Choosing the right Amazon FBA service can be a challenge—especially when expanding across Europe. If you already sell in Germany and are looking to improve delivery times and reduce fulfilment costs, the Amazon FBA Central Europe Programme (CEE) might be the right choice.
Antonia Klatt
Last Updated on 2 July 2020In this article, we explain what the CEE Programme is, how it compares to other FBA options, and when it makes sense to use it based on your sales volume and VAT obligations.
What Is the Amazon FBA Central Europe Programme (CEE)?
The Central Europe Programme (CEE) is a regional fulfilment network offered by Amazon. When enrolled, your FBA inventory can be stored not only in Germany, but also in Poland and the Czech Republic.
This means Amazon has more flexibility in storing and shipping your products across central Europe—without additional fulfilment fees.
âś… CEE vs Other FBA Services
Besides the Central Europe Programme, Amazon sellers can also choose:
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Pan-European FBA – Store in all EU Amazon warehouses
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European Fulfilment Network (EFN) – Fulfil orders across borders from one country
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Multi-Country Inventory (MCI) – Manually choose where to store your stock
The CEE Programme sits between EFN and Pan-EU in terms of complexity and reach. It’s a good next step for sellers already active in Germany who want to expand efficiently but aren’t ready to register for VAT in all EU countries.
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How Does the CEE Programme Work in 2025?
When you join the CEE Programme:
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You send your inventory to a German FBA warehouse
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Amazon redistributes stock to fulfilment centres in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic
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Amazon uses its logistics network to deliver from the closest warehouse to customers in Central Europe
📦 There are no additional FBA fees for using the CEE service—Amazon handles the cross-border transfers at no cost to you.
However, you are legally required to register for VAT in all three countries (Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic) if your goods are stored there.
For more information on Amazon warehouses in Europe click here.
When Is CEE the Right Choice for Me?
The Central Europe Programme is best suited for:
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Sellers dispatching 500+ FBA units/month
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Businesses already active in the German market
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Sellers looking to cut costs without going full Pan-EU
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Brands preparing for EU-wide expansion
If you’re growing steadily in Germany but not yet ready for Pan-European FBA, CEE is an ideal intermediate step.
What Are the Benefits of Using Amazon FBA Central Europe Programme?
| âś… Benefit | đź’¬ Details |
|---|---|
| Lower fulfilment costs | Save approx. €0.50 per unit by using Poland and Czech fulfilment centres |
| Faster shipping | Local inventory = shorter delivery times in Central Europe |
| No added FBA fees | Amazon distributes inventory at no extra charge |
| More warehouse space | Reduce storage pressure on German fulfilment centres |
đź’° Example: Estimated Annual Savings
| Monthly FBA Units | Annual Savings at €0.50/unit |
|---|---|
| 500 | €3,000 |
| 1,000 | €6,000 |
| 2,000 | €12,000 |
| 4,000 | €24,000 |
| 8,000 | €48,000 |
| 16,000 | €96,000 |
These savings can significantly boost your margins, especially for lower-priced or high-volume products.
Book a free consultation
Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!
What Are the VAT Implications?
Using the CEE Programme requires VAT registration in:
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🇩🇪 Germany
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🇵🇱 Poland
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🇨🇿 Czech Republic
You must file regular VAT returns in all three countries, even if your main marketplace is only Amazon.de.
🔍 Important: These obligations exist even if you’re already using the One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme. OSS does not replace the need for local VAT registrations when storing goods in multiple countries.
At Hellotax, we handle:
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VAT registration in Germany, Poland, and Czech Republic
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Ongoing VAT filings and tax authority communication
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Compliance monitoring for all your EU FBA activities
CEE vs Pan-European FBA: Which Should You Choose?
| CEE Programme | Pan-European FBA |
|---|---|
| Store in 3 countries | Store in 7+ countries |
| VAT needed in 3 countries | VAT needed in all storage countries |
| Lower entry barrier | Best for large sellers |
| €0.50 per unit savings | Full EU reach with fast delivery |
| Ideal for growing businesses | Ideal for established, high-volume sellers |
CEE is an excellent stepping stone toward Pan-EU FBA. You get better logistics and lower costs, without the complexity of managing VAT in all EU countries.
Conclusion: Is the Central Europe Programme Right for You in 2025?
The Central Europe Programme (CEE) remains a valuable fulfilment option for online sellers in 2025. If you already sell in Germany and ship at least 500 units per month, it’s a cost-effective way to expand your reach and streamline logistics.
While VAT registration in three countries is a requirement, the potential savings and faster delivery times can outweigh the compliance burden.
🚀 Next step:
Book a free consultation with hellotax and let our VAT experts help you decide if CEE is the right strategy for your Amazon business.
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