If you want to start selling on Amazon Canada, you might think all you need to do is create a seller central account and list your products. The reality is that Amazon requires several documents before you can even begin.
Many new sellers choose Amazon because it feels like the fastest way to reach customers without building their own website. With over 2 billion monthly visitors globally, it’s a marketplace where demand is already waiting for you.
However, since Amazon prioritizes customer trust, it enforces strict verification rules for every seller. Missing or incorrect documents often lead to rejected applications or long delays.
To help sellers out, our Amazon agency created this guide about the documents required to sell on Amazon Canada and the issues sellers may face when submitting them. We’ll also discuss best practices to avoid rejections and keep your account setup smooth.
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What Are the Documents Needed to Open an Amazon Seller Account?
Learning about all the documents needed to open an Amazon Canada seller account gives you a smoother setup process. By preparing everything in advance, you can avoid delays and get approved faster.
For a Business Registered in Canada
For Amazon sellers that are officially registered to sell in Canada, there are specific documents you’ll need to provide during the account setup. Here’s the checklist of required documents:
1. Business Email Address or Amazon Customer Account
This is the account you’ll use to manage your Seller Central profile. It should be a professional email tied to your business, not a personal one.
2. Chargeable Credit Card
Amazon requires a valid, chargeable credit card to cover selling fees and subscription charges. Prepaid cards or debit cards won’t be accepted.
3. Government-Issued ID
You must provide a valid passport, national ID card, or driver’s license. This helps Amazon confirm your identity and protect customers from fraudulent accounts.
4. Tax Information
Amazon will ask for your Canadian tax details, such as a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. If your sales exceed CAD $30,000 annually, you must also register for a GST/HST account.
5. Phone Number
A working phone number is needed for account verification and for Amazon to contact you if there are issues. Make sure the number is active and registered under your name or your business.
6. Bank Account
You’ll need a Canadian bank account in either your personal or business name to receive disbursements. This must be a standard financial institution account since online-only banks often aren’t accepted.
7. Business Registration Documents
These prove your business is legally recognized in Canada. Examples include a Certificate of Incorporation for corporations, a Master Business License for sole proprietorships, or partnership agreements for partnerships.
8. Proof of Address
Amazon requires a recent utility bill, bank statement, or credit card statement showing your business or personal address. The document must be dated within the last 180 days and match the address you list in Seller Central.
For a Business Registered in the U.S. Selling to Canada
Many U.S.-based Amazon sellers expand into Canada because of its close market and the fact that 72% of Canadian online shoppers purchase through Amazon.ca. But before you can start selling on Amazon Canada, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
1. North American Unified Account (NARF)
This account lets you sell across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from one Seller Central login. It makes cross-border expansion simpler, but you’ll still need to provide Canada-specific details.
2. Basic Amazon Canada Seller Documents
Like Canada-based businesses, U.S. sellers must submit the basic documents, such as a government-issued ID, a chargeable credit card, a bank account statement, and tax information. These ensure Amazon can verify your identity, financial setup, and compliance.
3. Canadian Business Number and GST/HST Registration
If you plan to import goods or use FBA in Canada, you’ll need a Business Number and GST/HST registration from the Canada Revenue Agency. This is essential for managing taxes and fulfilling orders legally.
4. Importer of Record (IOR)
As a U.S. seller, you’re treated as a non-resident importer when shipping to Canada. You’ll need proper documents to pay duties and taxes upfront, which are often handled with a DDP service.
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Problems That Can Delay Amazon Canada Account Approval
When sellers try to open an Amazon Canada seller account, they can encounter issues with document submission or account verification that delay their approval. Knowing these common problems ahead of time can help you prevent them or resolve them quickly.
1. Document Discrepancies and Mismatches
Amazon’s system is very strict, so your name, address, and business details must match across every document you submit. Even small differences, like “Street” versus “St.”, can trigger a rejection.
2. Poor Document Quality
Blurry, cropped, or low-resolution scans make it impossible for Amazon to verify your information. Always submit color copies where all details are clear, complete, and valid.
3. Proof of Address Issues
Amazon only accepts recent proof of address documents, usually dated within the last 90 to 180 days. Utility bills or statements from digital-only banks are often rejected, so it’s best to use traditional providers.
4. Technical and System Errors
Sometimes the problem isn’t with your documents but with Amazon’s automated system. Sellers may get stuck in a “verification loop”, where documents are repeatedly rejected with vague error messages.
5. Issues for Non-Canadian Sellers
U.S. sellers expanding to Canada face added requirements, like obtaining a Canadian Business Number and registering for GST/HST. They must also act as the Importer of Record and ensure duties and taxes are handled before the inventory reaches Canada.
Best Practices for Submitting Amazon Canada Seller Documents
To avoid the common pitfalls that stall verification and account approval, the smartest thing sellers can do is follow proven best practices. These steps reduce errors, speed up the process, and give sellers a smoother start when selling on Amazon Canada.
1. Match Information Exactly
Make sure the name, address, and business details on your documents are identical to what you entered in Seller Central. Even minor differences like abbreviations or missing initials can trigger rejection.
2. Use Current and Valid Documents
Only submit government IDs, bank statements, or utility bills that are valid and up to date. Outdated or expired documents will almost always be denied by Amazon’s system.
3. Provide Clear, Full-Page Copies
Take high-quality, full-color scans or photos of your documents without cropping any part of the page. Amazon requires all four corners of the document to be visible for verification.
4. Stick to Accepted Document Types
Upload only documents that Amazon recognizes, such as traditional bank statements and utility bills from established providers. Avoid using online-only banking documents or unofficial proofs, which are often rejected.
5. Keep Backup Documents Ready
Prepare additional documents like tax IDs, business licenses, or secondary proof of address in case Amazon requests them. Having backups readily available helps you respond quickly and avoid long delays in verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Approved and Start Selling on Amazon Canada
Learning and gathering the correct documents is the first step to making your registration process smooth and free from unnecessary setbacks. Sellers who take the time to prepare and understand these requirements will avoid delays and improve their chances of approval.
If you’re planning on selling on Amazon Canada, familiarizing yourself with the required documents is a must. With this guide, we hope you feel more confident about the process and ready to take your next steps toward building your business in Canada.
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