Key takeaways
- Amazon is ending the Call-Off Stock program on August 1, 2024.
- Sellers must now register for VAT in each EU country where inventory is stored.
- Pan-EU FBA is the recommended replacement — it maintains domestic FBA fees and simplifies logistics.
- Enroll in Pan-EU FBA by November 1, 2024 to get a €540 reimbursement per country.
- Alternatives: EFN or MCF for simpler storage setups.
- Act early to avoid penalties and disruption to your Amazon EU operations.
Amazon has announced that it will be ending its Call-Off Stock program. This change has significant implications for sellers in Europe currently using the program. Specifically, if you are an Amazon seller using the Call-Off Stock program, you will now need to register for VAT in the countries where you store your stock.
What is the Call-Off Stock Program?
Under the Call-Off Stock program, sellers only needed to register for VAT in the EU country where their goods were initially imported, usually Germany. This allowed them to store inventory in multiple countries without additional VAT registrations.
What Changes for Sellers?
Starting August 1, 2024, the Call-Off Stock program will be discontinued. Sellers will need to:
- Register for VAT in Each Country: Sellers must obtain a VAT registration number for each country where they store inventory. This is essential to avoid penalties, fines, and back taxes.
- Activate Pan-EU FBA: To continue enjoying domestic FBA fees and storing inventory across Europe, sellers must activate the Pan-EU FBA program by registering for VAT in relevant EU countries. This program simplifies tax compliance and inventory management.
Benefits of Pan-EU FBA
The Pan-EU FBA program allows sellers to store inventory in Amazon fulfillment centers across Europe, enabling faster delivery and better customer service. Key benefits include:
- Faster Delivery: Access to a wide European customer base with faster shipping times.
- Simplified Inventory Management: A single fulfillment center handles all logistics.
- Streamlined Operations: Reduced need for multiple inventory locations and complex logistics.
Sellers who enroll in Pan-EU FBA before November 1, 2024, will receive a €540 fee reimbursement per country.
Alternatives to Pan-EU FBA
For those not opting for Pan-EU FBA, alternatives include:
- Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF): Use Amazon’s network for orders placed on other platforms.
- European Fulfillment Network (EFN): Store inventory in one country and fulfill orders across Europe.
Conclusion
The end of Amazon's Call-Off Stock program means a shift in how you manage your VAT obligations. By registering for VAT in each country where you store stock, you can continue to operate smoothly and avoid any legal issues.
Do you need help navigating these new VAT registration requirements or with VAT compliance in general? Book a free call with one of our VAT experts to find bespoke solutions for your business, optimize your VAT costs, and reach millions of new potential customers.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is Amazon’s Call-Off Stock program?
It allowed Amazon sellers to store goods in multiple EU countries while only registering for VAT in the country of import (typically Germany).
2. When does the Call-Off Stock program end?
Amazon will end the program on August 1, 2024.
3. What must sellers do after the program ends?
Sellers must register for VAT in every EU country where they store inventory to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
4. What is the alternative to the Call-Off Stock program?
The main alternative is Pan-EU FBA, which lets you store products across Europe under one coordinated system once you have VAT numbers in all relevant countries.
5. What are the benefits of Pan-EU FBA?
Faster delivery, simplified inventory management, and a €540 fee reimbursement per country if enrolled before November 1, 2024.
6. Are there other fulfillment options besides Pan-EU FBA?
Yes — European Fulfillment Network (EFN) or Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), which let you sell across Europe while storing stock in one country.
7. What happens if a seller doesn’t register for VAT in all countries?
They risk fines, penalties, and back taxes for non-compliance with EU VAT rules.
