Shipping inventory from China to Amazon FBA can be complex. You need to choose the right shipping method, manage customs clearance, and comply with Amazon’s strict receiving guidelines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to ship products from China to Amazon FBA efficiently and cost-effectively.
1. How Does Amazon FBA Work?
📦 Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) lets sellers store inventory in Amazon’s warehouses while Amazon handles:
✅ Storage & Warehousing – Amazon stores your products in its fulfillment centers.
✅ Order Fulfillment – Amazon picks, packs, and ships orders for you.
✅ Prime 1-2 Day Shipping – Increases sales conversions.
✅ Returns & Customer Service – Amazon manages returns on your behalf.
📢 FBA allows you to scale faster, but getting inventory to Amazon requires proper planning.
🔗 Optimize FBA inventory management with SelloPod
For FBA vs. other fulfillment options, check out Amazon FBA vs. Walmart WFS: Which Fulfillment Service is Best for Your Business?.
2. Choosing the Right Shipping Method from China to Amazon FBA
📢 There are three main ways to ship from China to Amazon FBA:
| Shipping Method | Best For | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Express (DHL, UPS, FedEx) | Small shipments under 200kg | ❌ Expensive | ✅ Fast (5-7 days) |
| Air Freight | Medium-sized shipments (200-500kg) | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Fast (7-14 days) |
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | Large shipments (500kg+) | ✅ Cheapest | ❌ Slow (25-40 days) |
📢 For small, urgent shipments, use Air Express. For bulk inventory, use Sea Freight.
3. Steps to Ship Products from China to Amazon FBA
📦 Follow these steps for a smooth FBA shipment:
Step 1: Set Up Your FBA Shipment in Amazon Seller Central
✅ Go to Seller Central > Inventory > Send/Replenish Inventory.
✅ Enter shipment details (quantity, prep requirements, etc.).
✅ Amazon assigns you a fulfillment center (e.g., ONT8, LAX9).
Step 2: Choose Your Freight Forwarder or Carrier
✅ Work with a freight forwarder to handle customs and transportation.
✅ Decide on Air Freight or Sea Freight based on your shipment size.
🔗 Need help choosing a freight forwarder? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Freight Forwarders
Step 3: Prepare Your Shipment for Amazon FBA
✅ Follow Amazon’s labeling requirements (FNSKU, barcodes).
✅ Use Amazon-approved packaging (no oversized boxes or restricted materials).
✅ Include a carton-level packing list for easy inventory check-in.
📢 Incorrect labeling or packaging can cause Amazon to reject your shipment!
🔗 Try AI-powered inventory tracking with SelloPod
Step 4: Clear Customs & Pay Import Duties
✅ Use the right HS Code to calculate import duties.
✅ Decide on shipping terms: FOB vs. CIF vs. DDP.
✅ Work with a customs broker if importing high-value goods.
🔗 Learn how to reduce import taxes in our guide: How to Avoid Costly Import Taxes and Duties
Step 5: Deliver to Amazon Fulfillment Centers
✅ Use Amazon’s partnered carrier (for domestic delivery from port to FBA).
✅ Ensure tracking and shipment IDs match Amazon’s system.
📢 Once received, Amazon will check in your inventory and make it available for sale.
4. How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to Amazon FBA?
📦 Shipping costs vary depending on weight, volume, and method.
📌 Cost Estimates:
- Air Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS): $6 – $12 per kg
- Air Freight: $4 – $8 per kg
- Sea Freight (LCL): $1,500 – $3,500 per 20ft container
- Sea Freight (FCL): $3,500 – $7,000 per 40ft container
📢 Shipping costs fluctuate, so always get multiple quotes from freight forwarders.
🔗 Optimize supply chain costs with SelloPod
For storing inventory cost-effectively, check out How to Reduce E-commerce Storage Costs and Maximize Profits.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to Amazon FBA
🚨 Avoid these costly mistakes when importing to Amazon:
❌ Not following Amazon’s labeling rules – Leads to shipment rejections.
❌ Using the wrong HS Code – Can result in high import duties.
❌ Choosing the wrong Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) – Impacts overall costs.
❌ Underestimating shipping lead times – Causes stockouts and lost sales.
❌ Ignoring Amazon’s warehouse restrictions – Some products need special handling.
📢 Following Amazon’s FBA guidelines prevents costly delays and rejections.
🔗 Get AI-powered inventory forecasting with SelloPod
6. Should You Use a 3PL Before Sending to FBA?
📦 A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics Provider) can help you:
✅ Pre-inspect inventory before shipping to Amazon.
✅ Repack or re-label goods to meet Amazon’s FBA requirements.
✅ Store inventory for multi-channel fulfillment (Amazon, Walmart, Shopify).
📢 Using a 3PL reduces Amazon storage fees and provides more fulfillment flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Successfully Shipping from China to Amazon FBA
📢 Shipping to Amazon FBA requires careful planning, but it’s worth it for scaling your business.
✔ Choose the right shipping method (Air Express, Air Freight, or Sea Freight).
✔ Follow Amazon’s packaging and labeling guidelines.
✔ Work with a freight forwarder to avoid customs delays.
✔ Consider using a 3PL to manage storage and fulfillment costs.
✔ Always factor in shipping lead times to avoid stockouts.
📢 Want to optimize your Amazon FBA supply chain? Try SelloPod today!