Selling on Amazon from New York: A Comprehensive Guide
Launching an Amazon seller business from New York involves navigating both Amazon’s platform requirements and New York State’s regulations. This guide covers key steps and considerations for NY-based Amazon sellers, including business registration, tax obligations, product regulations, fulfillment options, and legal requirements.
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1. Amazon Seller Registration in New York
Registering Your Amazon Seller Account: To start selling on Amazon, you’ll need to create a Seller Central account. The process is the same nationwide, but have your New York business details ready. Key steps include (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar) (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar):
- Choose an Account Type: Decide between an Individual seller account (pay per sale) or a Professional account (monthly fee, needed for higher volume).
- Provide Personal/Business Info: Enter your legal name (or business entity name), New York address, email, and phone number. Amazon will verify your identity via official ID and sometimes a postcard or video call.
- Tax Details: Supply your Social Security Number (sole proprietors) or Federal EIN (if registered as an LLC or corporation). Amazon uses this for 1099-K reporting.
- Bank & Payment Info: Link a bank account to receive payouts and a credit card for seller fees. Ensure the account is valid in the U.S. (New York-based banks are fine).
- State-Specific Considerations: There’s no special Amazon site for NY, but use your New York business address and consider your business structure. If you formed an LLC or corporation in NY, use that name and EIN during registration for consistency. Amazon does not require a state license to open the account, but New York law may require you to register your business and taxes separately (covered below).
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Verification: Amazon will confirm your identity and business information. Be prepared to upload documents like a driver’s license or passport, bank statements, or utility bills showing your New York address if requested. Once approved, you can list products and start selling.
2. New York State Business Requirements for Sellers
Operating from New York means complying with state and local business regulations in addition to Amazon’s rules:
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Business Registration: If you use a business name (other than your personal name), register it. Sole proprietors using a DBA (Doing Business As) must file a business certificate with the county clerk. LLCs or corporations need to be formed with the NY Department of State. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for business taxes. You can find resources via New York’s Business Express portal for starting a business.
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Sales Tax Certificate (Certificate of Authority): New York requires any vendor selling taxable goods to obtain a Certificate of Authority before making sales. Apply at least 20 days before you begin operations in NY. This certificate allows you to collect New York sales tax from customers and is mandatory if your products are taxable. Registration is done through the NY Department of Taxation and Finance (often via the Business Express website).
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Local Permits and Zoning: Generally, New York State doesn’t require a general “business license” for online sellers. However, check local regulations. For example, if you’re operating out of New York City or a home, ensure your activities comply with zoning laws (especially if storing inventory at home). Certain local permits might apply if you store large quantities of flammable or hazardous materials, but typical e-commerce goods won’t require this.
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Special Industry Licenses: Depending on your product category, you may need additional permits (covered in section 4 below). For instance, selling food you produce in NY requires specific licensing. Ensure all required permits are secured before listing those products.
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Keep Good Records: New York expects businesses to maintain detailed sales records for at least three years (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). Keep invoices, receipts, and tax filings organized. This is important for both tax purposes and any audits or compliance checks.
3. New York Sales Tax Compliance
Understanding sales tax obligations is crucial for NY Amazon sellers, even though Amazon (as a marketplace) assists with collection:
Sales Tax Nexus in NY: If you operate from New York, you automatically have a physical nexus – meaning a significant presence that obligates you to comply with NY sales tax law. New York considers factors like having an office, employees, inventory, or property in the state as creating nexus. In short, a NY-based seller must register and handle sales tax for taxable sales in New York.
Marketplace Facilitator Law: As of June 1, 2019, Amazon is a “marketplace facilitator” in New York. Amazon collects and remits New York sales tax on your behalf for sales made through its platform (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar) (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar). This means for Amazon orders delivered to NY addresses, buyers are charged the appropriate tax at checkout, and Amazon sends it to the state. You typically do not need to separately collect NY sales tax from Amazon orders now (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar).
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Do I Still Need a Certificate of Authority? Yes, in most cases. New York’s marketplace law does not exempt sellers with nexus from registration (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar). If you live in NY or have a business presence there, you are still required to hold a NY sales tax permit and file returns, even if Amazon is remitting the tax (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar). (The state wants you on record in case you have other taxable sales). You can report marketplace sales on your return as facilitated by Amazon. Tip: Some sellers who exclusively use marketplaces consider canceling their NY sales tax permit, but this should only be done after careful consultation with NY tax authorities (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar).
