PODCAST episode 2: Top tips for global expansion through Amazon

In this podcast, Lee Gray, Director of Business Development at the new regulatory compliance tech firm Rubicon Bridge, joins Nikki Hancocks, Editor of NutraIngredients-Europe, to delve into the details of Amazon compliance in more detail, following an initial conversation broadcast in July.

He explains that there are two options for getting onto Amazon; the first is where Amazon buys stock from brands and sells it, and the second is where third party sellers sell directly through the platform.

Gray adds that e-commerce accelerators are a type of third party seller which buys stock from brands and sells it on Amazon across the world.

He recommends utilising these companies because "e-commerce is intrinsically complicated" and these companies can deal with the difficulties involved such as getting your product on the first page, handling shipping, distribution etc.

He explains that many firms will attempt to enter the platform without the supervision of experts, only to find they don't meet stipulations. However, Amazon won't hold hands through this process.

For entry to France, Italy and Spain, Amazon needs proof that the company has completed the legally-required pre-market notification and a common mistake is a simple lack of knowledge around that system.

Gray asserts: "Too often brands will try to launch, get asked for this documentation, and say they don't even know what this is."

For Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, Amazon will ask for GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) notification, a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certificate, or HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) approved by a third party.

And Amazon is thorough so it will check that the manufacturing process that relates to the specific product being listed must be covered by the scope of those audits.

Listen to this episode to learn more about the pitfalls and tips for success.