If you’re thinking of using dropshipping to sell on Amazon Germany, you’ve probably wondered: Is it allowed? The short answer is yes — but the long answer? It’s a tightrope walk.
Do it wrong, and Amazon will shut you down faster than you can say “Verkäuferkonto deaktiviert.” Let’s talk about how to do it right — and avoid the traps that catch most beginners.
What Exactly Is Dropshipping?
Let’s start with the basics. Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you, the seller, don’t physically hold any inventory. Instead, when a customer orders from your Amazon store, you forward the order to a third-party supplier who ships the product directly to your customer.
Sounds simple, right? On paper, it is. But Amazon has strict requirements, especially in Germany, where consumer protection rules are tight and buyer expectations are high. If you ignore Amazon’s dropshipping policies — even unintentionally — you could lose your selling privileges.
What Amazon Germany Allows (and What It Absolutely Doesn’t)
Amazon only permits dropshipping under strict conditions. You must be the seller of record — full stop. That means:
- Your name must appear on the packaging, invoices, and packing slips
- No supplier branding is allowed — not on the box, not on the invoice, not even in fine print
- You must accept and handle returns yourself — not your supplier
Let’s break this down. Suppose you’re selling coffee mugs, and you use a fulfillment partner like XYZ Fulfillment GmbH in Hamburg. When a customer places an order:
- The product gets shipped directly from XYZ’s warehouse
- But the invoice, box, and packing slip must show YOUR business name, not XYZ’s
- There should be no trace of XYZ’s identity in or on the package
This kind of neutral or blind shipping is non-negotiable. If your supplier refuses to do this, you shouldn’t work with them. Period.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
Let’s say you’re dropshipping from AliExpress or CJ Dropshipping, and your customer receives a package with Chinese logos, invoices, or a return address that has nothing to do with your business. What happens?
Amazon will flag it as a policy violation, and here’s what you’re risking:
- Deactivation of all seller-fulfilled offers (FBM listings)
- Removal of your active listings
- Forced submission of a Plan of Action (explaining what went wrong, how you fixed it, and what you’re doing to prevent it again)
- Restrictions on future listings
Here’s the kicker: this won’t affect your FBA listings (Fulfilled by Amazon) if you have products stored in Amazon’s warehouses. But if you’re using the FBM model, every mistake counts — and Amazon doesn’t give second chances easily.
How to Dropship Safely on Amazon Germany
If you’re still keen on using dropshipping for Amazon Germany, here’s how to stay on the safe side:
1. Choose Your Supplier Carefully
Don’t just pick any supplier who promises fast shipping. You need someone who understands Amazon’s blind shipping requirements. Test them first. Order a product yourself and see what shows up on the box, the invoice, and the packing slip.
2. Set Up Custom Branding
If possible, have your supplier add your business name, logo, and address to the shipping materials. This isn’t just for compliance — it builds your brand, too.
3. Get It in Writing
Have a written agreement with your supplier confirming that no third-party branding will appear on any materials. If Amazon asks for documentation, you’ll be ready.
4. Monitor Your Shipments
Do regular spot checks. If one customer reports that your package had CJ Dropshipping logos or AliExpress leaflets inside, that’s all it takes to trigger an Amazon investigation.
FBM vs. FBA: Why It Matters in Dropshipping
Most dropshippers on Amazon Germany use the FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) model because they don’t have physical stock. But this model is also the most vulnerable to mistakes — especially if you’re relying on third parties.
If you’re using FBA, Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping. You can’t dropship with FBA since you’re sending inventory to Amazon in advance. But FBA listings won’t be affected by dropshipping policy violations — only FBM listings are.
So if you’re blending both models, make sure you’re extra strict with any FBM orders.
Common Mistakes That Get You Banned
Here are the mistakes I see again and again from new sellers who think they can outsmart the system:
- Using AliExpress or CJ Dropshipping without neutral packaging
- Forgetting to remove third-party branding from invoices and slips
- Letting customers return products directly to the supplier
- Not being listed as the seller of record
Amazon is not guessing. Their systems can detect repeated violations, and if it gets serious, they’ll ask for receipts, supplier info, and packaging proof. Be ready or be gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use AliExpress for dropshipping on Amazon Germany?
Technically yes, but it’s risky. Most AliExpress sellers include branded packaging or non-compliant invoices. Unless you can guarantee blind shipping with your name on all documentation, avoid it.
2. What’s the difference between being the “seller of record” and just forwarding orders?
Being the seller of record means the customer only sees your business. Forwarding orders without controlling packaging and invoices puts you at risk — and violates Amazon’s policies.
3. Can I still do FBA if I get flagged for dropshipping violations?
Yes. Amazon typically only deactivates your FBM listings, not your FBA inventory. But multiple policy strikes could lead to broader account restrictions, so don’t take chances.
Want to Fast Track Your Success?
Dropshipping on Amazon Germany can work — if you do it right. But most beginners get stuck in the fine print, choosing bad suppliers, or guessing their way through compliance.
If you’re serious about building a real, lasting business on Amazon Germany — and avoiding costly mistakes — I invite you to join my one-to-one mentorship program. We’ll work together to set you up with the right strategy, tools, and suppliers.
Click the button below if you’re ready to fast track your Amazon journey.