Amazon Compliance: Verified UK Address Explained

Selling on Amazon comes with strict compliance requirements, especially for sellers targeting UK customers.

One of the most common triggers for Amazon account reviews is address verification. Many sellers don’t realise this until Amazon asks for documents and their payouts or listings are suddenly at risk.

This article explains:

• Why Amazon requires a verified UK address
• What Amazon means by “business address”
• Why many sellers fail address verification
• What documents Amazon actually accepts
• How to stay 100% compliant without renting a warehouse

Why Amazon Requires a Verified UK Address

Amazon operates under:

• Consumer protection laws
• Anti-fraud and KYC regulations
• Marketplace integrity rules

Because of this, Amazon must be able to:

• Identify who is operating the seller account
• Verify where the business can be legally contacted
• Ensure buyers have a legitimate point of contact

This applies to:

• UK sellers
• Overseas sellers
• Amazon FBM sellers
• Amazon FBA sellers (during reviews)

Your address is not just a profile field, it is a compliance requirement.

What Amazon Means by “Business Address”

Your Amazon business address is the official trading address associated with your seller account for:

• Account verification
• Legal correspondence
• Buyer protection
• Returns and disputes
• Compliance audits

Amazon may request documentary proof that you are authorised to use the address you list.

An address without proof is a liability.

Why Sellers Fail Amazon Address Verification

Most Amazon compliance failures happen because sellers submit:

❌ An address with no formal agreement
❌ Screenshots instead of legal documents
❌ Mail-only virtual office addresses
❌ Addresses not issued in their business name
❌ Short-term or unsigned arrangements

When Amazon asks for verification, these are often rejected—leading to:

• Account verification failure
• Listing removal
• Payment holds
• In serious cases, account suspension

What Documents Amazon Accepts as Proof

Amazon typically accepts official documents that clearly show:

• Business name
• Full address
• Proof you are authorised to use the address
• Issuing party details
• Validity period

Commonly accepted documents include:

• A signed address agreement
• A lease or licence to occupy
• Official business correspondence tied to the address

The key requirement is verifiability.

Why a Signed UK Address Agreement Works

A formal UK address agreement works because it proves:

• The address is real and operational
• You are authorised to use it
• There is a documented relationship
• The document can be audited

Amazon does not prohibit third-party addresses.
It prohibits unverifiable or misleading information.

This distinction is critical.

Do You Need a Warehouse to Comply with Amazon?

No.

Amazon does not require sellers to:

• Rent a warehouse
• Hold inventory at the address
• Employ UK staff

Amazon requires:

• A real, verifiable business address
• Proof of authorisation to use it

This applies to FBM and many FBA sellers alike.

Amazon FBM vs FBA: Does Compliance Differ?

Amazon FBM

FBM sellers are often reviewed for:

• Returns handling
• Address accuracy
• Buyer complaints

A verified UK address significantly reduces risk.

Amazon FBA

Even FBA sellers may be asked for:

• Business address verification
• Supporting documentation during audits

FBA does not exempt sellers from compliance checks.

Get a Verified UK Address for Amazon Compliance

If Amazon asks you to verify your UK address, you need documentation that proves you are authorised to use it.

You can obtain a verified UK address with an official agreement here:

https://warehouseaddress.com/products/enterprise-plan-uk-trading-address-official-agreement

This includes:

• A real UK trading address
• A formal 12-month agreement
• Signed by both parties
• Officially issued and suitable for Amazon verification

This is proper compliance infrastructure, not a workaround.

Amazon Compliance FAQ (UK & Overseas Sellers)

❓ Why is Amazon asking for proof of address?

Amazon needs to confirm the seller account is operated by a legitimate, reachable business as part of KYC and anti-fraud rules.

❓ Are virtual or third-party UK addresses allowed?

Yes, if you are authorised to use them and can provide valid documentation.

Amazon rejects:

• PO Boxes
• Mail-only addresses
• Addresses with no proof

❓ Does the agreement need to be signed?

Yes. Unsigned or informal documents are commonly rejected.

❓ Do overseas sellers need a UK address?

While not always required at signup, many overseas sellers are asked for a UK address during:

• Account reviews
• Returns disputes
• Buyer complaints

Setting this up proactively reduces risk.

❓ Does using a UK address require a UK company?

No.

You do not need:

• UK incorporation
• UK residency
• UK directors

You only need a legitimate right to use the address, documented properly.

❓ Does this trigger UK VAT?

No.

VAT depends on:

• Sales thresholds
• Inventory location

An address alone does not create VAT obligations.

Best Practice Summary for Amazon Sellers

To stay compliant:

• Use a real UK business address
• Ensure you have formal authorisation
• Keep documents ready
• Avoid PO Boxes and mail-only offices
• Don’t wait until Amazon flags your account

Compliance is much easier before Amazon asks.

Final Thoughts

Amazon compliance is about proof, accuracy, and authorisation, not about owning property or renting warehouses.

A verified UK address supported by a formal agreement:

• Reduces account risk
• Prevents payment disruption
• Protects your seller account
• Supports long-term scaling

For Amazon sellers—especially overseas sellers, this is essential infrastructure, not an optional extra.