How to Sell on Amazon from Sri Lanka Via an US LLC: A Guide for 2026

Selling on Amazon from Sri Lanka gives you access to millions of buyers in the US, the world’s largest Amazon marketplace. You can register directly as a Sri Lankan seller, but many people choose to sell through a US LLC instead. It makes it easier to open a US bank account, receive payouts in USD, and build trust with buyers and partners. Setting it up involves forming the LLC, getting an EIN, opening a bank account, and passing Amazon’s verification checks.

This guide walks you through every step, from choosing a state for your LLC to shipping your products and staying compliant each year. Whether you’re an individual testing your first product or a business ready to export, you’ll find clear steps, real costs, and tips that apply to Sri Lankan sellers in 2026. Let’s get started. 

Step 1: Decide If a US LLC Is Right for You

You don’t need a US LLC to sell on Amazon from Sri Lanka. Amazon lets Sri Lankan sellers register directly with a passport, an international credit card, and a bank account for payouts. Your earnings can go to a Payoneer account or, where supported, to a local bank through the Amazon Currency Converter.

So why do many sellers still form a US LLC? There are a few clear benefits:

• You can open a US business bank account and receive payouts in USD.
• You get access to US payment tools like Stripe and PayPal Business.
• Buyers, suppliers, and service providers trust a US business more.
• Your personal assets stay separate from business debts.

There are also costs to think about. You’ll pay state fees, a registered agent fee, and possibly an accountant every year. A foreign-owned LLC must also file Form 5472 with the IRS each year, and missing it can lead to a $25,000 penalty.

Form 5472 carries real financial risk if missed, and our Form 5472 penalty guide explains exactly what’s at stake and how to avoid it. 

A US LLC makes sense if you plan to grow, sell under your own brand, or use US-based tools. If you only want to test a few products, selling directly as a Sri Lankan seller is the cheaper way to start. 

Step 2: Choose a State for Your LLC

You can form your LLC in any US state, even if you never visit it. For Sri Lankan sellers, three states are the most popular:

• Wyoming: About $100 to file and $60 a year after that. There is no state income tax, and owner details are not listed in public records.
• New Mexico: The cheapest option at about $50 to file, with no annual report or yearly state fee.
• Delaware: About $110 to file, plus a $300 tax every year. It suits businesses that plan to raise money from investors later.

For most beginners, Wyoming is the best choice. It’s low cost, easy to manage, and well known to US banks.

Don’t pick a state just because Amazon has warehouses there. Your LLC’s state has no effect on where your products are stored or who can buy them. 

This section covers filing and annual fees only; for the full first-year and ongoing cost picture, see our US LLC cost guide for non-residents. 

Step 3: Form Your US LLC

You can form your LLC online from Sri Lanka, usually within a few days. Follow these steps:

1. Pick a business name. Search your state’s business database to make sure the name is available. It must end with “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
2. Hire a registered agent. Every LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in its state. The agent receives legal and government letters for you. Most charge a small yearly fee.
3. File your Articles of Organization. Submit this form on your state’s Secretary of State website and pay the filing fee. Online filings are often approved within one to three business days.
4. Create an operating agreement. This document shows who owns and runs the LLC. Some states don’t require it, but US banks usually ask for it.
5. Get a US business address. Some banks won’t accept a registered agent’s address as your business address. A virtual address service gives you a real street address and scans your mail.

If you’d rather not do this yourself, a formation service can handle every step for one fee.  

Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC’s US tax ID. You’ll need it to open a bank account, set up your Amazon account, and file yearly tax forms.

Getting an EIN is free from the IRS. Since you don’t have a Social Security Number, you can’t use the online application. Instead, fill in Form SS-4 and send it by fax or mail. International applicants can also call the IRS directly at +1 267-941-1099.

When filling in the form:

• Write “Foreign” in the SSN/ITIN field.
• On line 9a, tick “Other” and write “Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity.”

By fax, you’ll usually get your EIN within one to two weeks. By mail, it can take four to six weeks or longer.

Keep the IRS confirmation letter (CP 575) safe. Banks and Amazon often ask for it.  

Step 5: Open a US Business Bank Account

A US business bank account lets you receive Amazon payouts in USD and pay for US services like your registered agent and ads. You don’t need to visit the US. Most non-residents open an account online through a fintech platform.