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Economic Nexus (Out-of-State Sellers): For completeness, if you were an out-of-state seller with no physical presence in NY, you’d have to register if your sales into NY exceeded $500,000 and 100 separate transactions in the past four quarters (Registration requirement for businesses with no physical presence in New York State) (Registration requirement for businesses with no physical presence in New York State). But as a NY-based seller, this threshold isn’t relevant – you are already under NY jurisdiction by physical presence.

Collecting and Remitting Tax: When you have a Certificate of Authority, you’re a registered vendor. If all your NY sales are via Amazon, you won’t actually collect tax from customers (Amazon does that). However, you should still file your NY sales tax returns. New York will assign filing frequency (quarterly is common for new small businesses) (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). On the return, you’ll report total sales and taxable sales, and there will be a section to account for tax already collected by a marketplace. Always file on time (due 20th of the month after the quarter) (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024), even if no tax is due, to avoid penalties. New York is strict with sales tax compliance – late payments can incur interest up to 14.5% and even risk criminal charges for evasion.
Tax Rates: Sales tax in NY comprises the state rate (4%) plus local county/city rates. The total rate is based on the delivery address (destination-based taxation) (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). For example, a shipment to NYC will incur 8.875% (4% NY + 4.5% NYC + 0.375% Metropolitan commuter tax). Amazon’s systems handle this calculation automatically (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). If you ever self-fulfill orders and need to manually charge tax (for instance, through another platform), be aware of the correct rate for the destination.
Tax Exempt Sales: Certain items or buyers may be tax-exempt. New York exempts most food (groceries), dietary supplements, and clothing under $110, among others. If you make an exempt sale, you should keep the buyer’s exemption certificate on file within 90 days (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). On Amazon, this usually comes into play if you enroll in the Amazon Tax Exemption Program (ATEP) for business or charity buyers.
Recordkeeping: Maintain records of all sales (order details, amounts, tax collected) for at least three years after filing the return (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). Amazon provides monthly and transaction reports you can download for your records. In case of any discrepancy or audit, these records will support your filings.
4. New York Product Regulations by Category
When selling specific product categories, you must comply with relevant state and federal regulations. Below are considerations for common categories:
Food and Grocery Products
Selling food items (whether homemade or prepackaged) in New York involves health and safety regulations:
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Licensing: Amazon requires sellers of food to be properly licensed or approved by relevant agencies (Grocery & gourmet foods - Amazon Seller Central). In New York, if you make or package food products yourself, you likely need a license from the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets. Small-scale home producers may qualify for a Home Processor Exemption (baking, jam, etc.), which waives the commercial kitchen requirement. You must register as a home processor and follow specific rules (e.g. only certain foods allowed, proper labeling, selling within NY state). If you don’t qualify, you’d need an Article 20-C Food Processing Establishment License to produce foods legally. For reselling branded, prepackaged foods, you might not need a separate license, but ensure the product comes from a licensed manufacturer.
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Labeling: All food products sold in NY must be properly labeled with the product name, ingredients (by weight order), net quantity, your (or the manufacturer’s) name and address, and allergy info. If you’re a home processor, adding a phrase like “Made in a Home Kitchen” on the label is recommended. You must label in English and adhere to FDA nutritional labeling requirements if applicable. Amazon may request proof of compliant labels or lab tests for certain foods (especially if you list a new food brand).
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Packaging and Safety: Food sold online should be in sealed, tamper-evident packaging suitable for shipping (How to Sell Food On Amazon Safely (2025 Guide) - FoodDocs). Perishable items must be handled with care (refrigeration or proper insulation and fast shipping). New York follows federal FDA Food Safety rules – ensure good sanitation and no misbranding (e.g., health claims that violate FDA rules). If you sell alcohol-infused foods or any product containing restricted ingredients, verify that it’s allowed. (Amazon prohibits alcohol sales to consumers in NY except through specific programs, and items like raw milk or uninspected meat would be illegal).
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Home Kitchen Sales: If you operate under the NY Home Processor exemption, note that you may only sell within New York State. This can be challenging on Amazon’s national marketplace. You might need to restrict your Amazon shipping settings to NY addresses only, or ideally, upgrade to a full license to sell nationwide. Always follow New York’s food safety guidelines to avoid violations or product removal by Amazon for safety complaints.

