Cross-border e-commerce sellers relying on UK-based Amazon accounts are confronting a growing crisis as purchased "local accounts" face mass suspensions. Reports indicate numerous accounts have had their registered business addresses altered to low-cost PO Boxes, while some underlying companies show signs of deregistration by UK authorities.
The Hidden Dangers Behind PO Box Addresses
This systemic issue stems from two primary risks:
- Service Provider Manipulation: Some account registration services appear to be changing company addresses to PO Boxes to evade legal responsibilities. Previous cases involving bulk company registrations using Amazon buyer addresses have drawn scrutiny from both UK regulators and the US FBI.
- Government Enforcement: UK authorities may be targeting companies suspected of fraudulent registration practices, initiating deregistration procedures that jeopardize associated Amazon accounts.
PO Box addresses, while inexpensive (typically costing just a few hundred RMB annually), represent significant compliance risks. Amazon's systems frequently flag such addresses during routine verification checks, while UK business authorities may classify them as indicators of abnormal operations.
The Association Risk: Multiple Accounts Sharing Single Addresses
Compounding the problem, numerous accounts now share identical PO Box addresses - a clear violation of Amazon's prohibition against account associations. This practice risks triggering platform-wide suspensions, potentially wiping out years of seller investment overnight.
Verification and Damage Control Measures
Sellers utilizing UK local accounts should immediately verify their registration details through official channels. Key verification points include:
- Confirming the physical validity of registered business addresses
- Checking company status with UK business registries
- Reviewing any recent address change notifications
Early detection of irregularities allows for proactive measures to minimize business disruption.
Compliance-First Solutions Emerge
The market is seeing increased demand for fully compliant UK account solutions that address these vulnerabilities through:
- Verifiable physical business addresses with photographic documentation
- Independent legal entities without shared directorships
- Complete KYC documentation including utility bills and residence proofs
- Guaranteed VAT and UTR registration prior to account activation
These solutions typically incorporate contractual warranties against registration defects, contrasting sharply with the high-risk PO Box models currently causing marketplace disruptions.
As platform enforcement intensifies, the e-commerce sector appears poised for a broader shift toward transparent, regulation-compliant account structures that prioritize long-term stability over short-term cost savings.