To ship from China to Amazon FBA, you’ll need to set up your Amazon Seller account, pick a reliable freight forwarder, and select the best shipping method: air, sea, or express. You’ll also need to correctly package your goods (following Amazon’s requirements) and avoid common mistakes, such as overlooking Chinese holidays or skipping quality inspections, to make the shipping process smoother.
An estimated 70% of the items sold on Amazon are manufactured in China. Let the team at Twings Supply help you streamline your Amazon FBA shipping process. We’ll help you get ahead of other suppliers and give your business a boost. Contact us today!
How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA Guide
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA involves creating an Amazon Seller account, partnering with a reliable freight forwarder, and making sure your goods are packaged according to Amazon’s requirements. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to ship directly from China to Amazon FBA.
1. Set Up Your Amazon Seller Account
Before you can ship products from China to Amazon FBA, you need to set up an Amazon Seller account. This is where you’ll manage your product listings, orders, payments, and shipments.
Choose Your Account Type
The first step in setting up your Amazon Seller account is to choose the appropriate account type. There are two options: Individual and Professional.
- An Individual Account is ideal for sellers who plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month. This option has no monthly fee, but Amazon charges $0.99 per item sold.
- A Professional Account is better for sellers who plan to sell more than 40 items each month. This account costs $39.99 per month and includes additional features like bulk listing tools and access to Amazon’s advertising services.
Provide Required Information
Once you’ve chosen your account type, you’ll need to provide several pieces of information to complete the registration process, including your:
- Business name
- Business address
- Tax information
- Bank account details (for your earnings)
- A valid credit card (for account verification and Amazon’s fees)
For U.S. sellers, you’ll need to provide your:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses
Identity Verification
After entering your business and payment details, Amazon may request identity verification. You’ll need to submit documentation such as a government-issued ID, business registration documents, or recent utility bills to confirm your identity.
Agree to Amazon’s Terms
Once your identity is verified, you’ll need to agree to Amazon terms and conditions. This includes accepting their selling policies, Amazon FBA requirements, and tax guidelines.
2. Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder in China
A good freight forwarder will handle logistics, customs, and Amazon’s requirements, so your products arrive on time and without issues. Here are some things to look for:
Experience with Amazon FBA
Work with a freight forwarder who has experience shipping to Amazon FBA warehouses. They should know Amazon’s rules for packaging, labeling, and delivery to avoid any delays or problems when your products arrive.
Licensing and Certifications
Verify that your freight forwarder has the appropriate certifications and licenses to manage your shipment. Common licenses include:
- NVOCC Registration (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier): Allows the forwarder to engage in NVOCC business activities and issue bills of lading in China. Registration can be completed post-company registration.
- Trucking and Road Freight Forwarders: Require authorization from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate legally for domestic ground transportation in the United States.
- Ocean Freight Forwarders: Must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to arrange cargo shipments on ocean vessels and issue necessary documentation for international trade.
- Air Freight Forwarders: Need to complete training and obtain a membership number from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to adhere to global air cargo handling standards.
Transparent Pricing
A reliable freight forwarder should clearly explain all their costs upfront. You should know exactly what you’re paying for to avoid unexpected fees or hidden charges.
Good Communication
Choose a freight forwarder who is easy to reach and keeps you updated on your shipment’s status. This helps you stay informed and quickly handle any issues that might come up.
At Twings Supply, we are highly skilled at helping businesses like yours streamline the shipping process to Amazon FBA. Our team is experienced in managing logistics, and meeting Amazon’s FBA requirements. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your next shipment.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Finding the best shipping method from China to Amazon FBA depends on your budget, delivery requirements, and the size or type of products being shipped. Below is a breakdown of the main shipping methods to help you make an informed decision.
| Shipping Method | Average Time (days) | Best For | Cost | CO₂ Impact | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | 1 to 10 | Medium, high-value, time-sensitive | High | ≈ 1,054 g/ton-km | — Fast — Not ideal for large or heavy shipments |
| Sea Freight | 11 to 60 | Large, non-urgent shipments | Low | ≈ 19 g/ton-km | — Economical — FCL and LCL options available |
| Amazon Send | Varies | Direct to FBA warehouses | Moderate | Moderate | Handles customs and FBA delivery |
| Express | 1 to 7 | Small, urgent, high-value | Highest | Moderate | — Reliable door-to-door — Best for light items |
Air Freight
Air freight offers fast delivery, with transit times ranging from 1 to 10 days. This method is ideal for shipping high-value or time-sensitive items. While air freight costs more than sea freight, it’s often preferred for medium-sized shipments that need quicker delivery. Large or heavy shipments may not be cost-effective using this option.
