How to Start Selling on Amazon in India in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Start Selling on Amazon in India in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Published: June 2026  |  12 min read  |  Updated for 2026 fee changes

🚀 Quick answer: To start selling on Amazon India, you need a GST number, PAN card, active bank account, and a product to sell. Registration is free. Most sellers go live within 7–14 days. This guide walks you through every step.

India’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030, and Amazon India sits right at the center of that growth. With millions of buyers browsing every day and Amazon handling delivery, payments, and customer trust — there has never been a better time to start selling.

But getting started the right way matters. Many new sellers lose time and money because they skip steps or make avoidable mistakes. This guide gives you the complete, up-to-date roadmap — from zero to your first sale on Amazon India in 2026.

Why Sell on Amazon India in 2026?

Amazon India gives sellers access to hundreds of millions of registered customers across every pin code in the country. Unlike building your own website, you tap into a marketplace where people already come with intent to buy.

Here is why 2026 is a particularly good time to start:

  • Zero referral fees on products under ₹1,000 — As of March 16, 2026, Amazon India expanded its zero referral fee policy to over 12.5 crore products priced under ₹1,000 across 1,800+ categories including Apparel, Home & Kitchen, Beauty, Toys, and more. This significantly improves profit margins for new sellers.
  • Reduced closing fees — Amazon has kept reduced closing fees from 2025 into 2026. For products under ₹300, the closing fee dropped from ₹45 to ₹20.
  • Payments every 7 days — After your first settlement (within 14 days), Amazon pays you every 7 days, which is faster than most other platforms.
  • Built-in logistics — Amazon’s delivery network covers over 99% of serviceable pin codes, so you don’t need to build your own shipping infrastructure.
  • Global expansion opportunity — Once you are established on Amazon India, you can expand to Amazon USA, UK, UAE, and 20+ other international marketplaces through the Amazon Global Selling program.

💡 Key stat: Third-party sellers now drive over 60% of all Amazon sales globally, making it one of the most accessible platforms for independent entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Documents and Requirements You Need

Before you begin registration, keep these documents ready. Missing any one of these will delay your account approval.

DocumentWhy It Is NeededWhere to Get It
GST Number (GSTIN)Mandatory for most categories. Required to list and sell on Amazon India.GST portal — gstin.gov.in
PAN CardIdentity verification and tax complianceIncome Tax Department
Active Bank AccountTo receive your sales payments from AmazonAny nationalized or private bank
Business Email IDFor your seller account login and communicationsCreate a dedicated business email
Mobile NumberOTP verification during registrationAny active Indian mobile number
Pickup AddressMust match the state in your GST certificateYour business/warehouse address

⚠️ Important: You can technically register without a GST number for a few categories like books and handmade products — but this severely restricts what you can sell. For any serious selling, get your GST registration done first. It usually takes 7–10 working days.

Step 1 — Create Your Amazon Seller Account

⏱ Time required: 20–30 minutes

  1. Go to sellercentral.amazon.in and click “Register Now”
  2. Enter your business email and create a secure password
  3. Verify your email via the OTP sent to your inbox
  4. Choose your account type — Individual (no monthly fee, ₹99 per item sold) or Professional (₹999/month, unlimited listings). For most serious sellers, the Professional plan makes more sense once you plan to sell more than 10 items per month.
  5. Enter your business name — choose a clean, professional name that represents your brand
  6. Submit your GST number and PAN card details
  7. Add your bank account information for payments
  8. Upload your identity proof (Aadhaar card or passport) and address proof

Verification typically takes 24 to 72 hours. Amazon may call or email you for additional documents in some cases.

One critical mistake many new sellers make: registering with a personal PAN when they have a company. Switching entity type later requires full re-verification. Start with the right business entity from day one.

Step 2 — Set Up Your Seller Profile Correctly

Once your account is approved, do not jump straight to listing products. Spend 30–60 minutes setting up your profile properly — this affects your credibility and reduces future problems.

  • Configure tax settings — Set up your GST details correctly inside Seller Central under Settings → Tax Settings
  • Set up shipping templates — Define which areas you can ship to, delivery timelines, and shipping charges
  • Set your return policy — Amazon has default return policies, but review them for your product category
  • Add your store display name — This is what customers see. Make it professional and brand-relevant.
  • Verify your bank account — Amazon sends a small verification deposit. Confirm it to activate payouts.

