How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA Directly
With Amazon commanding over 37% of U.S. e-commerce sales, efficient shipping from China to Amazon FBA is critical for sellers aiming to thrive in this competitive marketplace.
Whether you’re a new seller or optimizing your logistics, this guide simplifies the process, compares shipping methods, and shares insider tips to deliver your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers quickly and cost-effectively.
While the process isn’t overly complex, it requires careful planning beyond simply labeling products and shipping to a single warehouse.
Table of Contents
How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA?
This section outlines the steps for shipping directly from China using sea or air transport. The easiest, safest, and most cost-effective approach is partnering with a reputable China freight forwarder or China sourcing company experienced in Amazon FBA requirements.
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Create Your Shipment
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For sea freight, ensure your shipment is directed to a single Amazon Fulfillment Center (FC). Shipping to a California FC from southern China ports is often the most efficient due to the shorter distance, reducing transit time and costs.
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Prepare Your Factory for Three Key Tasks
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First, ensure barcodes are applied to each individual item. Second, label all cartons and use master cartons for consolidated packaging. Third, apply pallet labels on all four sides of shipping pallets, if required.
Some third-party logistics providers (3PLs) can handle these tasks, especially when consolidating goods from multiple suppliers into a single FBA shipment.
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Coordinate Pickup with Your Freight Forwarder
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Choose a freight forwarder familiar with Amazon’s carrier requirements to ensure smooth direct shipping to FBA warehouses.
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Track Shipment and Pay Duties
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You must pay all applicable duties, as Amazon will not cover these costs. For sea freight, customs clearance is typically straightforward. For air couriers (e.g., FedEx), ensure duties and charges are billed to the sender, not Amazon. Shipments valued under $800 are generally duty-free.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping
With Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, your freight forwarder handles customs clearance and pays all import/export duties. You simply wait for delivery to the FBA warehouse.
DDP is ideal for new sellers, though it may involve higher upfront costs. Negotiate terms with your forwarder to balance cost and convenience.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid these frequent mistakes to ensure your shipment is accepted by Amazon:
- Incorrect labeling (e.g., missing barcodes or pallet labels).
- Shipping to multiple FCs without proper planning.
- Failing to pay duties, leading to shipment rejection.
- Using non-compliant packaging, violating Amazon’s standards.
Work with an experienced forwarder and double-check Amazon’s Seller Requirements to avoid delays.
Direct Shipping from Supplier to Amazon FBA
Shipping directly from your supplier to Amazon FBA saves time and money. It can cut 1-2 weeks off transit time and eliminate 3PL costs, potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars per shipment, depending on size.
Advantages:
- Faster transit means your products reach Amazon sooner, accelerating sales.
- Lower costs by bypassing middlemen like 3PLs.
Disadvantages:
- Amazon may require splitting shipments across multiple FCs.
- Duties must be prepaid before reaching the warehouse.
- Strict Amazon packaging and shipping standards must be met.
Shipping Through a 3PL
Using a 3PL offers benefits but adds time and cost. It typically takes 2-5 days for a 3PL to receive and prepare your inventory, plus several days for shipping to the designated FC, adding 1-2 weeks to delivery.
Advantages:
- Consolidates products from multiple suppliers.
- Allows quality checks to ensure Amazon compliance.
- Protects sales strategies from Chinese suppliers.
- Reduces risk of shipment rejection by Amazon.
Disadvantages:
- Additional 3PL fees increase costs.
- Longer delivery times delay sales.
Comparison of Shipping Methods
Below is a table comparing the five main shipping methods to help you choose the best option for your needs.
| Method | Weight/Size | Est. Cost (2021) | Delivery Time | Best For |
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| Express | <100kg, <0.5m³ | $6-$7/kg | 3-7 days | Urgent, small shipments |
| Air + Local Express | 100-400kg | $4.5-$5.2/kg | ~10 days | Medium-sized, time-sensitive |
| Sea + Local Express | 400-2000kg, 2-4m³ | $1.4-$1.85/kg | 20-25 days | Non-urgent, medium shipments |
| Sea + Local Truck | 400-2000kg, 2-10m³ | $138-$230 | 25-45 days | Cost-conscious, non-urgent |
| Full Container | 2000-4000kg, 10+m³ | $3464-$3998 | 25-45 days | Large, bulk shipments |
Note: Costs are 2024s estimates. Verify current rates with your freight forwarder due to fluctuations in fuel prices and demand.
Five Shipping Methods from China to Amazon FBA：
When sourcing products from China, choosing the right shipping method is key to balancing cost and speed. Below are the five most effective methods, including updated cost estimates and delivery times.
1. Express Shipping
Express shipping (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL, TNT) is ideal for products under 100kg or 0.5 cubic meters. It’s the fastest option, delivering to Amazon FCs quickly.
Estimated costs range from $6-$7 per kg (2021 rates; verify current pricing). Prices vary by season and courier. For example, FedEx may charge $5.7-$5.8/kg for 3-day delivery or $5.8-$5.9/kg for 7 days.
Features:
- Fast delivery
- Reliable couriers
- Expensive
Delivery Time:
- 3, 5, or 7 days
2. Air + Local Express (ANE)
For shipments of 100-400kg, air transport combined with local express delivery is efficient. The forwarder collects goods from your supplier, clears customs at the airport, and hands off to a local express service for FBA delivery.