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the most economical option for large or bulky shipments. Transit times range from 11 to 60 days, making it suitable for items that are not time-sensitive. Sea freight is charged based on the volume or weight of the shipment, and you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) for exclusive use or Less than Container Load (LCL) for shared space.
Air freight generates approximately 1,054 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, while sea freight produces around 19 grams per ton-kilometer. This means air freight is about 55times more carbon-intensive than sea freight.
Amazon Send
Amazon Send is a service that helps sellers ship products from China directly to Amazon FBA warehouses. A partnered carrier picks up the shipment and handles everything, including customs and delivering the goods to the assigned fulfillment center. Sellers can either drop off their products at a collection point or arrange for the carrier to pick them up.
Express Shipping (Courier)
Express shipping, offered by services like DHL, UPS, and FedEx, provides fast delivery with transit times of 1 to 7 days. It’s best suited for small or high-value shipments that require a reliable door-to-door service. Express shipping costs more than air or sea freight, so it’s most effective for urgent or lightweight orders.
4. Do a Quality Inspection
A quality inspection ensures your products meet Amazon’s FBA requirements and customer expectations before shipment. Use a third-party inspection service in China to check for defects, proper labeling, and packaging.
Have the inspection done once at least 80% of your order is complete and packed. This will help you correct any issues immediately with your supplier to prevent delays or returns.
5. Create an Amazon Shipping Plan
To start an Amazon shipping plan, access Seller Central, choose the products for shipment, and input the origin address, such as your supplier or forwarder. Provide details about packing and quantities, then generate and attach box labels. Confirm the assigned fulfillment centers and arrange transportation using your preferred shipping method to deliver to Amazon FBA.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Log into Amazon Seller Central | Access your Amazon Seller Central account to begin creating your shipping plan. |
| 2. Select Products | Go to “Inventory,” select items to ship, and choose “Send/Replenish Inventory” from the dropdown menu. |
| 3. Enter Ship-From Address | Provide the origin address, such as your supplier’s location in China or your freight forwarder. |
| 4. Specify Packing Details | Choose individual items (different products packed together) or case-packed (identical items). |
| 5. Set Quantities | Input the number of units per SKU and the total number of boxes for each product. |
| 6. Prepare Products | Decide if you’ll prepare and label the products yourself or use Amazon’s prep service for a fee. |
| 7. Review Shipment | Check Amazon’s assigned fulfillment centers and confirm the shipment details. |
| 8. Print Labels | Generate FBA shipment ID labels and securely attach them to the corresponding boxes. |
| 9. Arrange Shipping | Choose a shipping method (air, sea, or courier) and work with your carrier or freight forwarder to deliver to Amazon. |
6. Package Your Products
Following Amazon’s packaging and labeling guidelines helps avoid delays, protects your products during transit, and prepares them for fulfillment.
Packaging Standards
Use sturdy, 6-sided boxes with intact flaps to protect products during transit. Fragile items should have extra cushioning materials to prevent damage. Make sure that boxes are not overfilled or underfilled to maintain their integrity.
Labeling
Each unit must have a scannable barcode, such as UPC, EAN, JAN, or Amazon’s FNSKU. Place labels on the outside packaging in an easily accessible location. Do not place labels on seams or corners.
Total Quantity
For multipacks or bundled items, clearly indicate the total quantity on the packaging (e.g., “Pack of 6”). This helps both Amazon’s fulfillment centers and customers understand the contents.
7. Find a Customs Broker
A customs broker helps you work with Customs and Border Protection to make sure your goods meet all rules and regulations. They handle important tasks like preparing documents, calculating taxes and duties, and customs clearance, which can save time and help avoid shipping delays or fines.
