Shipping directly from China to Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a popular choice for e-commerce sellers who want to streamline their logistics and supply chain. This process involves sending goods from a Chinese manufacturer or supplier directly to an Amazon fulfillment center in the U.S. or other regions, allowing Amazon to handle storage, packaging, and shipping to customers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ship directly from China to Amazon FBA, along with key considerations and recommendations:

Step-by-Step Guide for Shipping to Amazon FBA from China

1. Choose the Right Freight Method

• Sea Freight (for larger shipments): Most cost-effective for bulk shipments, but slower.
• Air Freight (for smaller or faster shipments): Faster but more expensive. Typically used for urgent orders or higher-value items.
• Express Shipping (for small parcels): Courier services like DHL, UPS, and FedEx can handle smaller shipments.

Note: For Amazon FBA, sea freight (FCL or LCL) is commonly used for larger volumes, while air freight is chosen for smaller orders or for restocking quickly.

2. Choose a Freight Forwarder or Shipping Agent

Since shipping to Amazon FBA requires special handling, it’s often a good idea to work with a freight forwarder who is experienced with Amazon FBA shipments. A good freight forwarder will assist with:

• Booking cargo.
• Handling customs clearance.
• Ensuring the correct labeling and packaging requirements.
• Managing shipping to Amazon’s designated FBA fulfillment centers.

Recommended Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA:

• ShipHub (www.shiphub.com)
• Freightos (www.freightos.com)
• JWD Group (www.jwdgroup.com)
• Flexport (www.flexport.com)

3. Packaging and Labeling Requirements for FBA

Amazon has very specific packaging and labeling requirements for FBA shipments. Ensure that your supplier in China follows these rules to avoid delays or additional fees:

• Product Labeling: Each product must have an Amazon FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label. You can generate these labels directly in your Amazon Seller Central account.
• Carton Labeling: Each box or carton being shipped to Amazon must also have an FBA carton label. This is also generated in Seller Central and should be affixed to each carton.
• Packaging:
  • Products should be packed to withstand damage during transit.
  • All boxes should be sealed properly.
  • Amazon has size and weight limits for FBA shipments (e.g., individual items must be within 18″ x 14″ x 8″ and under 50 lbs).
• Shipping Plan: Create a shipment plan in your Amazon Seller Central account. This tells Amazon the exact quantities and types of items you are sending, as well as the FBA warehouse addresses.

4. Coordinate with the Supplier

Once your products are ready to ship from the manufacturer in China, coordinate the following details:

• FBA Shipment Plan: Ensure your Chinese supplier knows exactly where to send the products (Amazon FBA warehouse addresses) and follows Amazon’s labeling and packaging guidelines.
• Customs and Duties: Your freight forwarder will help with customs clearance in the destination country (e.g., the U.S.), including paying import duties and taxes. Amazon requires that products are customs cleared before entering the fulfillment center.

5. Shipping Documentation

Your freight forwarder will require the following documentation for shipping to Amazon FBA:

• Commercial Invoice: Details the goods being shipped, including their value.
• Packing List: Breaks down the contents of the shipment.
• Bill of Lading: Provides proof of shipping from China.
• FBA Shipment ID: A unique identifier for your FBA shipment.

6. Shipping to the Amazon Fulfillment Center

After the goods are shipped, your freight forwarder will send them directly to the designated Amazon FBA warehouse(s). Be sure to follow Amazon’s instructions about which warehouse(s) to send your goods to. Amazon will assign multiple fulfillment centers for large shipments to optimize storage and delivery times.

Note: Amazon FBA shipments often require multiple destinations. If Amazon sends you shipment routing instructions, ensure that you send the products to the correct locations.

7. Tracking the Shipment

Track your shipment with your freight forwarder or shipping company. Ensure that it arrives on time to Amazon’s fulfillment center and that it is accepted for storage. You can also monitor the status through Amazon Seller Central.

8. Inventory Management

Once your goods are received by Amazon, they will be checked into the warehouse and made available for sale. You can monitor inventory levels and manage your FBA stock via Amazon Seller Central.

Important Considerations for Shipping to Amazon FBA from China

1. Customs Compliance: Ensure that all customs documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays or penalties. Failing to meet customs requirements can cause shipments to be delayed or even rejected by Amazon.
2. Shipping Costs: Shipping costs can vary greatly depending on the size, weight, and shipping method chosen. Work with a freight forwarder to get accurate cost estimates.
3. Time-Sensitive Deliveries: FBA shipments should ideally arrive 4-6 weeks before peak seasons (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas). This buffer ensures that your inventory is available for sale on Amazon and avoids stockouts.
4. Amazon’s Fees: Amazon FBA charges various fees for storing and fulfilling your products, including:
   • Storage Fees: Monthly fees for storing your products in Amazon’s warehouses.
   • Fulfillment Fees: Per-unit fees for picking, packing, and shipping your orders.
   • Removal Fees: Charges if you want to remove your inventory from Amazon FBA.
5. Inspection at Amazon Fulfillment Centers: Amazon performs inspections when goods arrive. If your products don’t meet their standards (e.g., damaged or incorrectly labeled), they may be rejected or sent back.
6. Customs Duties & Taxes: When shipping from China to the U.S., customs duties and taxes may apply, depending on the product type and value. The U.S. government uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to classify products for duty purposes.

Recommended Shipping Companies for Direct Amazon FBA Shipments

Here are a few logistics companies that specialize in shipping from China to Amazon FBA:

1. ShipHub: A global shipping platform offering air and ocean freight options specifically for Amazon FBA sellers.
   • Website: www.shiphub.com
2. Freightos: An online freight marketplace that connects you with multiple freight forwarders to help with Amazon FBA shipments.
   • Website: www.freightos.com
3. Flexport: Offers end-to-end solutions for e-commerce businesses, including shipping to Amazon FBA.
   • Website: www.flexport.com
4. Sino Shipping: A China-based logistics provider with experience in Amazon FBA shipping.
   • Website: www.sinoshipping.com
5. JWD Group: A logistics company with FBA shipping services and warehousing options.
   • Website: www.jwdgroup.com

Would you like help finding a specific freight forwarder or further details on one of these steps? Let me know if you’d like a customized quote or more information!