If you’re looking to grow your e-commerce business, learning how to sell on Amazon Canada is a smart move. With millions of shoppers and a trusted platform, Amazon Canada offers a great opportunity to expand your reach. But selling successfully takes more than just listing your products. You also need to stay compliant with Canadian regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started. From setting up your account to understanding compliance, you’ll be better prepared to tap into the Canadian market and scale confidently.
Why sell on Amazon Canada?
Selling on Amazon Canada offers many advantages that can help your business stand out. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Access to a growing customer base: Amazon.ca has over 15 million unique monthly visitors. Canadian shoppers are active online and increasingly prefer the convenience of Amazon.
- Trust and visibility: Amazon is a well-known and trusted marketplace, giving your brand a boost in credibility right from the start.
- Simplified logistics: With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), your orders are picked, packed, and shipped for you. You can even offer Prime shipping, which improves your chances of winning the Buy Box.
- Built-in marketing tools: Sponsored products, Amazon Stores, and display ads give you the tools to increase visibility and reach target audiences.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand from another marketplace, Amazon Canada gives you a flexible, scalable platform to grow your business.
What to know before selling in Canada
Before jumping in, it’s important to understand how Amazon Canada differs from other marketplaces:
Regulatory requirements
Certain product categories require approval before they can be listed. Health Canada enforces rules for natural health products (NHPs), cosmetics, medical devices, and food products. Make sure your products are reviewed and properly licensed before listing. For example, NHPs need an NPN (Natural Product Number) before being sold.
Bilingual packaging and labelling
Canada has two official languages, English and French. Many product categories require bilingual labelling. If you’re importing products, you’ll need to ensure your packaging complies with both linguistic and legal standards.
Customs and shipping costs
If you’re shipping from outside of Canada, you’ll need to manage customs duties, taxes, and longer delivery timelines. Consider warehousing inventory within Canada via FBA to reduce these complications and provide faster service.
Sales tax compliance
You’ll need to register for a GST/HST number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if your sales in Canada exceed CAD $30,000 over four consecutive quarters. Amazon provides tools for setting up tax collection, but compliance remains your responsibility.
How to set up your Amazon Canada seller account
Getting started is a straightforward process. Here’s how to open your Amazon.ca seller account:
1. Select an account type
a. Individual: No monthly fee, but Amazon charges per sale.
b. Professional: Monthly fee applies, but you gain access to more selling tools and analytics. Recommended for businesses selling more than 20 items per month.
2. Register through Amazon Seller Central
a. Head to Amazon Seller Central Canada and click “Register now.”
b. Prepare your business name, email, tax identification, bank account, and phone number.
3. Enter your business information
a. Input accurate details including address, phone number, and a valid form of identification. Incomplete profiles may delay account activation.
4. Decide how you will fulfill orders
a. FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Amazon stores and ships your products.
b. FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant): You manage storage, packing, and delivery.
c. SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime): You ship directly, but must meet Prime standards.
5. Set up your payment method
a. Link your Canadian or international bank account to receive proceeds.
6. Create your product listings
a. Use clear product titles, bullet points, and accurate descriptions.
b. Optimize for Amazon SEO with relevant keywords in your product title and description.
Compliance tips for Canadian Amazon sellers
To sell on Amazon Canada successfully, you need to meet compliance standards for your product category:
- Natural health products: Require an NPN from Health Canada. If you’re selling vitamins, minerals, or supplements, this applies to you. Learn more on the Health Canada NHP portal.
- Cosmetics: Must file a Cosmetic Notification Form within 10 days of selling.
- Medical devices: Require a Medical Device Licence (MDL) or Establishment Licence (MDEL), depending on the classification.
- Food and beverage: Must comply with CFIA labelling and licensing rules.
Make sure your labels include all required information in both English and French, and avoid making unauthorized health claims.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Listing restricted products: Always check if your product needs prior approval.
- Missing bilingual packaging: This is a common compliance issue that can lead to product delisting.
- Ignoring sales tax requirements: If you don’t register and collect GST/HST, you could face penalties.
Avoid these by working with experienced regulatory consultants who understand Amazon’s policies, and Health Canada’s rules.
Get support for Amazon compliance in Canada
Selling on Amazon Canada can open up new revenue streams, but only if your products meet regulatory and marketplace requirements.
That’s where we come in. Quality Smart Solutions is an official Amazon Canada compliance partner. We help:
- Register NPNs, MDELs, and Cosmetic Notifications
- Review your product labels and marketing claims
- Prepare compliant Amazon listings and manage approvals
- Streamline your entry into the Canadian market
Let’s make sure your products are ready for Amazon. Contact us or fill out the form below for a free consultation with one of our compliance specialists. R
eady to start selling on Amazon Canada? We’ll help you stay compliant, save time, and grow your business the right way.
