Getting your Amazon FBA shipment stuck at customs is every seller’s nightmare. Missing certifications can mean costly delays or even destroyed inventory.
FDA, FCC, and DOT approvals are critical for certain FBA shipments—food/medical products need FDA clearance, electronics require FCC certification, and hazardous materials must have DOT compliance. Partnering with a DDP logistics provider like MBMLog ensures your paperwork is handled proactively.
You’ve worked hard to source quality products—don’t let customs compliance be your downfall. Here’s how to navigate the most common certification hurdles.
What products in my Amazon FBA shipment require FDA approval?
Imagine shipping 500 units of supplements—only to have them held indefinitely at US customs. FDA oversight catches many sellers off guard.
Food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, and contact lenses all need FDA approval. Even simple items like herbal teas or skincare products fall under FDA jurisdiction.
The FDA divides regulated products into categories with specific rules:
Key FDA-Regulated Product Categories
| 製品タイプ | 例 | 必要書類 |
|---|---|---|
| Food/Supplements | Protein bars, vitamins | Facility registration, ingredient list |
| 化粧品 | Lipstick, moisturizers | Label compliance, FDA testing |
| 医療機器 | Blood pressure monitors | Premarket notification (510k) |
Non-compliance risks confiscation or fines. For example:
- A seller shipped facial creams without FDA-compliant labels—customs rejected the entire $8,000 shipment.
- Protein powders lacking nutritional breakdowns triggered a 3-week FDA hold.
Work with suppliers to pre-test products and obtain certifications before shipping.
Do my electronic products need FCC certification for US customs?
That wireless headphone shipment? Without FCC ID numbers, it’s technically illegal to sell in the US.
Any device emitting radio frequencies (Bluetooth, WiFi, RF) requires FCC certification. This includes smart watches, routers, and even some children’s toys with wireless features.
FCC Compliance Checklist
1.Supplier Verification
- Demand FCC IDs (e.g., 2ABCDFGHIJK) from manufacturers
- Cross-check IDs in FCC’s public database
2.Labeling Requirements
- FCC logo/marking on device and packaging
- Compliance statements in manuals
3.よくある落とし穴
- Modified off-the-shelf electronics lose grandfathered certification
- Private label versions need new testing
A seller imported 200 WiFi cameras—their supplier swapped components without retesting. Customs seized the shipment for $15,000 in FCC violations.
How can I avoid Amazon warehouse rejection due to missing certifications?
Nothing stings like Amazon refusing inventory after it clears customs. Their compliance teams check what customs misses.
Amazon reviews FDA/FCC/DOT documentation upon receipt. Missing markings, expired certs, or incorrect labeling get shipments stranded—or worse, disposed of.
Top 5 Amazon-Specific Compliance Traps
1.Hidden Expiration Dates
- FDA-approved goods often have 1-3 year validity
- Example: A vitamin shipment passed customs but was rejected for expiring in 4 months
2.Language Requirements
- All warnings/manuals must be in English
- Spanish-only toy manuals triggered $7K in returns
3.Packaging Changes
- New box design? Update FCC/FDA labels accordingly
- Seller lost 300 units over unmarked packaging revisions
4.Batch Testing Gaps
- Amazon requests lab reports randomly
- One skincare seller provided 2021 reports for 2023 inventory—auto-removed
5.Symbol Errors
- CE marks ≠ FCC approval
- A humidifier had EU symbols but no FCC—instant rejection
MBMLog’s pre-shipment audit catches 92% of these issues before departure.
結論
Navigating FDA, FCC, and DOT requirements separates thriving Amazon sellers from those drowning in compliance fees. Key takeaways:
- Test products early with accredited labs
- Maintain organized certification folders
- Choose DDP shippers like MBMLog who handle filings proactively
Our team specializes in Amazon-bound shipments—we’ll manage your customs paperwork, duty calculations, and compliance checks so you can focus on sales. Smart DDP Shipping,big savings.