Dietary Supplements and Cosmetics
Supplements are regulated primarily at the federal level (FDA/FTC), but New York has unique laws too:
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Age Restrictions: As of 2023, New York bans the sale of certain over-the-counter weight loss and muscle-building supplements to minors (under 18) (What is New York’s New Policy on Supplement Sales to Minors?) (What is New York’s New Policy on Supplement Sales to Minors?). This includes diet pills or supplements marketed for fat burning or muscle gain (common ingredients like creatine or green tea extract could be flagged) (What is New York’s New Policy on Supplement Sales to Minors?). If you sell supplements in these categories, you must ensure buyers are adults. Amazon may handle age verification or restrict such listings in NY. Violations can lead to warnings or fines up to $500 per incident (What is New York’s New Policy on Supplement Sales to Minors?).
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Product Compliance: All supplements sold must comply with FDA regulations (e.g., labeling with a Supplement Facts panel, no unapproved health claims, good manufacturing practice). Ensure your supplier or brand has necessary approvals. New York’s Attorney General has historically been aggressive about supplement fraud (like mislabeling ingredients), so source reputable products and keep certificates of analysis if possible.
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Cosmetics and Personal Care: If you sell handmade cosmetics (soap, lotions, etc.), they must meet FDA cosmetic labeling requirements. New York doesn’t require a separate cosmetic seller license, but products must not be adulterated (no harmful ingredients like certain chemicals banned in NY). For example, NY has strict rules on mercury in cosmetics and recently bans the sale of cosmetics tested on animals (effective 2023). Stay updated on any NY-specific ingredient bans for personal care items.
Electronics and Electrical Goods
For electronics, focus on safety and environmental rules:
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Safety Standards: Ensure all electronics comply with applicable safety standards (UL listings, FCC regulations for wireless devices, etc.). While this is mostly federal, New York City in particular has highlighted safety of lithium-ion batteries (due to fire incidents with e-bike batteries). If you sell items with lithium batteries from NY, follow proper shipping regulations (ground transport, hazmat labeling if needed) and only sell products that meet UN38.3 testing standards. Amazon’s policies already require this compliance.
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Recycling Laws: New York has an Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act which makes manufacturers responsible for e-waste recycling. As a reseller, this likely doesn’t directly affect you, but if you have your own brand of electronics, you may need to participate in a recycling program in NY. Additionally, New York bans disposal of most electronics in the trash, so inform customers to recycle electronics. For rechargeable batteries, NY law requires sellers or manufacturers to provide a way to recycle them. Amazon usually includes recycling fee in certain states (e.g., California) at checkout for electronics – New York doesn’t charge a fee, but just be aware of disposal laws.
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Electrical Licensing (Local): If you plan to do any custom assembly or manufacturing of electronics in NY, check if additional certification is required. Generally, selling standard products doesn’t require a special license.
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Labeling: Some states require energy efficiency labeling (California does; New York largely follows federal EnergyGuide for appliances). If you sell appliances or electronics that require energy info, make sure it’s provided. Also, if an item is restricted (like radar detectors illegal in certain areas), do not list them for NY delivery.
Handmade Goods and Crafts
Handmade items can range widely (clothing, art, toys, etc.). Key points:
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Product Safety: Even if handmade, products must meet safety regulations. For example, children’s products (toys, clothing for kids) must comply with the federal CPSIA – lead-free paint, no small parts choking hazards, flammability standards for fabric, etc. New York additionally has a “Child Safe Products Act” that lists certain chemicals of concern in children’s products; manufacturers must disclose if products contain them. If you make toys or kids’ goods in NY, ensure compliance to avoid legal issues or Amazon penalties.
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Labeling and Claims: If selling handmade textiles or jewelry, follow labeling rules (fiber content, care instructions for clothing; metal content for jewelry if relevant). Avoid making health claims (e.g. a handmade soap curing ailments, which would classify it as a drug). New York’s consumer protection laws apply to advertising, so be truthful about materials and origin (e.g., don’t claim “100% organic cotton” if it’s not verified).
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Permits for Home Production: Generally, most crafts don’t need a special license to produce at home, unlike food. But be mindful of local regulations if using certain equipment or chemicals (for instance, woodworking with certain finishes might have fire code rules, or homemade candles might fall under fire safety standards). If your handmade business grows, consider insurance for product liability in case of accidents (like a candle causing a fire or a skin product causing an allergy).
