]

As an update for anyone else who might be struggling, I’m applying for a non resident Spanish EORI number as Spain no longer recognises UK EORI numbers. The application has to be made in person or by a representative at the Spanish tax authorities won’t let a non resident apply online. This will hopefully allow me to be the Importer of Record via DHL. I need to put my own company down as the importer but the final address as Amazon Zaragoza. I’ll make a test shipment once I have the EORI number.

 

[NickZ]

As an update for anyone else who might be struggling, I’m applying for a non resident Spanish EORI number as Spain no longer recognises UK EORI numbers.

Top, it'll surely help a few people.

 

[Mister B]

As an update for anyone else who might be struggling, I’m applying for a non resident Spanish EORI number as Spain no longer recognises UK EORI numbers. The application has to be made in person or by a representative at the Spanish tax authorities won’t let a non resident apply online. This will hopefully allow me to be the Importer of Record via DHL. I need to put my own company down as the importer but the final address as Amazon Zaragoza. I’ll make a test shipment once I have the EORI number.

Save your money as there is no need for you to do this.

If you have a Spanish VAT number then you automatically have a Spanish or EU EORI number. Our Spanish EORI is exactly the same as our Spanish VAT number and we use it to clear in France without any issue at all.

 

[Freedom2023]

Save your money as there is no need for you to do this.

If you have a Spanish VAT number then you automatically have a Spanish or EU EORI number. Our Spanish EORI is exactly the same as our Spanish VAT number and we use it to clear in France without any issue at all.

I think they are related but not automatically linked? Like the UK, I applied for VAT registration and then an EORI number. It will likely be the same as my Spanish VAT number prefixed by ES.

 

[Mister B]

Ours was linked automatically. Try your ES number in the checker and if that fails, try your NL number. Either should suffice for clearance purposes. Validation may be made here:

https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en

 

[DontAsk]

I think they are related but not automatically linked? Like the UK, I applied for VAT registration and then an EORI number. It will likely be the same as my Spanish VAT number prefixed by ES.

Going the other way, if you have an EORI as a sole trader and then register for VAT you get a new EORI which is GB<VAT number>000

 

[Freedom2023]

Ours was linked automatically. Try your ES number in the checker and if that fails, try your NL number. Either should suffice for clearance purposes. Validation may be made here:

https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en

It doesn't show up as being valid, it may have been done automatically if you used a third party to register them.

 

[DontAsk]

Going the other way, if you have an EORI as a sole trader and then register for VAT you get a new EORI which is GB<VAT number>000

Of course I meant to say non vat registered, not sole trader.

 

[Freedom2023]

I’ll post back here when I get some progress. Seriously how hard would it be for the government to have produced an updated document with advise and details on how to trade with each EU country after Brexit. It’s not the big companies that have struggled as they can afford advisors, it’s the small/micro companies and startups. The future bigger companies.