Shipping products from China to Amazon FBA can be a daunting task for many sellers. While it may seem like a simple process, there are several factors to consider, such as the shipping method, customs clearance, and labeling requirements. In this article, we will explore various methods for shipping from China to Amazon FBA, including shipping directly from suppliers, using a third-party logistics provider, and shipping pallets or containers.
By understanding the different shipping methods available and their respective benefits and drawbacks, sellers can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth shipping process. Additionally, we will provide answers to frequently asked questions to help sellers navigate the complexities of shipping from China to Amazon FBA.
How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA?
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and cost-effective process. Here are some steps to follow:
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Generate Your Shipment
When shipping via sea freight, it is recommended to send your shipment to only one fulfillment center (FC) to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Shipping from southern California to California FC is the shortest and most efficient route.
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Ask Your Factory 3 Important Things to Do
Before shipping, ensure that each item has a barcode, the cartons are labeled and are master cartons, and labels are applied to all four sides of the shipping pallets.
Some third-party logistics (3PLs) can assist with these tasks when collecting goods from different suppliers and shipping to Amazon FBA in one shipment.
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Arrange with Your Freight Forwarder to Pick Up
When shipping directly to Amazon FBA from China, it is important to work with a freight forwarder who is familiar with Amazon’s carrier requirements.
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Track the Shipment and Ensure Duties are Paid
Duties must be paid for your shipment to be accepted by Amazon. If shipping via ocean freight, customs clearance is all that is needed. For air courier shipments, charges and duties will be sent to Amazon, but specify that the sender should pay if the shipment is under $800.
DDP shipping is an option where the freight forwarder handles customs clearance and pays import and export duties, delivering the goods directly to the FBA warehouse in the United States.
Working with a reputable China freight forwarder or sourcing company experienced in Amazon FBA can make the process easier, safer, and more cost-effective. By following these steps and working with the right partners, shipping from China to Amazon FBA can be a seamless process.
Shipping from Supplier to Amazon FBA Directly:
Shipping products directly from suppliers to Amazon FBA warehouses can provide significant advantages in terms of both time and cost. The biggest advantage is the faster shipping time, which can save 1-2 weeks of shipping time compared to traditional methods. This can help sellers get their products to the Amazon warehouse faster, allowing them to begin the selling process sooner.
In addition to faster shipping times, direct shipping can also eliminate the need for third-party logistics (3PL) providers, which can save sellers hundreds or even thousands of dollars per shipment, depending on the size.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, sellers may not be able to ship all their products to a single Amazon warehouse location, as Amazon requires products to be shipped to different warehouses. Additionally, duties and taxes may need to be paid before the products can be shipped to the warehouses. Finally, Amazon has strict packaging and shipping requirements that must be met in order to avoid any delays or issues with the shipment.
Overall, shipping directly from suppliers to Amazon FBA warehouses can be a cost-effective and efficient option for sellers, but it’s important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and ensure that all requirements are met to avoid any issues with the shipment.
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Through a 3PL
Using a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to ship products from China to Amazon FBA can have both advantages and disadvantages. One of the main benefits is that the products received from China are in a combined form, which allows for easier quality control checks. Additionally, using a 3PL can help keep sales strategies confidential from Chinese suppliers and reduce the chances of shipment rejection by Amazon FBA.
However, there are also drawbacks to using a 3PL. The process can be lengthy and add at least 1-2 weeks to the delivery time to reach Amazon FBA. It can take 2-5 days for a 3PL to receive inventory and prepare it, and shipping time from the 3PL to the designated Amazon FC can take several more days. Furthermore, using a middleman will cost extra money to pay for their services.
Overall, while using a 3PL can provide certain benefits, it is important to weigh the costs and time implications before deciding to go this route for shipping from China to Amazon FBA.
5 Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Methods:
When importing products from China to Amazon FBA, there are several ways to ship the goods. In this section, we will discuss five of the most effective and helpful methods. The cost and time taken for each method will also be discussed.
1. Express Shipping from China to Amazon FBA
Express shipping is an option for products that weigh less than 100 kg or are less than 0.5 cubic meters in size. UPS, FedEx, TNT, and DHL are some of the courier companies that offer this service. The products will quickly reach Amazon’s warehouses.