Popular options for Sri Lankan LLC owners:

• Mercury: Accepts non-resident founders, including those living in Sri Lanka. Physical cards may not be mailed to Sri Lanka, but virtual cards work.
• Payoneer: Gives you US receiving account details and is widely used by Amazon sellers.
• Wise Business: Useful for sending money home, but check eligibility first, since support for Sri Lankan residents is limited.

Have these ready before you apply:

• Passport
• Articles of Organization
• EIN confirmation letter
• Operating agreement
• US business address (not a registered agent address)
• Proof of your home address in Sri Lanka

Approval can take one to three weeks. Answer every question clearly and describe your Amazon business in plain terms. 

Step 6: Prepare Your Documents for Amazon

Amazon checks every detail during registration, so gather your documents before you start. Missing or mismatched details are the most common reason applications get delayed or rejected.

Have these ready:

• Passport: Valid, with a clear color scan of the photo page.
• Bank or credit card statement: Issued within the last 180 days, showing your name and address.
• LLC documents: Articles of Organization and EIN confirmation letter.
• Bank account details: Your US business account or Payoneer account for payouts.
• Credit card: Internationally chargeable in USD. Prepaid cards are not accepted.
• Phone number: One you can use for verification codes and calls.

A few tips to avoid problems:

• Make sure your name, business name, and addresses match exactly on every document.
• Upload clear color scans with all four corners showing. Don’t use screenshots.
• Use the same details you gave your bank and the IRS.
• Make sure you can receive mail at your listed address, since Amazon may send a postcard with a verification code.

Important Note

Every detail on your documents must match exactly, down to the last character. This includes your name, business name, address, and the spelling and spacing of each. For example, if your passport says “Kasun Perera Jayasinghe,” don’t write “Kasun P. Jayasinghe” on your Amazon form. If your LLC address uses “Suite 200,” don’t shorten it to “Ste 200” elsewhere.

This matters because Amazon’s first round of checks is done by automated systems. They compare the details on your form with your uploaded documents, and they can’t tell that “Ste” and “Suite” mean the same thing. A missing comma or an extra space can look like a mismatch, which can lead to your application being flagged, sent for manual review, or rejected.  

Step 7: Create Your Amazon Seller Central Account

With your documents ready, go to sell.amazon.com and click “Sign up.” Use a new business email address rather than your personal Amazon shopping account, so your business and personal activity stay separate.

Next, choose your selling plan:

• Individual: $0.99 per item sold, with no monthly fee. Good for testing a few products.
• Professional: $39.99 per month. You get access to ads, bulk listing tools, Brand Registry, and the Buy Box. 

[Source: Amazon’s selling fees page, checked on October 19, 2026] 

Most LLC sellers choose Professional. Once you made the choice, start filling in the registration form:

1. Business information: Select the United States as your business location and “Privately-owned business” as your business type. Enter your LLC name, EIN, and US business address.
2. Personal information: Add your details as the primary contact and beneficial owner, using your passport.
3. Billing and deposits: Enter your credit card and the bank account where you want to receive payouts.
4. Store information: Add your store name, and say whether you own a brand or have UPC codes for your products.
5. Tax interview: Since your LLC is foreign-owned with one member, you’ll usually complete Form W-8BEN as the owner. Ask a US tax professional if you’re unsure.

Enter every detail exactly as it appears on the documents from Step 6.

Finally, Amazon will ask you to verify your identity, usually through a short video call. Keep your passport and the documents you uploaded close by. Once approved, your account is ready to use.

Step 8: Choose Your Fulfillment Method

Fulfillment means how your products are stored, packed, and delivered to buyers. Amazon gives you two main options.

1. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

You send your products in bulk to Amazon’s US warehouses. Amazon stores them, packs each order, ships it, and handles returns and customer service. Here’s what that means for you:

• Your products become eligible for Prime, which helps sales.
• Delivery is fast, usually within one to two days.
• You pay storage and fulfillment fees for each item.

2. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)

You store the products and ship each order yourself. This gives you more control, but it comes with some trade-offs:

• You avoid FBA storage fees.
• Shipping single orders from Sri Lanka is slow and costly, and late deliveries can hurt your account health.
• A better FBM setup is to use a US-based third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse that ships orders for you.

