Selling online across the United States and Europe has never offered greater opportunity — but navigating the legal, tax, and operational requirements of multiple platforms and jurisdictions simultaneously is complex. A successful cross-border e-commerce business requires the right legal entity, the correct platform accounts, VAT and tax compliance in each market, and a reliable product supply chain.
CORPEASE LEGAL provides end-to-end e-commerce support for businesses looking to sell on the most popular US and EU platforms. We assist with platform account registration, connect you with the legal and compliance infrastructure your business needs to operate, and provide supply chain reference guidance to help you source, fulfil, and deliver products to customers across both markets.
E-commerce solution services are priced on a case-by-case basis depending on the platforms, countries, and scope of support required. Contact us for a tailored consultation and quote.
Amazon US
Marketplace + FBA Fulfilment
Valid government ID, bank account, credit card, phone number, tax interview (W-9 or W-8BEN-E), and product compliance documentation.
Government ID, bank account linked to eBay Managed Payments, business registration documents for business accounts, and address verification.
Application and approval process. US business entity, EIN, bank account, product UPCs, and proof of prior marketplace performance typically required.
Business entity, bank account, business address, and payment processor verification. Shopify Payments requires US or supported-country bank account.
Government ID, bank account for payouts, valid credit or debit card, and compliance with Etsy's seller policies for handmade or vintage goods.
US business entity, EIN, US bank account, government-issued ID, and compliance with TikTok Shop product category policies.
EU VAT number (per country where stock is held), EORI number, bank account, government ID, and EU business address or registered agent.
Government ID, EU or UK bank account, business registration for business accounts, and VAT number for EU B2C sales above thresholds.
Application and approval. EU business entity, EU VAT number, product imagery meeting Zalando standards, and EAN/GTIN product codes.
EU business entity, local bank account, VAT registration (mandatory above EU-wide €10,000 B2C threshold), and compliance with EU consumer protection law.
EU business entity, French VAT number, IBAN bank account, and product compliance with French and EU regulations.
Application and approval. EU business entity, German VAT number, Verpackungsregister registration (German packaging law), and IBAN bank account.
EU business entity, Dutch VAT number, IBAN bank account, and EAN/GTIN product codes.
EU business entity, VAT number per selling country, EU bank account, government-issued ID, and TikTok Shop category compliance.
Market
Type
Company Required
VAT Required
Best For
🇺🇸 US
Marketplace
US or int'l
US tax ID
General merchandise, FBA
🇺🇸 US
Marketplace
Recommended
Depends on volume
Used goods, collectibles, niche
🇺🇸 US
Marketplace
Yes — US entity
US tax ID
Established brands, FMCG
🇺🇸 US
Own store
Recommended
State-dependent
Branded DTC stores
🇺🇸 US / Global
Marketplace
No (individual OK)
Depends on volume
Handmade, vintage, craft
🇺🇸 US
Social commerce
Yes — US entity
Yes — US EIN
Fashion, beauty, lifestyle
🇪🇺 EU
Marketplace
EU or int'l
Yes — EU VAT
General merchandise, FBA Pan-EU
🇪🇺 EU
Marketplace
Recommended
Yes for business
Used goods, electronics
🇪🇺 EU
Marketplace
Yes — EU entity
Yes — EU VAT
Fashion, footwear, lifestyle
🇪🇺 EU
Own store
Recommended
Yes above threshold
Branded DTC stores
🇫🇷 France
Marketplace
EU entity
Yes — French VAT
French market, general goods
Otto
🇩🇪 Germany
Marketplace
EU entity
Yes — German VAT
Fashion, home, furniture
Bol.com
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Marketplace
EU entity
Yes — Dutch VAT
Benelux market, general goods
TikTok Shop EU
🇪🇺 EU
Social commerce
Yes — EU entity
Yes — per country
Fashion, beauty, lifestyle
The most cost-competitive sourcing region for consumer goods, electronics, fashion, toys, home goods, and accessories. Key hubs include Shenzhen (electronics), Yiwu (small commodities), Guangzhou (fashion), and Dongguan (furniture). Platforms such as Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-China connect buyers with verified manufacturers.
Preferred for products sold in Europe requiring CE marking, REACH compliance, or EU origin labelling. Strong manufacturing bases in Germany (engineering, automotive), Italy (fashion, food, furniture), France (cosmetics, luxury), and Poland (furniture, manufacturing). Sourcing locally reduces logistics costs and import duty for EU markets.
For US-market sellers, domestic suppliers avoid import duties and provide faster restocking cycles. Important for categories subject to US tariffs or Buy American requirements. Platforms such as ThomasNet and Maker's Row connect buyers with US manufacturers.
Dropshipping eliminates inventory risk by fulfilling orders directly from supplier to customer. Key platforms include AliExpress, Spocket (EU/US suppliers), and CJ Dropshipping. Important: EU sellers using dropshipping must still comply with EU VAT on each sale.
US Market
EU Market
FCC (electronics), CPSC (consumer products), FDA (food/cosmetics)
CE marking, EN safety standards, GPSD (General Product Safety Directive)
RoHS (electronics), EPA (chemicals)
RoHS, REACH (chemicals), WEEE (electrical waste)
English language, country of origin, FTC requirements
Language of destination country, EU origin labelling, GPSR labelling
FDA registration and labelling rules
EU Cosmetics Regulation, novel food rules, EFSA approval
Commercial invoice, packing list, CBP Form 7501, HTS code
Commercial invoice, packing list, EUR.1 / T1 transit document, HS code
How It Works
Best For
Send inventory to Amazon's warehouses. Amazon picks, packs, and ships. Triggers VAT registration obligation in every country where stock is stored.
High-volume sellers on Amazon US and Amazon EU seeking Prime eligibility
Ship inventory to an independent warehouse provider who fulfils orders on your behalf. More flexible than FBA. Triggers local VAT registration where the warehouse is located.
Sellers on multiple platforms (non-Amazon) or those seeking more cost control
Supplier ships directly to customer. No inventory held. Lower capital requirement. VAT on each sale still applies to the seller under EU rules.
Low-volume sellers, product testing, or businesses without warehouse access
Brand-owned warehouse or home-based fulfilment. Full control over packaging and experience. Higher logistics cost per unit at scale.
Boutique brands, handmade goods, or businesses with small SKU counts
Amazon moves your EU inventory automatically between EU fulfilment centres to optimise delivery. Triggers mandatory VAT registration in all countries where stock is placed.
High-volume Amazon EU sellers seeking fastest Prime delivery across Europe
Main Carriers / Services
Typical Transit Time
DHL Express, FedEx, UPS, sea freight (COSCO, MSC, Maersk)
3–5 days (express); 20–35 days (sea freight)
DHL, UPS, sea freight via Rotterdam/Hamburg; CJ Packet, Yunexpress
3–5 days (express); 18–28 days (sea freight)
DPD, GLS, DHL Parcel, PostNL, Colissimo
1–4 business days
FedEx International, DHL Express, UPS Worldwide
3–6 business days
FedEx, DHL, UPS; USPS for final mile
3–6 business days
Importing goods into the EU requires an EORI number and EU VAT registration. Customs duties apply based on the HS code and product origin. CORPEASE provides EORI registration and advises on import duty classification as part of our e-commerce compliance service.
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