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Amazon Handmade: If you join Amazon’s Handmade program, follow their category policies. There aren’t NY-specific changes, but Amazon might request evidence that your items are genuinely handmade by you (versus mass-produced).
Other Regulated Categories
If you plan to sell items like health devices, cosmetics, alcohol, or weapons (e.g. knives, pepper spray), be aware of extra laws:
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Pepper Spray & Self-Defense Items: New York allows pepper spray sales but only in person at pharmacies or dealers with certain conditions – it cannot be sold via mail-order/online to NY consumers. Amazon generally blocks shipping of pepper spray to NY addresses. Avoid listing such restricted items to NY to stay compliant.
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Alcohol: Selling alcoholic beverages on Amazon is highly restricted and requires licenses (NY State Liquor Authority licenses). Usually not feasible unless you partner with Amazon’s Wine/Spirits programs, which have strict rules.
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Weapons or Imitation Weapons: Some items like realistic toy guns must have orange tips (federal law) and NY has specific bans (NYC bans toy guns that are black/blue/silver). Amazon policies mirror these laws – do not list prohibited items.
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Plants/Seeds: New York has agriculture laws about invasive species. If you sell live plants or seeds, ensure they are not prohibited in NY (and have any required nursery license if you grow them). Amazon’s plant category requires a nursery license for sellers in many cases.

In summary, research the regulations for your product type. New York often follows federal rules but has some unique laws (as seen with supplements and certain consumer safety rules). Always check Amazon’s restricted products list and the NY government resources if unsure. When in doubt, consult the NY Department of Agriculture & Markets for food/crafts or the appropriate state agency for your product line.
5. Shipping and Fulfillment from New York
As a New York-based Amazon seller, you have two main fulfillment options: using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or fulfilling orders yourself (MFN, Merchant Fulfilled Network). Each has considerations:
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): You send your inventory to Amazon’s warehouses (fulfillment centers), and Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and customer service for those orders.
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Advantages: FBA can qualify your products for Prime two-day shipping, which boosts visibility and sales. Amazon’s fulfillment network will ship from locations closest to customers, improving delivery speed. They also handle returns and customer inquiries on shipments. As a NY seller, using FBA means you might send inventory to a local fulfillment center (e.g., there’s one on Staten Island for NYC area) or others nationwide. This outsourcing saves you time and effort on logistics.
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Considerations: FBA has fees – storage fees (which are higher in Q4), fulfillment fees per item, and optional services fees. Calculate these to ensure your margins. Also, when you use FBA, your inventory could be stored in multiple states (Amazon may redistribute it). Each warehouse location can create sales tax nexus in that state, though since Amazon collects tax in all marketplace states now, the immediate burden is eased. Still, keep track for your tax records. If inventory is stored in New York (which it likely will be if you’re shipping to a NY warehouse), that’s already within your home state nexus. Ensure products are prepped to Amazon’s requirements (proper barcodes, poly-bagging for liquids or textiles, etc.). Finally, FBA means less direct control over packaging – Amazon will use its own boxes, which generally meets New York’s requirement of including a proper invoice and seller information in the package.
Merchant (Self) Fulfillment: You list products on Amazon but keep inventory at your location (home, office, or warehouse in NY) and ship orders to customers yourself.
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Advantages: You maintain full control over inventory and packaging. Costs can be lower if you have cheap storage and efficient shipping processes. No FBA fees, just your shipping costs. This can be ideal for custom-made or very low volume items, or if you need to inspect each item before shipping. You can also personalize packages or include inserts (within Amazon policy) more easily.
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Considerations: You are responsible for shipping orders on time. Amazon will set expected ship dates based on the handling time you specify. If most of your customers are outside the Northeast, shipping from New York might result in longer delivery times or higher costs—factor in postage for cross-country shipments. You can use Amazon’s Buy Shipping tool for discounted rates and to ensure tracking is uploaded (required for seller-fulfilled Prime and recommended for all orders). Shipping Time Requirements: Under New York’s online sales law, if you don’t specify a delivery time, you should ship within 30 days (New York State Enacts New Online Consumer Protection Law) – Amazon’s metrics are even stricter, typically expecting shipment within 2 business days unless otherwise noted. Always ship on schedule to avoid violations (which could trigger Amazon penalties and also potentially state consumer protection issues).