The documents handled by a customs broker are as follows:
- Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction between buyer and seller, including price, quantity, and product description
- Packing List: Specifies the weight, dimensions, and packaging details of the shipment
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: Serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier, outlining the terms of transport
- Certificate of Origin: Indicates where the goods were manufactured, which can affect duty rates and eligibility for trade agreements
- Import Licenses and Permits: Required for certain products, such as electronics or medical devices, to maintain compliance with regulations
8. Ship and Track
Once your shipment is ready, work with your chosen carrier to transport your goods to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Make sure all required documents are included to avoid delays.
You can monitor your shipment’s progress in Amazon’s Seller Central. Go to the “Manage FBA Shipments” page under the “Inventory” tab to check its status, such as “Shipped,” “In Transit,” or “Delivered.”
After your shipment arrives, Amazon usually takes 1 to 5 business days to process it and make the inventory available for sale. This timeline can vary based on factors like the size of the shipment or seasonal demand.
Common Mistakes When Shipping from China to Amazon FBA
Common mistakes include overlooking Chinese holiday schedules, underestimating total costs, paying in full before shipment, and neglecting quality inspections.
Not Being Aware of Chinese Holidays
Chinese holidays, such as Chinese New Year, National Day, and the Dragon Boat Festival, can delay production and shipping. Chinese New Year, which lasts 15 days, often leads to factory and logistics closures for weeks. Plan shipments in advance to avoid disruptions during these holidays.
Underestimating the Costs
Shipping involves more than freight fees. Import duties, Harmonized System (HS) codes, and VAT can impact your budget. Misjudging these costs can lead to financial strain, so calculate all landed costs before shipping to stay on track.
Paying in Full Upfront
Paying the entire balance before shipment puts you at risk if there are quality issues or delays. A common approach is to pay 30% upfront as a deposit and the rest after inspection or before shipment. This gives you the ability to address any problems with your supplier before full payment is made.
Neglecting Quality Inspections
Skipping a pre-shipment inspection can result in defective or incorrectly labeled products arriving at Amazon. Use a third-party inspection service to verify product quality, packaging, and compliance with Amazon’s FBA standards. This step can save time and money by preventing customer complaints and returns.
How to Handle Shipping Problems
Shipping problems, such as customs delays, lost inventory, or rejected shipments, can disrupt your operations. Knowing how to handle these issues effectively can help minimize disruptions and keep your supply chain on track.
Customs Delays
Customs delays often happen due to incomplete or inaccurate documentation. To avoid delays, you should:
- Make sure all required paperwork is accurate
- Stay informed about changes in import and export regulations to avoid non-compliance
- Use the correct HTS codes to classify goods and prevent fines or seizure of shipments
Lost Inventory
When dealing with lost inventory, you should file a claim through Amazon Seller Central. Provide all necessary documentation, such as proof of shipment and product details, to help resolve the issue efficiently. Amazon has processes in place to investigate and reimburse for inventory lost during transit or at their fulfillment centers.
Rejected Shipment
A rejected shipment can occur if your products don’t meet Amazon’s requirements for packaging, labeling, or other compliance standards. In such cases, contact Amazon Seller Support for assistance. Be prepared to provide proof of shipment and compliance documentation to address the issue and potentially avoid extra fees.
Partner with Twings Supply
The easiest way to avoid mistakes and problems is to work with a reputable freight forwarder like Twings Supply. Get in touch with us today and let us make shipping from China to Amazon FBA simple and stress-free.
FAQs on How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA
How long does it take to ship from China to Amazon FBA?
Express shipping from China to Amazon FBA through couriers like DHL or FedEx takes 1 to 7 business days. Air freight requires 1 to 10 days, while sea freight, the most economical option, usually takes 11 to 60 days. These timelines can vary widely due to factors like customs clearance, seasonal demand, and weather conditions.
Can I ship products directly to Amazon without using a freight forwarder?
Yes, you can ship products directly to Amazon FBA without a freight forwarder by managing logistics yourself or using Amazon Global Logistics. However, handling customs clearance, documentation, and compliance can be challenging, so many sellers choose to work with a freight forwarder for a smoother process.
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