If you’re selling on Amazon Germany, there’s an important update you can’t afford to ignore. Amazon is now requiring sellers to declare the country of origin for every product listed. This change isn’t optional—it’s tied directly to new EU and UK customs regulations taking effect on December 31, 2024. In this article, I’ll walk you through what this update means for your business and how to fix it step by step in Seller Central.
Why the Country of Origin Now Matters More Than Ever
Over the last four years selling on Amazon Germany, I’ve seen a range of changes that forced sellers to adapt. But this latest requirement is different—it’s not just Amazon tightening policies. It’s driven by customs regulations across the EU and UK. If you don’t update your product listings with the country of origin information by December 31, your listings could face restrictions, especially when it comes to cross-border sales.
This isn’t just about compliance. It’s about making sure your products continue to sell and ship without interruption.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Country of Origin in Seller Central
Let me break this down in a way that even someone new to the Amazon system can follow easily.
1. Login to Amazon Seller Central
Start by logging into your Amazon Germany Seller Central account.
2. Navigate to ‘Manage All Inventory’
- Go to the menu bar.
- Click on Inventory.
- Select Manage All Inventory.
Tip: You can add this menu to your favorites by clicking the checkbox next to “Manage All Inventory.” It saves time in the future.
3. Edit the Listing
- Look for the product that needs updating.
- Click on the three dots to the far right of that product row.
- Select Edit Listing.
4. Access All Attributes
- Once you’re in the listing editor, you’ll often see only a few recommended tabs. That’s not enough.
- Click on “Suggest all changes to product” or find the “All Attributes” tab manually. This will open all the editable tabs for that product.
5. Go to ‘Safety and Compliance’
This is the tab where the “Country of Origin” field is located. It’s usually the first option under this tab.
6. Select the Correct Country
- Start typing the country name in German. For example, Switzerland is “Schweiz.”
- Choose the correct option from the dropdown list.
7. Save Your Changes
- Scroll down.
- Click on Save and Finish.
Once submitted, you’ll see a confirmation message from Amazon. It usually says: “Thank you for submitting your changes. If approved, changes will be reflected within 24 hours.”
Why This Is More Than Just a One-Time Fix
While it may seem like just another hoop to jump through, this update plays a crucial role in how your products are categorized and processed at customs. It ensures smoother cross-border logistics, helps avoid penalties or product blocks, and makes your listing more transparent to buyers—especially those shopping from outside Germany.
For private label sellers or anyone importing goods from outside the EU, this is one of those backend details that can make or break your fourth-quarter sales.
Tools to Help You Stay Compliant
If you’re managing multiple listings, manually editing each one can be time-consuming. Tools like Sellerboard are helpful for tracking listing performance and profitability, especially when adjusting compliance data. And if you’re still in the product research phase, Jungle Scout is great for filtering products that are easier to manage from a regulatory standpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I don’t add the country of origin by December 31, 2024?
If your product doesn’t have this data, Amazon may restrict its listing—particularly for cross-border shipments within the EU and UK. You might also face compliance flags or listing suppression.
2. Do I need to write the country name in German or English?
Always input the country name in German, as that’s the standard for Amazon Germany. For example, enter “Schweiz” instead of “Switzerland.”
3. Does this apply to all product categories?
Yes, the requirement applies across all categories. Whether you’re selling electronics, clothing, or beauty products, you must specify the country of origin.
4. Can I bulk update the country of origin for multiple products?
Yes, you can use flat files or inventory feeds to make bulk updates. But make sure each product has accurate data. Errors in bulk uploads can delay approval or cause incorrect listings.
Staying Ahead of the Game in a Changing Marketplace
Amazon is evolving constantly, and successful sellers know how to stay ahead of these updates without getting overwhelmed. This country of origin requirement is just one of many, but handling it correctly shows you’re building a real business—not just a temporary hustle.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to handle updates like this—or you want a clear roadmap to succeed on Amazon Germany—you’re not alone. I’ve helped many sellers fix their listings, launch successful products, and grow their businesses through one-on-one mentorship. If you’re ready to fast track your Amazon journey and avoid common pitfalls, click the button below to join my mentorship program.
Let’s simplify the Amazon Germany system together and build something that lasts.