The journey from a Chinese factory to an Amazon FBA warehouse can seem overwhelming. But breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable. Here’s how it works.
The process starts with factory pickup, includes freight transport (sea/air), clears U.S. customs, and ends with delivery to Amazon. Choosing DDP shipping simplifies taxes and duties, handled by your logistics partner.
Getting your products from China to Amazon FBA involves several stages. Each step must be carefully planned to avoid delays or extra costs. Here’s a closer look at how it all comes together.
How do I prepare my products for Amazon FBA shipping from China?
Preparing your products correctly is the first step. Mistakes here can lead to rejections or delays at Amazon’s warehouses.
Proper preparation includes Amazon-compliant packaging, FNSKU labeling, and creating a shipment plan in Seller Central. Your supplier must also provide detailed product information for customs.
Detailed Preparation Checklist
1、Packaging:
- Use sturdy boxes that meet Amazon’s requirements.
- Avoid oversized packaging to reduce dimensional weight fees.
2、Labeling:
- Apply FNSKU barcodes to each unit (not just the outer box).
- Ensure barcodes are scannable and match your shipment plan.
3、Shipment Plan:
- Specify box contents accurately in Seller Central.
- Declare total units per box to avoid mismatches.
4、Supplier Coordination:
- Confirm lead times and production schedules upfront.
- Request pre-shipment photos to verify labeling/packaging.
Without these steps, Amazon may refuse your shipment. Double-check everything before the goods leave the factory.
What documents do I need for customs clearance when shipping from China to USA?
Customs paperwork is non-negotiable. Missing or incorrect documents can hold your shipment at the border for weeks.
Essential documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and Amazon’s FBA warehouse agreement. For DDP shipping, your provider handles duty filings.
Breakdown of Key Documents
| Document | Purpose | Who Provides It? |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declares product value for duties/taxes | Supplier or seller |
| Packing List | Details box contents/quantities | Supplier |
| Bill of Lading | Proof of ownership and freight contract (ocean shipments) | Shipping carrier |
| Airway Bill | Same as BOL, but for air freight | Airline/freight forwarder |
| FBA Agreement | Proves Amazon authorizes receipt (prevents customs confusion) | Amazon Seller Central |
Work closely with your freight forwarder to ensure all forms are correctly filled. Common errors include undervaluing goods or omitting harmonized tariff codes (HTS).
How can I track my shipment from China to Amazon FBA warehouses?
Visibility is crucial—you need to know where your goods are at all times to manage inventory and avoid stockouts.
Most freight forwarders offer real-time tracking via portals or emails with container/airbill numbers. For sea freight, updates include vessel departures, port arrivals, and trucking schedules.
Tracking Methods Compared
1.Sea Freight Tracking:
- Vessel name and voyage number (e.g., “COSCO France V.123”).
- Port terminal arrival/departure alerts.
- Last-mile delivery updates via Amazon’s Partnered Carrier program.
2.Air Freight Tracking:
- Airway bill number (e.g., “123-4567890”) on airline websites.
- Clearance status at U.S. airports (LAX/ORD/JFK).
3.Express Couriers (DHL/UPS):
- Door-to-door tracking with estimated delivery dates.
Pro tip: Bookmark your forwarder’s tracking page and set up email alerts. Delays often happen during transshipment or customs inspections.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when shipping from China to Amazon FBA?
Even experienced sellers make errors that cost time and money. Learning from others’ mistakes saves you headaches.
Top pitfalls include incorrect labels, underestimating lead times, skipping quality checks, and choosing freight methods that don’t match inventory needs.
Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1.Labeling Errors
- Issue: Amazon rejects shipments with smudged/missing FNSKU labels.
- Fix: Use waterproof labels and scan test before shipping.
2.Lead Time Miscalculations
- Issue: Sea freight takes 30+ days but sellers plan for 20.
- Fix: Add a 2-week buffer to published transit times.
3.Ignoring Customs Duties
- Issue: Unexpected DUTY bills eat into profits.
- Fix: Use DDP shipping so duties are prepaid.
4.Poor Packaging
- Issue: Damaged goods arrive due to flimsy boxes.
- Fix: Require suppliers to use double-wall cartons.
Partner with a logistics expert like MBMLog to navigate these challenges seamlessly. We’ve helped hundreds of sellers avoid these costly errors.
Conclusion
Shipping from China to Amazon FBA involves factory coordination, freight booking, customs clearance, and final delivery. Proper labeling, documentation, and tracking are essential. Avoid mistakes like misdeclared goods or late planning. For reliable DDP shipping with no hidden fees, trust MBMLog. We handle everything from pickup to Amazon’s docks—so you can focus on growing your business. Visit MBMLog to get a quote today.
