If you’ve just registered your business in Germany and found an official-looking letter from the BGHW in your mailbox, it can feel worrying – especially if you’re new to doing business here. Take a breath. This isn’t a surprise bill or a fine. It’s part of the process of registering a business in Germany, and if you’re self-employed without employees, you can usually handle it quickly and at no cost.
As someone who has been selling on Amazon Germany for almost four years, I’ve seen this exact situation dozens of times – both for myself and for those I mentor. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what the BGHW is, why you’ve been contacted, and how to respond confidently so you can get back to focusing on growing your Amazon business.
What Is the BGHW?
BGHW stands for Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik – translated roughly as the “Statutory Accident Insurance Association for Trade and Goods Logistics.”
Every business registered in Germany is automatically checked to see if it should be part of one of these statutory accident insurance associations. They exist to provide workplace accident coverage and prevention programs for specific industries.
Because most Amazon Germany sellers register their business under the “trade” category (Handel), the Gewerbeamt (trade office) sends your business information to the BGHW. This is standard procedure – you haven’t done anything wrong.
Why Did You Receive This Letter?
When you register your business at the local trade office, the Gewerbeamt forwards your details to the relevant accident insurance association. In the case of e-commerce or product sellers, that’s usually the BGHW.
Their job is to determine one of two things:
- Whether you are legally required to have accident insurance.
This is generally the case if you have employees. - Whether you wish to join voluntarily.
This is possible for self-employed individuals who want the additional coverage.
If you are self-employed with no employees, you are not usually required to join. The letter you’ve received is simply asking for confirmation.
What To Do If You’re Self-Employed Without Employees
If you’re working alone – no staff, no warehouse workers, no office employees – here’s the straightforward process:
1. Read the Letter Carefully
It will outline the association’s name (BGHW), reference your business registration, and ask whether you are required to join.
2. Decide on Your Response
If you don’t want voluntary accident insurance, you can say no. There’s no penalty for declining.
3. Send Your Decline in Writing
You have two options:
- Fill out the provided form and mark “Nein” where it asks about voluntary membership.
- Or, send a simple letter stating you do not wish to join voluntarily.
4. Use a Ready-Made Template
To make this easier, I’ve prepared a free letter template you can download here:
Download the BGHW Response Guide
5. Post the Letter to the Address in the BGHW Letter
Make sure you sign it, include your business details, and send it by post.
That’s it. Once they receive your response, they will close your file, and you won’t hear from them again – unless your business situation changes.
Why Sellers Often Panic (And Why You Don’t Need To)
I get it – official-looking letters in German can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to running a business here. Many sellers assume it’s an unexpected tax or fee. But the BGHW isn’t a tax authority, and their letter isn’t a bill. It’s a standard step in Germany’s well-structured business registration system.
If you respond correctly, it’s over quickly. The key is knowing what it’s about and acting promptly so you can keep your focus on your Amazon store.
Extra Tip: Keep Your Business Documents Organized
One of the most common challenges I see with new Amazon Germany sellers is a messy paper trail. When you get letters from any German authority – whether it’s the BGHW, tax office, or trade office – keep them in a dedicated folder. It will save you time, stress, and confusion later.
If you’re still setting up your systems, you can also grab my free German VAT invoice template here:
Download the Free VAT Invoice Template
It’s designed for Amazon sellers and fully compliant with German invoice standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Do I have to pay anything to the BGHW if I don’t have employees?
No. If you’re self-employed without employees and you choose not to join voluntarily, there is no payment required.
2. Can I join the BGHW voluntarily?
Yes. If you want the extra coverage for workplace accidents, you can join voluntarily. The cost depends on your industry and level of risk.
3. What happens if I ignore the letter?
They may send a follow-up reminder. It’s better to reply promptly and formally decline if you don’t want to join.
4. I sell only on Amazon. Does this still apply to me?
Yes. As long as you’re registered as a business in Germany, the Gewerbeamt will notify the relevant Berufsgenossenschaft, even if your business is entirely online.
Move Forward with Confidence in Your Amazon Germany Journey
Navigating the German business system can feel overwhelming at first, but every step you master gives you more control and peace of mind. The BGHW letter is just one small part of the process – and once you handle it, you can move on to the exciting work of building and scaling your store.
If you’d like to fast-track your Amazon Germany success, avoid costly mistakes, and get guidance tailored to your business, I offer one-to-one mentorship sessions. Click the button below to join, and let’s build your Amazon business together – the smart way.
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