Which One Works Best from Sri Lanka?

For most sellers, FBA is the right choice. It solves the distance problem, since your stock is already in the US when a buyer orders. FBM from Sri Lanka only suits low-volume, handmade, or made-to-order products, or sellers who use a US 3PL.

Use Amazon’s Revenue Calculator to compare costs for each method before you decide. 

Step 9: Ship Your Products from Sri Lanka to the US

Once your account is ready, you need to get your stock to Amazon’s US warehouses. The process is similar for individuals and businesses, but a few details differ.

Choose How to Ship

• Air freight or courier (DHL, FedEx, Sri Lanka Post EMS): Faster, usually within a week. Best for small test batches.
• Sea freight: Takes four to six weeks but costs much less per unit. Best once you’re sending larger quantities.

A freight forwarder can book the shipment, handle customs, and deliver straight to Amazon. Ask for a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service, since Amazon won’t pay duties or fees when your shipment arrives.

Who Clears US Customs

Every shipment needs an importer of record, the party responsible for paying duties. Amazon won’t take this role.

• If you have a US LLC: Your LLC can be the importer of record using its EIN, with a customs bond arranged through a customs broker.
• If you’re an individual seller: Use a forwarder or courier that offers DDP and acts as importer of record for you.

Pay Import Duties

The US no longer has a duty-free limit for low-value shipments, so every shipment is taxed. Most Sri Lankan products also carry an extra 10% duty on top of their normal rate.

Prepare Sri Lankan Export Papers

You’ll need a commercial invoice, a packing list, and often a certificate of origin. Businesses should register as exporters with Sri Lanka Customs. Individuals sending small batches can usually let the courier handle export clearance.

Check FDA Rules for Food Items

Tea, spices, and other food products need FDA facility registration and a Prior Notice before they arrive in the US. 

Step 10: List Your First Product

A listing is your product’s page on Amazon, where buyers see the photos, details, and price. You can create one in two ways.

1. Match an Existing Listing

If the same product is already sold on Amazon, search for it in Seller Central and add your offer to that page. This is quick, but you’ll compete with other sellers on price.

2. Create a New Listing

If you sell your own brand or a unique Sri Lankan product, you’ll build the page yourself. Prepare these details:

• Product ID: Each product needs a UPC or GTIN barcode, bought from GS1. If you sell under your own brand, you can apply to Amazon for a GTIN exemption instead.
• Title: Include the brand name, product type, and key details like size, flavor, or color, so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
• Bullet points: Write five short points on the main features and benefits. Most buyers read these before deciding.
• Images: Use a main image on a pure white background, plus extra photos showing the product in use, its size, and close-up details.
• Price and quantity: Set a price that covers Amazon fees, shipping, and duties, then enter how many units you’ll send.
• Search terms: Add words buyers might search for that aren’t already in your title, such as other names for the product.

Some categories, such as grocery and beauty, need Amazon’s approval before you can list. Check this early.

Important Note: If you’re using FBA, complete this step before shipping your products. Amazon asks you to create an FBA shipment plan for listed products, and it gives you the labels to put on your boxes. 

Step 11: Handle US Sales Tax

Sales tax is a tax buyers pay on purchases in most US states. The good news is that Amazon handles most of it for you.

How Amazon Collects Sales Tax for You

Every US state with a sales tax has a “marketplace facilitator” law. Under these laws, Amazon calculates, collects, and pays the sales tax on orders placed through Amazon. The tax is added at checkout, so you don’t need to include it in your price.

When You May Still Need to Register

There are a few cases where you might have your own sales tax duties:

• You sell outside Amazon: If you also sell to US buyers through your own website or another platform, you may need to collect tax on those sales yourself.
• You store stock in a state: FBA places your inventory in warehouses across several states. A few states may expect you to register there, even though Amazon collects the tax.

Sales tax rules differ from state to state. If you plan to sell beyond Amazon, speak with a US tax professional or use a tool like TaxJar. 

Step 12: Get Paid and Move Money to Sri Lanka

Amazon sends your earnings to your US bank account or Payoneer account, usually every 14 days. It first takes out its fees, and it holds each sale’s money for about seven days after delivery to cover returns.

