Shipping from China to Amazon FBA | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Avoid Catastrophic Loss with this Straightforward Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer: How Do I ship directly to Amazon FBA from China?

The easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way to ship your goods from China to Amazon FBA is to work with a reputable freight forwarder who specializes in Amazon FBA.

Working with a reputable China-side freight forwarder represents significant savings compared to a company based in your final destination. Nothing beats boots on the ground when doing business in China.

What are the Biggest Mistakes Beginners Make When Shipping to Amazon FBA from China?

Not Understanding How Coronavirus Has Impacted Shipments to Amazon FBA

• Shipping costs – Significant increase in shipping cost after Coronavirus, especially air freight. Air freight increased more than three times its regular rate.
• Shipping times – Pandemic affected workforce, transit time increased up to two weeks. Less vessels and manpower available.
• Shipping routes – Less manpower caused logistic hubs to temporarily stop operations, resulting in rerouting of shipments.

Not Knowing Your Landed Costs Before Manufacturing Goods

• Shipping to multiple Amazon warehouses – Amazon assigns random FBA warehouses, sometimes splitting shipments into 3 different locations.
• Customs exam fees – CBP randomly selects cargo for formal customs examination. All exam fees are charged to the buyer.
• Duties and tax – Without a binding ruling, duty placed on imported goods may be significantly higher than originally anticipated. Also consider anti-dumping fees and state compliance requirements.

Assuming the Most Reputable Suppliers are on Alibaba

Red flags to watch for:

• Chinese suppliers able to pay to have star ratings improved
• Some supplier listings are just straight up scams
• Suppliers will always say “no problem” even though they are not sure

Assuming the Best Supplier is the Manufacturer

Sometimes intermediaries, such as trading companies, are simply able to secure better deals thanks to their knowledge of local customs and negotiation tactics.

Not Requesting Product Samples Before Making Your Order

It’s essential you obtain product samples BEFORE signing on the dotted line with your supplier. Miscommunication due to language barriers can lead to quality issues.

Making Full Payment Upfront

When working with a new supplier, never make full payment for goods upfront. The usual practice is 30% down payment and 70% upon the completion of the production.

Not Conducting a Quality Inspection

There’s no quicker way to have your Amazon selling privileges revoked than by sending defective products to Amazon FBA and getting reported by end customers.

Leaving Shipment and Logistics in the Hands of Your Supplier

Remember that your supplier’s primary business is the manufacturing of goods. They are not keeping up to date with Amazon’s rigorous packaging, labeling, shipment and document requirements.

Not Using a Customs Broker

Failure to understand and meet import obligations can mean your products never leave China, or worse, are seized by customs in your destination country.

Running Out of Time

The biggest mistake new Amazon FBA importers make is underestimating the time required to get the goods shipped to Amazon.

Not Planning for Chinese Holidays

Chinese Holidays can affect shipping routes, timing, costs, prices, and product quality.

Key holidays:

• New Year’s Day – January 1st
• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – 1st day in the lunar calendar (January/February)
• Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping) – April 4th or 5th
• Labor Day (May Day) – May 1st
• Dragon Boat Festival – 5th day of the 5th month (Lunar Calendar)
• Mid-Autumn Festival – 15th of the 8th month (Lunar Calendar)
• National Day (Golden Week) – October 1st

Detailed Guide: Shipping from China to Amazon FBA

Step 1: Choose the Right Shipping Method

Options:

• Express Shipping – Ideal for shipments under 1 CBM and 200 kilograms. Fastest but most expensive.
• Air Freight – Best when cargo weight is more than 200 kilograms and volume more than 2 CBM. Transit time 5-9 days.
• Sea Freight – Best when volume is at least 2 CBM or weighs 400kg+. Two options: LCL and FCL.

Step 3: Contact a China-Based Freight Forwarder

Contact a reputable freight forwarder to obtain a quote. A China-based forwarder can communicate directly with your supplier and obtain better shipping rates.

Step 4: Run a Quality Inspection on Your Goods

Arrange a quality control inspection while your goods are still in the factory. Use Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) to ensure products meet standards.

Step 5: Create an Amazon Shipping Plan

Prepare your Amazon Shipping Plan in Seller Central.

Step 6: Package and Label Goods Correctly for Amazon

Product packaging:

• Package goods to prevent damage during transport
• Barcodes must be secured and readable
• Each Barcode or FNSKU must correspond with the proper variation
• Polybags must be at least 1.5 millimeters thick

Outer packaging:

• Carton must be six-sided with intact flaps
• Each carton must have its unique shipping labels
• Standard-size cartons should not exceed 25 inches on any side and must not weigh more than 50 pounds

Step 7: Get a Container Loading Check Inspection

Conduct a Container Loading Inspection to avoid goods being delayed or rejected by Amazon.

Step 8: Always Get Freight Insurance

Goods are at risk of being damaged as accidents do happen. Getting freight insurance can get your goods 100% insured from the moment they leave your supplier until they arrive at Amazon FBA.

Step 9: Contact a Customs Broker

Get your shipping documents in order with a qualified Customs Broker:

• Telex Release
• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing list

Step 10: Track Your Shipment

If using Air Express (DHL or UPS), track via tracking number. Or track through your China Freight Forwarder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ship my goods from China to an Amazon warehouse? The safest, most cost-effective way is to use a freight forwarder based in China, specializing in Amazon FBA.

How much does it cost to ship from China to Amazon FBA? Cost varies by shipping method. Fast mode = more expensive; larger volume = more savings.

Which incoterms should I use when shipping to Amazon FBA? For air express: EXW. For other methods: FOB, as it provides your forwarder with the greatest flexibility.

Should I do a quality inspection on my goods? Yes, always. The last thing you want is to have your goods rejected by Amazon.

Should I buy freight insurance? Yes, always. Freight carriers routinely reject damage claims made against them.