The cost of express shipping varies depending on the courier company and the delivery time. FedEx, for example, charges $5.7 to $5.8 per kg for a delivery time of three days and $5.8 to $5.9 per kg for a delivery time of seven days.
Features:
- Fast
- Reliable company
- Expensive
Time for delivery:
- 3, 5, and 7 days.
2. Shipping Via Air + Delivery Using Express That is Local (ANE)
For products weighing between 100 kg and 400 kg, shipping via air and delivering using a local express is an option. A single forwarder will handle everything, and the rate will be fixed.
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA cost:
- $4.5 to $5.0 per kg in the West US
- $4.7 to $5.2 per kg in the East US
Features:
- Less expensive than express
- Fast
- Includes the duty tax
Time for delivery:
- 10 days.
3. Shipping Via Sea + Delivery Using Express That is Local (SNE)
Shipping via sea is an option for goods weighing between 400 kg and 2000 kg and 2-4 cubic meters in size. This method is commonly used when urgent delivery is not needed.
A single forwarder will handle everything, and the rate will be fixed. The products will be taken to the express company and then shipped to Amazon.
Cost:
- $1.4 to $1.55 per kg in US West
- $1.7 to $1.85 per kg in US East
Features:
- Not urgent
- Price is reasonable
- Includes tax duty
Time for delivery:
- 20-25 days after the vessel is sent from the port of China.
4. Shipping Via Sea + Delivery Using the Local Truck (SNT)
Shipping via sea with delivery using a local truck is an option for goods weighing between 400 kg and 2000 kg and 2-10 cubic meters in size. This method is suitable for those looking for a cheaper price, and delivery time is not urgent.
The products will be sent to the country’s seaport with customs clearance, and then they will be delivered to Amazon’s warehouse. Tax duty is paid when the products reach the seaport.
Cost:
- $138 to $170 for US West
- $194 to $230 for US East
Features:
- Price is low
- Delivery time is longer
Time for delivery:
- 25-45 days.
5. Shipping of Full Container Via Sea + Delivery Using the Local Truck (FSNT)
For large products weighing between 2000 kg and 4000 kg and 10+ cubic meters in size, shipping a full container from China to the US is the best option.
A full container will be loaded with the products and then taken to the seaport for customs clearance. Then a local truck will deliver the container to Amazon’s warehouse.
Cost:
- $3464 for a 20ft container
- $3998 for a 40ft container
Features:
- Costs less
- Very long time for delivery
- You can rent a full container
Time for delivery:
- 25-45 days.
In conclusion, there are several ways to ship products from China to Amazon FBA. The method chosen will depend on the weight, size, and urgency of the products. The cost and time taken for each method should also be considered.
Shipping Pallets to Amazon FBA
When shipping pallets to Amazon FBA, it is important to follow their strict guidelines to ensure that your shipment is accepted. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
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Shipment ID: Each box on the pallet must have the same shipment ID. This helps Amazon identify which products belong to which shipment.
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FBA Label: Each box on the pallet must have a label provided by FBA. This label includes important information such as the ASIN, barcode, and fulfillment center.
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Minimum Total Shipment Weight: The total weight of your Amazon FBA shipment (combined pallet weight) must be at least 150 lbs. This helps ensure that Amazon is receiving enough inventory to make it worth their while.
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Maximum individual pallet weight: Individual pallets must not exceed 1,500 pounds. This weight limit is in place for safety reasons and to ensure that the pallets can be easily moved around the warehouse.
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Pallet Material: Pallets shipped to Amazon FBA must be made of Class B or higher grade wood pallets. They must also be a standard size (48 x 40). This ensures that the pallets are sturdy and can be easily moved around the warehouse.
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Overhang: There must be zero product overhang on the pallet. This means that all boxes must be flush with the edge of the pallet. This helps prevent damage to the products during transit.
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Secure boxes to the pallet: All boxes must be shrink-wrapped to the pallet. This helps prevent the boxes from shifting during transit and keeps them secure.
