shipping directly to amazon fba from china

Shipping directly to Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) from China involves several steps to ensure your products arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers correctly. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Preparing Your Products

  • Product Labeling: Each item must be labeled with an Amazon FBA barcode (FNSKU). You can print labels yourself or have Amazon label them for a fee.
  • Packaging: Ensure your products are packaged according to Amazon’s guidelines to avoid damage during transit.

2. Create an Amazon FBA Shipment

  • Set Up FBA: If you haven’t already, register for the FBA program on your Amazon Seller Central account.
  • Create a Shipment Plan: Provide details about the products you want to send, their quantities, and the shipping method. Amazon will direct you to specific fulfillment centers based on their inventory needs.

3. Choosing a Freight Forwarder

Select a reliable freight forwarder or shipping agent that specializes in shipping to Amazon FBA. They can help with:

  • Customs Clearance: Ensure all necessary documents are prepared.
  • Shipping Method: Decide between air freight (faster but more expensive) or sea freight (more economical for larger shipments).

4. Documentation Required

Prepare the following documents:

  • Commercial Invoice: Details about the shipment.
  • Packing List: An overview of what is included in the shipment.
  • Bill of Lading: Provided by your freight forwarder.
  • Customs Declaration: Required for customs clearance.

5. Shipping Options

  • Air Freight: Faster (usually 5-10 days), suitable for smaller shipments.
  • Sea Freight: More cost-effective for larger shipments (20-40 days).

6. Customs Clearance

Your freight forwarder will handle customs clearance, but you must ensure compliance with US customs regulations. Be aware of any import duties or taxes.

7. Delivery to Amazon FBA

  • Destination Address: Ensure the freight forwarder uses the correct Amazon fulfillment center address provided in your shipment plan.
  • Tracking: Use tracking services provided by your freight forwarder to monitor the shipment’s progress.

8. Follow Up

After your products are delivered to Amazon, monitor your inventory in Seller Central and ensure everything is in order.

By following these steps and working with a reliable freight forwarder, you can streamline the process of shipping directly to Amazon FBA from China.