How can a UK brand start selling in the USA?

Most UK brands start selling in the USA through Amazon.com with Fulfillment by Amazon, because Amazon handles US delivery and collects sales tax in most states as the marketplace facilitator. Before launch, file a US trademark with the USPTO so you can use Brand Registry, check that your product meets US safety and labeling rules, and price in import duties and freight. Selling on TikTok Shop US or to US retailers usually needs a US-registered company.

Do you need a US company to sell on Amazon.com?

Not usually. A UK company can register a seller account for Amazon.com. A US entity becomes useful, and often necessary, for TikTok Shop US, US payment processors and some retail partners. Speak to an accountant who handles UK and US tax before you decide.

Do you need to collect US sales tax?

On Amazon, Amazon collects and remits sales tax in nearly every state that has one. On your own Shopify store, you may need to register and collect in states where your sales pass that state’s economic nexus threshold, commonly $100,000 a year. Shopify Tax and similar tools help you track this.

How do you ship stock to the US?

Most brands send bulk stock by sea or air freight into Amazon’s US warehouses or a US third-party logistics provider. The US has removed duty-free entry for low-value parcels, so price in duties and tariffs and confirm the current rates with a customs broker.

Do you need to change your listings?

Yes. Rewrite for US search terms and spelling, such as color, fall and flashlight, use imperial measurements alongside metric, and check that photos and claims meet US rules for your category.

What’s a sensible first step?

Pick your 5 to 10 best sellers, check US demand and competition on Amazon.com, model margin after fees, freight and duty, then launch with a small first shipment. We run cross-border launches as part of our US Amazon agency service.