Step 3 — Choose the Right Product to Sell

This is the most important step. Many sellers rush to list whatever they have available — but smart product selection is what separates profitable sellers from those who struggle.

What makes a good Amazon India product in 2026?

  • Priced between ₹300 and ₹2,000 — sweet spot for impulse purchases
  • Lightweight under 1 kg — keeps shipping and FBA fees low
  • Non-fragile — reduces returns and damage complaints
  • A clear use case that is easy to describe in a title and three bullet points
  • Not dominated by large brands — gives new sellers room to compete

Best categories for new sellers to start with

Avoid restricted categories when starting out. Begin with categories that are easy to list in:

  • Home & Kitchen
  • Sports & Outdoors
  • Stationery & Office Supplies
  • Toys & Games
  • Beauty & Personal Care
  • Health & Household

⚠️ Avoid for now: Electronics, medicines, food products, and certain regulated categories require Amazon approval and are harder to list as a new seller.

Your sourcing options

  • Private Label — Source a generic product, brand it yourself. Highest margins, best for long-term brand building.
  • Wholesale / Reselling — Buy branded products at wholesale price and resell. Lower margins but easier to start.
  • Manufacturer Direct — If you are a manufacturer, this is the most profitable model with full control.
  • Handmade — Unique handmade products can command premium prices and face less competition.

Step 4 — Create Your First Product Listing

Your product listing is your storefront. A well-optimized listing ranks higher on Amazon search and converts more browsers into buyers.

The 6 parts of a great Amazon listing

  1. Product Title — Include your main keyword, brand name, key feature, and size/variant. Keep it under 200 characters. Example: “Brand Name Stainless Steel Water Bottle 1 Litre | Leak-Proof | BPA Free | For Office, Gym, School”
  2. Bullet Points (5 key features) — Lead with the benefit, not just the feature. Mention the main keyword naturally in at least one bullet.
  3. Product Description — Tell the story of your product. Why does the customer need it? What problem does it solve?
  4. Backend Keywords — These are invisible to customers but Amazon uses them for search. Add all relevant keywords here that you could not fit in the title.
  5. Product Images — Minimum 6 images. First image must be on white background. Include lifestyle images, size reference, and key feature callouts.
  6. Price — Research your competitors. Price competitively at launch to build initial sales velocity and reviews.

💡 Pro tip: Use Amazon’s free keyword tools and look at what keywords your top competitors are using in their titles. Those are the exact search terms buyers are already using.

Step 5 — Choose Your Fulfillment Method

Amazon India offers three ways to fulfill orders. Your choice affects your fees, Prime eligibility, and how much work you do.

MethodHow It WorksBest For
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)You send stock to Amazon’s warehouse. Amazon packs, ships, handles returns.Fast-moving products, Prime eligibility, sellers who want hands-off operations
Easy ShipYou store and pack. Amazon picks up and delivers.Sellers who want delivery handled but prefer to hold their own stock
Self-Ship (FBM)You store, pack, and ship using your own courier.Sellers with large/heavy products or existing logistics setups

FBA products typically convert 30–40% better because they are Prime eligible and customers trust Amazon-fulfilled delivery. However, FBA comes with storage and fulfillment fees, so calculate your margins carefully before choosing.

Step 6 — Launch and Get Your First Sale

Going live is just the beginning. Your first 30–60 days are critical for building sales history and reviews, which directly affects your ranking on Amazon search.

