Shipping from China to the U.S. for Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) typically involves a few steps. The process can vary based on your shipment size, shipping method, and shipping company. Below are the key considerations and general shipping costs for FBA shipments:
Key Steps for Amazon FBA Shipping from China to the U.S.
- Prepare Your Products for FBA:
- Ensure your products meet Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements.
- Label each item according to Amazon’s FBA labeling guide.
- Send inventory to the correct Amazon warehouse based on Amazon’s FBA shipment plan.
- Choose the Right Shipping Method:
- Air Freight: Suitable for faster delivery but higher cost.
- Sea Freight: Ideal for bulk shipments and cost-effective for larger quantities.
- Shipping Costs:
- The shipping costs will vary based on your shipment weight, dimensions, and the shipping provider you choose.
- Customs and Import Fees:
- Products shipped from China to the U.S. are subject to customs duties, taxes, and potentially import fees, which are paid before delivery to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
- Delivery to Amazon Warehouse:
- After clearing customs, the shipment is delivered directly to Amazon’s FBA warehouse in the U.S.
Shipping Options for FBA from China to the U.S.
1. Air Freight (Express):
Air freight is the fastest method and is suitable if you need your products quickly (usually 3-7 business days).
Shipping Costs (Air Freight):
- 1 kg: Approx. $25 – $50
- 5 kg: Approx. $100 – $250
- 10 kg: Approx. $200 – $400
- 20 kg: Approx. $350 – $650
Delivery Time: 3 – 7 business days.
Air freight options like DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide express shipping services directly to the FBA warehouse.
2. Sea Freight (LCL & FCL):
Sea freight is cheaper but slower. It’s best for large shipments. For smaller shipments, you can use Less than Container Load (LCL), while Full Container Load (FCL) is used for bulk shipments.
Shipping Costs (Sea Freight):
- LCL (Less than Container Load):
- 1 m³: Approx. $100 – $200
- 5 m³: Approx. $400 – $800
- FCL (Full Container Load):
- 20 ft container: Approx. $2,000 – $4,000
- 40 ft container: Approx. $3,500 – $6,000
Delivery Time: 15 – 30 days (depending on the port and route).
3. Freight Forwarders:
A freight forwarder helps manage your shipment from China to Amazon’s FBA warehouse. They handle all the logistics, including customs clearance, transport, and final delivery. Popular freight forwarders for FBA shipments include:
- Flexport
- Shipa Freight
- Freightos
- ShipBob
Freight forwarders typically provide cost-effective solutions for large shipments but will charge additional fees for services such as customs clearance, warehouse handling, and delivery to Amazon.
4. Shipping Process for Amazon FBA:
Here’s a general overview of how shipping from China to Amazon FBA works:
- Create an FBA Shipment Plan in Amazon Seller Central. This will provide you with the destination FBA warehouses.
- Book Your Shipment with a shipping company or freight forwarder. If using air freight, services like DHL Express or FedEx are common; for sea freight, LCL or FCL are options.
- Prepare Your Products: Ensure your products are labeled correctly, packaged according to Amazon’s standards, and ready for shipment.
- Ship Your Goods to the U.S.: Your shipment will transit via air or sea to the U.S. and go through customs clearance.
- Customs Clearance: Products are processed through U.S. customs, and import duties (if applicable) must be paid.
- Delivery to Amazon FBA: After customs clearance, the shipment is delivered to Amazon’s fulfillment center, and your products are listed as available for sale.
5. Customs Duties and Taxes:
When shipping products to the U.S., you’ll need to consider customs duties and taxes. The duty rate depends on the product category. The Harmonized System (HS) Code determines the duty rate.
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces import duties, and the rate can range from 0% to 37% depending on the product type.
- Amazon does not cover customs fees, so these must be handled separately, either through a freight forwarder or your own customs broker.
6. Amazon FBA Shipping Cost Calculator:
To calculate the total costs, you can use the Amazon FBA Calculator (available in Seller Central). This tool estimates the shipping and handling fees, storage fees, and other costs related to FBA. It’s a great resource to help you estimate all your shipping costs from China to Amazon FBA.
Summary of Costs and Delivery Times for Amazon FBA Shipping:
| Shipping Method | 1 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express (Air Freight) | $25 – $50 | $100 – $250 | $200 – $400 | 3 – 5 days |
| FedEx Express (Air Freight) | $30 – $55 | $100 – $200 | $200 – $400 | 3 – 7 days |
| UPS Express (Air Freight) | $25 – $50 | $100 – $200 | $200 – $350 | 3 – 7 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $100 – $200 (per m³) | $400 – $800 | N/A | 20 – 40 days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $2,000 – $4,000 (20 ft) | $3,500 – $6,000 (40 ft) | N/A | 15 – 30 days |
Conclusion:
For Amazon FBA shipping from China to the U.S., the choice of shipping method (air or sea) and the cost will depend on factors such as your budget, delivery speed, and shipment size. Air freight is quicker but more expensive, while sea freight offers better rates for larger shipments. Working with a freight forwarder can simplify the process, especially for larger shipments.