Moving Money to Sri Lanka

You have a few ways to bring your earnings home:

• Bank wire: Send a SWIFT transfer from your US business account to your Sri Lankan bank. It’s simple, but fees and exchange rates vary.
• Payoneer: Withdraw straight to your local bank account in rupees.
• Personal Foreign Currency Account (PFCA): Keep your earnings in USD at a Sri Lankan bank and convert only when you need to.

Compare fees and exchange rates before choosing, since small differences add up over time.

Stay Within Sri Lankan Rules

Always bring money in through official banking channels, as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka requires. Keep records of every transfer, and report your Amazon income to the Inland Revenue Department each year. 

Final Step: Stay Compliant Every Year

Your work doesn’t end once sales start. A US LLC has yearly duties in both the US and Sri Lanka, and missing them can lead to large fines. Here are the main ones to keep track of:

• US Federal Filings: As a foreign-owned single-member LLC, you must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even if you made no sales. It’s due by April 15, and the penalty for not filing is $25,000. Ask a US tax professional whether you also owe US income tax. This list covers the main dates, but for the complete federal and state filing calendar, our LLC tax deadline guide for 2026 and 2027 lays it all out. 
• State Requirements: Most states need a yearly report and fee. Wyoming charges a minimum of $60 each year, Delaware charges $300, and New Mexico has no annual report.
• Registered Agent Renewal: Renew your registered agent service each year. Without one, your LLC can lose its good standing.
• Sri Lankan Tax: Report your Amazon income to the Inland Revenue Department and file your yearly income tax return on time.
• Amazon Account Upkeep: Update your passport, card, and bank details before they expire, since Amazon may ask you to verify them again.

Set calendar reminders for each date, or hire an accountant who works with non-resident LLC owners. 

Ready to Start Selling on Amazon from Sri Lanka?

Setting up a US LLC is the part where most Sri Lankan sellers get stuck. The forms, the EIN wait, the bank applications, and the yearly filings can take weeks to figure out on your own, and one small mistake can delay your Amazon approval.

BR.LK handles this for you. We’ve helped more than 5,000 Sri Lankan founders set up US businesses, and we can take care of the steps in this guide:

• US LLC formation in Wyoming or Delaware, usually within 24 to 48 hours
• Registered agent and US business address for your first year
• Fast EIN processing, usually within 3 to 5 days after formation
• Bank account setup help for Mercury and Wise
• Trademark registration to support Amazon Brand Registry
• Annual reports, bookkeeping, and US tax filings to keep you compliant

Our team speaks Sinhala, Tamil, and English, so you can ask questions in the language you’re most comfortable with.

Not sure which package fits your Amazon plans? Talk to us first.  

Conclusion

Selling on Amazon from Sri Lanka through a US LLC takes some setup, but each step is manageable when you take it in order. Form your LLC, get your EIN, open a US bank account, and prepare documents that match exactly. Then create your Seller Central account, list your products, and ship them to Amazon’s US warehouses.

After that, the focus moves to running your business. Amazon handles most sales tax, payouts reach you every two weeks, and a few yearly filings keep your LLC in good standing.

Start small, test your products, and grow from there. With the right setup, your Sri Lankan products can reach millions of US buyers. 

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a US LLC to sell on Amazon from Sri Lanka, but it makes US banking, USD payouts, and access to US payment tools much easier.
• Wyoming is the best state for most Sri Lankan sellers because it has low fees, no state income tax, and is well known to US banks.
• The setup order matters: form your LLC first, then get your EIN, then open a bank account, and only then apply to Amazon.
• Non-residents without a Social Security Number can get a free EIN by sending Form SS-4 to the IRS by fax or mail.
• Mercury and Payoneer are popular options for receiving Amazon payouts, and you can open both online without visiting the US.
• Every detail on your documents must match exactly, because Amazon’s automated checks can flag even a small difference in spelling or spacing.
• FBA is the best fulfillment choice for most Sri Lankan sellers, since your stock is already in the US when a buyer places an order.
• Every shipment to the US now pays import duties, and most Sri Lankan products carry an extra 10% duty on top of the normal rate.
• Amazon collects and pays sales tax on your Amazon orders in every US state that has a sales tax.
• A foreign-owned LLC must file Form 5472 every year, even with no sales, or risk a $25,000 penalty. 

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