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Items sold in sets: If your items are sold in sets and weigh more than 100 pounds each, you will need to pack them separately on individual pallets. This helps ensure that the pallets are not too heavy to move around the warehouse.
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Delivery Appointments: Amazon requires that delivery appointments be scheduled in advance. This helps ensure that the warehouse is prepared to receive your shipment.
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Box Limit: Amazon limits LTL shipments to 5,000 boxes per shipment. This helps ensure that the warehouse is not overwhelmed with too many boxes at once.
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BOL Requirements: Place a copy of your BOL on the outside of the pallet prior to shipping. Also, make sure the bill of lading contains your Amazon reference number, shipment number, seller name, round-trip address, carrier name and SCAC code, PRO number, handling unit, trailer and seal number, shipper load count (SLC ), and freight terms. This helps ensure that the shipment is properly documented and that Amazon can easily identify which products belong to which shipment.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your shipment is accepted by Amazon and that your products are safely and securely stored in their fulfillment warehouses.
Shipping Containers from China to Amazon FBA
How to Ship a Full Container from China to Amazon FBA?
Directly shipping a container from China to Amazon FBA is a time-saving option compared to using a middleman. The latter takes longer time in reaching the middleman’s location from the seaport, taking the goods down from the container, stacking goods onto a pallet, and labeling them. By choosing to ship directly from China to Amazon FBA, the time of transit can be saved by 3 to 10 days.
Amazon has specific requirements for loads of full containers. All cartons need to be labeled, and palletizing is recommended but not mandatory. Additionally, Amazon requires an appointment to be made before the shipment arrives. Although a label for each carton is mandatory, labels for pallets are not required when it comes to containers that are floor stacked.
To ship a full container from China to Amazon FBA, the following steps need to be followed:
- Generate a shipment using the seller center.
- Enter the address of your distributor in China or your home address as the shipment location.
- Select the shipping service, such as LTL.
- Specify the number of cartons and products, and print the labels. Send these details to your supplier in China.
- The distributor in China should label all the main cartons.
- The freight forwarder will collect the container from China and arrange for shipment to Amazon FBA’s warehouse in the USA.
- Fill out a form to confirm the booking with Amazon and send it to the distribution center. This form is easy to fill out but appointments are not easy to come by, and the freight forwarder has the responsibility to book an appointment. If an appointment is not available, you will be charged $100 per day.
- Provide the freight forwarder with Amazon’s tax ID, as they have to be listed as the final consignee. Customs brokers can also write Amazon down as the final consignee.
By following these steps, you can successfully ship a full container from China to Amazon FBA without any hassle.
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA can be a complex process, but working with a reputable product sourcing company can simplify the process. This option is not only the easiest, but also the safest and most cost-effective way to source and ship goods from China to Amazon FBA. It is important to fully understand Amazon’s rules, which are specific to certain businesses and product types. For more information, visit the Amazon FBA page. Feedback and experiences from those who have shipped directly from China to Amazon FBA are valuable in making the right decision. As this is only an introductory guide, it is recommended to seek professional assistance when shipping from China to Amazon FBA.
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA FAQ:
Can I ship directly from Alibaba to Amazon FBA?
Direct shipment from Alibaba to Amazon FBA is possible, but it is not recommended without proper quality control. Without quality control, there is a high risk of receiving low-quality products, which could lead to negative reviews and damage to your brand. It is recommended to use a third-party inspection service to ensure the quality of the products before shipping them to Amazon FBA.
How do I ship from China FBA to Amazon UK?
Shipping from China FBA to Amazon UK is a straightforward process. You can use direct shipment to send your goods to Amazon in the UK from your provider in China. To do this, ask your provider to put the labels on the cartons of FBA. Your cartons will be palletized and sent to the UK. You can then book your delivery slot on Amazon, and your products will be shipped directly to Amazon.
How do I ship directly from China to Amazon?
The most reliable method for direct shipment to an Amazon warehouse is to use a shipment forwarder. They can handle the logistics of shipping your products from China to Amazon FBA. If you prefer not to use a forwarder, you can ship via air directly to yourself first and then to FBA. However, this method can be more expensive and time-consuming. It is recommended to use a shipment forwarder for a more efficient and cost-effective solution.