Launch checklist for your first 30 days

  • ✅ Run Amazon Sponsored Products (PPC) ads from day one — even a small daily budget of ₹200–₹500 builds visibility fast
  • ✅ Price competitively — you don’t need to be cheapest, but avoid being 20%+ higher than similar listings at launch
  • ✅ Use Amazon’s “Request a Review” button after every order to get reviews legally
  • ✅ Monitor your Account Health dashboard daily — keep your order defect rate below 1%
  • ✅ Respond to any customer questions or messages within 24 hours
  • ✅ Share your listing on your personal WhatsApp or social media to kickstart initial sales

Amazon India Fees Explained (2026)

Understanding your fees before you list is essential. Many sellers discover they are unprofitable only after they start selling — by then it is too late. Here is what Amazon charges:

Fee TypeWhat It IsApproximate Amount
Referral FeeAmazon’s commission on each sale0% (products under ₹1,000 in 1,800+ categories from March 2026) or 2%–38% depending on category
Closing FeeFixed fee per order based on price slab₹20 for products under ₹300 | ₹26 for ₹300–₹500 range
FBA Storage FeeMonthly charge for storing in Amazon warehouse₹45 per cubic foot per month
FBA Fulfillment FeePick, pack, and ship per unitVaries by product weight and size
Professional PlanMonthly subscription (optional)₹999/month (unlimited listings, no per-item fee)
GST on Amazon Fees18% GST applied on all Amazon service feesAdded on top of all fees above

🎉 2026 update: Amazon India expanded Zero Referral Fees to over 12.5 crore products priced under ₹1,000 across 1,800+ categories effective March 16, 2026 — a 10x expansion from the previous ₹300 limit. This is a significant margin improvement for fashion, lifestyle, and home sellers.

Always calculate your net profit BEFORE listing using Amazon’s fee calculator in Seller Central. A simple formula: Selling Price − Product Cost − All Amazon Fees = Your Profit. Aim for a minimum 25–30% margin after all fees.

Expert Tips to Grow Faster on Amazon India

  • Get your Brand Registry done early — Even with a small brand, registering your trademark and enrolling in Amazon Brand Registry unlocks A+ Content, Storefront, and protection against hijackers.
  • Start with 1–3 products, not 20 — Master one product before scaling. A focused launch with one great listing beats 20 average ones.
  • Use video in your listings — Listings with product demo videos see 10–15% higher conversion rates. Even a simple smartphone video works.
  • Keep your inventory healthy — Running out of stock kills your ranking. Set reorder alerts and maintain at least 30 days of stock at all times.
  • Work with a certified Amazon partner — New sellers who work with an experienced Amazon selling partner go live significantly faster, avoid costly mistakes, and typically reach their first sale within 45 days.

Ready to Start Selling on Amazon India?

We are an official Amazon Global Selling Partner. We handle everything — account setup, listing creation, brand registry, ads, and ongoing management. Your first 3 months are completely free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amazon seller registration free in India?

Yes, creating an Amazon seller account is free. The Individual plan charges ₹99 per item sold. The Professional plan is ₹999 per month with no per-item fee. Amazon also charges a referral fee and closing fee on each sale.

Do I need a GST number to sell on Amazon India?

GST registration is required for most product categories on Amazon India. Without it, your listing capabilities are severely limited. A few categories like books and handmade items are exempt, but for serious selling, you need a GST number.

How long does it take to start selling on Amazon India?

Account verification takes 24–72 hours. After that, listing your products and going live takes another 1–3 days. Most sellers can be ready to receive orders within 7–14 days of starting registration.

How does Amazon pay sellers in India?

Amazon settles payments directly to your registered bank account. The first settlement happens within 14 days. After that, payments are made every 7 days — faster than most other e-commerce platforms in India.

Can I sell on Amazon India without a company?

Yes. You can register as a sole proprietor using your personal PAN card. However, if you have a registered company (Pvt Ltd or LLP), register under the company for better tax benefits and long-term credibility.

What is FBA and should I use it as a new seller?

FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) means you send your stock to Amazon’s warehouse and they handle packing, shipping, and returns. FBA products qualify for Prime delivery and typically sell 30–40% better. However, it comes with storage and fulfillment fees. Calculate your margins carefully before choosing FBA.

Can I sell globally on Amazon once I start on Amazon India?

Yes. Amazon’s Global Selling program allows Indian sellers to list products on Amazon USA, UK, UAE, Australia, and 20+ other marketplaces from one seller account. This is one of the biggest advantages of starting on Amazon.

AG

Amazon Global Selling Partner Team

We have helped 500+ sellers launch and grow on Amazon globally. If you want expert guidance to start selling faster, our first 3 months of service are completely free.