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Sales Tax on Shipping: In New York, shipping charges are taxable if the item being shipped is taxable and you charge a separate shipping fee (unless it’s a true reimbursement of postage) (New York Sales Tax Guide for Amazon Sellers 2024). Amazon’s system usually handles this correctly. If you do custom fulfillment and charge shipping, be aware NY might apply sales tax to that charge (again, Amazon’s tax collection should cover it when they calculate at checkout).
Local Fulfillment or Pickup: If you keep stock in NY, occasionally local customers might request pickup or you might fulfill through Amazon’s Local Delivery programs. New York doesn’t have special rules against this, but ensure any face-to-face transactions adhere to local sales tax (you’d still charge tax as it’s a NY sale). If doing significant in-person business, you might need a vendor license for that municipality (for example, NYC general vendor license for street sales – but that’s outside Amazon scope).
In summary, choose FBA for scalability and Prime access, or merchant fulfillment for control and niche products. Many sellers use a hybrid approach (FBA for fast-moving items, MFN for custom or slower sellers). Being in New York, you have good shipping infrastructure (USPS, UPS, FedEx hubs) which can help you fulfill orders cost-effectively if you choose to do it yourself.
6. Legal Considerations for NY Amazon Sellers
New York has robust consumer protection laws and business regulations that sellers must follow. Non-compliance can lead to fines or legal trouble beyond Amazon account issues. Key legal considerations:
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Consumer Protection & Fair Business Practices: New York’s General Business Law prohibits deceptive or unconscionable trade practices in sales. In practical terms, ensure your product descriptions are accurate and truthful – no false advertising or exaggerated claims. Pricing should be honest (avoid fake “original prices” to show large discounts, as NY law (and Amazon policy) frowns on deceptive pricing). The New York Attorney General can prosecute businesses for false advertising or scams. Always honor the representations you make to customers.
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Advertising Disclosure: If you have your own website or ads in NY, note that NY law requires online sellers to display their business name, address, and refund policy clearly in advertising or on the website (New York State Enacts New Online Consumer Protection Law). While Amazon’s platform shows your seller name and has a universal return policy, if you communicate with NY customers or list contact info, ensure it’s complete.
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Shipping Obligations: As mentioned, NY law mandates that orders be shipped within the advertised timeframe, or within 30 days if no timeframe is given (New York State Enacts New Online Consumer Protection Law). If a delay occurs, you must notify the customer and offer a chance to cancel for a full refund (New York State Enacts New Online Consumer Protection Law). Amazon’s order metrics system enforces shipping times, but if something goes wrong (inventory issue, shipping carrier delay), proactively inform the buyer via Amazon messaging to stay on the safe side of the law (and avoid Amazon A-to-z claims). Keep records of any such customer communications or complaints about shipping for at least a few years (New York State Enacts New Online Consumer Protection Law).
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Returns and Refunds: Amazon’s policies require you to accept returns in most cases, but NY law also has strong refund rules. The state doesn’t mandate a specific return period for all products, but if you have a refund policy, you must honor it as stated. Certain products (e.g., electronics) if sold in-store in NY have laws about restocking fees or open box returns; online via Amazon, stick to Amazon’s standard to avoid issues. If you ever sell to a NY customer outside Amazon, note that NY law requires providing a receipt and disclosure of return policies.
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Product Liability: Once you start selling, you could be held liable if a product causes injury or damage. This is not NY-specific – it’s a general U.S. legal principle. However, NY courts can be consumer-friendly in product liability cases. If you’re branding or manufacturing your own product (private label), consider getting product liability insurance. Amazon actually requires sellers to carry commercial liability insurance once your sales exceed a certain amount (usually $10,000/month for three months) – this is especially important for products like electronics, food, or cosmetics that carry higher risk. Make sure your insurance covers New York jurisdictions.
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Intellectual Property and Anti-Counterfeiting: New York enforces IP laws strictly. Never sell counterfeit or trademark-infringing goods – beyond Amazon penalties, NY law enforcement has pursued sellers of fake goods. If you’re selling branded items, ensure they are authentic and sourced properly to avoid both Amazon suspension and legal action under anti-counterfeiting laws.
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Privacy and Data Security: While Amazon handles most customer data, if you maintain any personal data (e.g., if you keep an email list of customers or download reports with buyer addresses), you must protect that data. New York’s SHIELD Act requires businesses to implement reasonable data security measures to safeguard personal information of NY residents. And if you experienced a data breach of customer info you hold, you’d need to notify affected New Yorkers. Use Amazon’s systems for communication to avoid managing sensitive data yourself, and if you do retain any customer info, keep it secure.
