Shipping from China to Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) involves a few key steps, including selecting the shipping method, handling customs, and ensuring that goods are delivered to the correct Amazon fulfillment center in the U.S. The cost varies depending on factors like shipping method, volume, size of your products, and additional services like customs clearance or door-to-door delivery.

Here’s a breakdown of the key costs involved in shipping from China to Amazon FBA:

1. Shipping Methods

The two most common methods for shipping goods from China to Amazon FBA are sea freight (FCL or LCL) and air freight.

Sea Freight (Full Container Load – FCL)

• Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal if you have enough goods to fill an entire container (20 ft or 40 ft).
  • 20 ft Container: Typically costs between $1,500 – $3,500.
  • 40 ft Container: Typically costs between $3,000 – $5,500.
• Transit Time: Typically 15-40 days depending on the port of departure (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen) and destination port (e.g., Los Angeles, New York).

Sea Freight (Less than Container Load – LCL)

• Less than Container Load (LCL) is more cost-effective for smaller shipments that don’t require a full container.
  • Cost: Typically $50 – $150 per cubic meter (m³).
• Transit Time: Typically 20-45 days, depending on the consolidation and port of destination.

Air Freight

Air freight is faster but more expensive and is often used for high-value or time-sensitive goods.

• Cost: Typically $10 – $40 per kg.
• Transit Time: Typically 3-7 days.

Express Services (DHL, UPS, FedEx)

For small shipments or those that need to arrive quickly, express services like DHL, UPS, or FedEx may be an option.

• Cost: Typically $20 – $60 per kg.
• Transit Time: Typically 3-7 business days.

2. Additional Costs Involved

In addition to the shipping method, there are other costs that may be incurred when shipping from China to Amazon FBA:

Customs Duties and Taxes

• Customs Duties: Import duties are charged by U.S. Customs based on the tariff code of the products. Rates vary based on the type of goods.
• Customs Fees: There are additional processing fees for clearing goods through U.S. customs.
• Import Taxes: The U.S. may impose taxes on imported goods, typically paid at the time of clearance.

Amazon FBA Fees

Once your products arrive at the Amazon fulfillment center, there are various FBA fees that Amazon charges for storage, picking, packing, and shipping.

• Storage Fees: Fees for storing products in Amazon’s warehouses, charged monthly. These vary based on the time of year (higher during peak season).
  • Standard Size: Typically $0.75 – $2.40 per cubic foot.
  • Oversize: Typically $0.48 – $1.70 per cubic foot.
• Fulfillment Fees: Charged for each item picked, packed, and shipped to customers. These fees depend on the size and weight of the product.
  • For example, a standard-size item weighing less than 1 lb will cost around $2.50 – $3.50 per unit.

FBA Prep and Labeling Costs

• If you choose to have prep services (e.g., labeling, poly-bagging, bundling), there may be an additional fee.
  • Labeling: Typically $0.10 – $0.30 per unit.
  • Prep services: Varies depending on the complexity of the preparation.

3. Shipping to Amazon FBA (Door-to-Door vs. Port-to-Port)

• Port-to-Port: The cost will only cover sea freight or air freight from the port in China to the destination port in the U.S. (e.g., Los Angeles, New York).
• Door-to-Door: This option includes additional services like transportation from the Chinese warehouse to the port, customs clearance, and delivery to the Amazon FBA warehouse.
  • Cost: Typically $500 – $1,500 extra for smaller shipments, depending on the freight forwarder and services.

4. Shipping Cost Estimates

The following are rough estimates for shipping from China to Amazon FBA based on shipment size and method:

For Sea Freight (LCL)

• Small shipment (around 1 cubic meter): Typically $100 – $200 for sea freight alone (excluding additional fees like customs, Amazon FBA fees, etc.).
• Medium shipment (around 5 cubic meters): Typically $500 – $1,000 for sea freight alone.
• Larger shipments (20 ft container or more): Costs will range from $1,500 to $5,500 for a full container, plus additional FBA fees and customs charges.

For Air Freight

• Small shipment (10 kg): $100 – $400 depending on the weight and shipping service.
• Medium shipment (50 kg): $500 – $2,000, depending on the destination and urgency.

5. Choosing a Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder can assist you with the entire process, including arranging for FCL, LCL, or air freight to Amazon FBA, handling customs clearance, and managing the final delivery to an Amazon warehouse. Here are some reputable freight forwarders:

• Sino Shipping
• Flexport
• ShipBob
• DB Schenker

Conclusion

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA requires careful planning to minimize costs and ensure timely delivery. Sea freight (LCL or FCL) is typically the most cost-effective method for larger shipments, while air freight is faster but more expensive. Always factor in Amazon FBA fees, customs duties, and any additional services like labeling or preparation when calculating the total cost of your shipment. Working with an experienced freight forwarder can help simplify the process and ensure your products reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers efficiently.