A single forwarder manages both stages, quoting a fixed rate. Estimated costs (2021): $4.5-$5.0/kg (West US), $4.7-$5.2/kg (East US).
Features:
- Cheaper than express
- Fast
- Includes duty taxes
Delivery Time:
- Approximately 10 days
3. Sea + Local Express (SNE)
For non-urgent shipments of 400-2000kg or 2-4 cubic meters, sea transport with local express delivery is cost-effective. The forwarder handles sea shipment, customs clearance, and local express delivery to the FBA warehouse.
Estimated costs (2021): $1.4-$1.55/kg (West US), $1.7-$1.85/kg (East US). No extra fees are typically required.
Features:
- Non-urgent
- Reasonable price
- Includes duty taxes
Delivery Time:
- 20-25 days from China port departure
4. Sea + Local Truck (SNT)
For cost-conscious, non-urgent shipments of 400-2000kg or 2-10 cubic meters, sea transport with local truck delivery is ideal. The forwarder ships goods to a U.S. seaport, clears customs, and delivers via truck to the Amazon FC.
Estimated costs (2021): $138-$170 (West US), $194-$230 (East US). Discounts may apply for specific FCs (e.g., $80 for select U.S. warehouses).
- $138-$170 for US West
- $194-$230 for US East
Features:
- Low cost
- Longer delivery time
Delivery Time:
- 25-45 days
5. Full Container + Local Truck (FSNT)
For large shipments of 2000-4000kg or over 10 cubic meters, full container sea shipping with local truck delivery is best.
A container is loaded, shipped to a U.S. seaport, cleared through customs, and delivered by truck to the Amazon FC. This method offers better protection for your goods.
Cost:
- 20ft container: $3464 (2021 estimate)
- 40ft container: $3998 (2021 estimate)
Features:
- Cost-effective
- Long delivery time
- Full container rental
Delivery Time:
- 25-45 days
Sustainability in Shipping
With growing focus on sustainability, consider eco-friendly shipping options:
- Choose sea freight over air to reduce carbon emissions.
- Use Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging guidelines for sustainable materials.
- Partner with forwarders offering green logistics solutions.
Shipping Pallets to Amazon FBA
When shipping pallets, adhere to Amazon’s strict requirements:
- Shipment ID: Each box on a pallet must have the same shipment ID.
- FBA Label: Every box requires an FBA-provided label.
- Minimum Total Shipment Weight: Combined pallet weight must be at least 150 lbs.
- Maximum Individual Pallet Weight: Pallets must not exceed 1,500 lbs.
- Pallet Material: Use Class B or higher-grade wood pallets (48 x 40 inches).
- Overhang: Ensure no product overhang; boxes must be flush with pallet edges.
- Secure Boxes: Shrink-wrap all boxes to the pallet.
- Items Sold in Sets: Sets over 100 lbs must be packed on separate pallets.
- Delivery Appointments: Schedule appointments in advance.
- Box Limit: LTL shipments are capped at 5,000 boxes.
- BOL Requirements: Attach the bill of lading (BOL) to the pallet, including Amazon reference number, shipment number, seller name, round-trip address, carrier name, SCAC code, PRO number, handling unit, trailer and seal number, shipper load count (SLC), and freight terms.
Review Amazon’s Seller Requirements to avoid rejections. Hire an experienced Amazon FBA sourcing agent or forwarder to ensure compliance.
Shipping Containers to Amazon FBA
Direct container shipping from China to Amazon is faster than using a 3PL, saving 3-10 days by avoiding:
- Transit to a 3PL’s facility.
- Unloading containers.
- Palletizing and labeling.
- Carrier pickup and transit to FBA.
Amazon’s requirements for full container loads:
- Label all cartons.
- Palletizing is recommended but not mandatory.
- Schedule a delivery appointment.
Carton labels are mandatory, but pallet labels are optional for floor-stacked containers. Your carrier must book an appointment, which may involve waiting due to high demand.
How to Ship a Full Container to Amazon FBA?
1. Generate Shipment in Seller Central
2. Enter Supplier or Home Address
3. Select Shipping Service
4. Specify Cartons and Products
5. Label Master Cartons
6. Arrange Container Pickup
7. Confirm Booking with Amazon
Complete the booking form with your name and Amazon reference number. Appointments are limited, and delays may incur $100/day fees. Your forwarder handles booking.
8. Provide Tax ID to Forwarder
Your forwarder needs Amazon’s tax ID, listing them as the final consignee. Customs brokers can assist with this step.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if my shipment is rejected by Amazon?
Rejections occur due to non-compliance (e.g., missing labels, incorrect packaging). Work with your forwarder to correct issues and reship, or redirect to a 3PL for repackaging.
How do I choose a freight forwarder?
Select a forwarder with Amazon FBA experience, transparent pricing, and strong communication. Check reviews on platforms like Freightos or ask for recommendations on X.
Can I ship to multiple FCs in one shipment?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. Amazon may split your shipment across FCs, increasing complexity. A 3PL can help consolidate and redirect goods.
How do I handle returns or damaged goods?
Amazon manages returns, but damaged goods may require coordination with your supplier or forwarder. Ensure your contract specifies responsibility for damages.
Conclusion
This guide provides a starting point for shipping from China to Amazon FBA. Always review Amazon’s rules, as requirements vary by product and business. Visit the Amazon FBA page for details.
Partnering with a trusted product sourcing company simplifies the process. Share your FBA shipping experiences or questions on X, or contact us at Supplyia for expert guidance!