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Taxes and Business Obligations: Besides sales tax, remember to file your income taxes. As a NY seller, your business income is subject to federal income tax and NY State income tax. If you’re NYC-based, you might also owe NYC city tax, and unincorporated business tax (UBT) if you’re a sole proprietor/partnership above a certain income. Stay on top of quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. Also, if you have employees (even part-time help), you must follow NY labor laws (minimum wage, workers’ comp insurance, etc.) and register for NY withholding tax and unemployment insurance. For a solo operation, this may not apply initially, but plan ahead if you expand.
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Permits and Environmental Laws: New York has specific laws such as hazardous materials disposal, packaging, and recycling requirements. For example, NY bans certain types of packaging that contain heavy metals. If your business involves any hazardous substances (say you sell batteries or chemical products), ensure you comply with any labeling and disposal laws. Also, if you import or export products, be mindful of New York’s enforcement of federal trade laws and tariffs.
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Dispute Resolution: In case of consumer disputes, New York offers avenues for complaints (e.g., NY Division of Consumer Protection or Attorney General’s office). Try to resolve issues directly with customers via Amazon’s resolution process. Maintain a professional approach in all communications — written correspondence could be used as evidence if a formal complaint is filed. Fortunately, if you adhere to Amazon policies and the law, disputes should be minimal.
In essence, treat customers fairly, follow through on promises, and comply with both Amazon’s rules and New York laws. This will keep your business out of legal trouble and ensure a good reputation.
7. Additional Resources for NY Sellers
Leverage the following resources for up-to-date information and detailed guidance:
- New York Business Express – Start a Business: New York State’s portal for business registration, licenses, and permits. Helpful for understanding state requirements and getting your Certificate of Authority for sales tax.
- NY Department of Taxation and Finance – Sales Tax Guidance: Official guides on who must register for sales tax, how to register, and filing requirements. See Tax Bulletin How to Register for New York State Sales Tax (TB-ST-360) and publication Do I Need to Register for Sales Tax?. The NY Tax website also provides online services to file returns and pay tax.
- New York State Tax Nexus and Marketplace FAQ: Information on New York’s economic nexus threshold and marketplace facilitator law, ensuring you know when registration is required (Registration requirement for businesses with no physical presence in New York State) (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar). The Tax Department’s memo on marketplace providers (TSB-M-19(2.1)S) explains the obligations of Amazon and sellers in detail (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar).
- NY Department of Agriculture & Markets – Food Business Resources: If selling food, visit the NY Ag&Mkts website for the Home Processor Exemption guidelines and food labeling requirements. They also list what foods are allowed from home kitchens and how to apply for a food processing license if needed.
- Amazon Seller Central – State Tax Collection: Amazon’s help pages on Marketplace Tax Collection clarify that Amazon automatically collects NY sales tax as required by law. Also, see Amazon’s “Tax Settings” and “Marketplace Tax Collection” documentation for how it appears on your reports.
- Amazon Policies – Restricted Products: Make sure to review Amazon’s policies on restricted products for categories like grocery, supplements, electronics, etc. For example, Amazon’s Grocery category requirements (Grocery & gourmet foods - Amazon Seller Central) note the need for proper preparation and licenses. Similarly, check policies for dietary supplements and any category you plan to sell in (some require pre-approval).
- New York Division of Consumer Protection – Business Guidance: The NY Department of State’s consumer protection division offers resources to help businesses comply with laws and avoid unfair practices (New York State Enacts New Online Consumer Protection Law). They provide education on advertising, online sales rules, and data security.
- Tax Professionals or Legal Advisors: Given the complexity of tax and legal compliance, consider consulting a CPA or attorney familiar with New York e-commerce. They can provide personalized advice, especially if you scale up or face specific questions (e.g., nexus in other states due to FBA, or product liability concerns).
- Community and Blogs: Websites like TaxJar, Avalara, and seller forums (Amazon Seller Forums, Reddit groups) have discussions and updates relevant to NY sellers. For instance, TaxJar’s New York Sales Tax Guide (New York's marketplace facilitator sales tax law, explained - TaxJar) and blogs explain changes in law in plain language. Just ensure any advice you take is current and verified with official sources.
By utilizing these resources and staying informed, you can successfully manage your Amazon business from New York in compliance with all necessary regulations. Good luck with your selling journey!