Why FBA Shipping from China Is Crucial for Amazon Sellers
Shipping products from China to Amazon FBA in the USA has become a core strategy for many Amazon sellers seeking to scale their businesses efficiently. With access to thousands of Chinese suppliers, low manufacturing costs, and well-established international shipping options, sellers can build a competitive edge—if they manage their logistics well.
Whether you’re a new seller or running a medium-sized business, understanding the FBA shipping process—from supplier communication to inventory delivery at Amazon warehouses—is critical. Choosing the right freight forwarder, understanding shipping fees, and navigating customs clearance are just a few of the key steps involved.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon FBA shipping from China to USA, including:
Shipping methods (air freight, sea freight, express)
Costs and payment methods
How to create a proper shipping plan
Selecting the best Amazon FBA freight forwarder
Avoiding unexpected delays in your supply chain
Let’s start with the basics of how FBA works for international sellers.
How Amazon FBA Works for International Sellers
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows sellers to send their inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers in the USA, where Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and even customer service. For international sellers, especially those sourcing goods from China, mastering the FBA logistics process is essential.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how FBA shipping from China to the USA works:
Product Sourcing
You find a manufacturer or supplier in China, often via Alibaba or sourcing agents. Once you confirm product specs and pricing, production begins.
Freight Forwarder Coordination
After production, a freight forwarder helps you prepare the shipment, handle export customs clearance in China, and arrange the transportation method (e.g., air or ocean freight).
Shipping to the USA
You choose a delivery method—air freight for speed, sea freight for economy, or express shipping for small urgent batches. Freight can be delivered directly to an Amazon warehouse or first to a prep center for labeling, inspection, and carton content review.
Receiving at Amazon Fulfillment Center
Once the shipment reaches the USA port or airport, it undergoes import customs clearance, after which it is transported to an Amazon FBA fulfillment center as specified in your FBA shipping plan.
Inventory Management
You monitor stock levels through Seller Central and replenish inventory from China as needed. Optimizing your inventory turnover is key to reducing long-term storage fees.
Tip: Always label your cartons correctly and comply with Amazon’s packaging guidelines. Improper labeling can lead to delays or rejections at the warehouse.
Shipping Methods from China to Amazon FBA USA
When shipping to Amazon FBA in the USA, choosing the right shipping method is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It directly impacts your shipping costs, delivery time, and inventory turnover. There are three main options:
Air Freight to Amazon FBA
FBA air shipping is the go-to choice for sellers who need fast restocking or are launching a new product. While it’s more expensive than sea freight, it significantly reduces lead time—typically 5–10 days door-to-door.
Pros:
Fastest FBA shipping method
Ideal for lightweight, high-value items
Works well with small batches
Cons:
High freight cost per kilogram
Limited by weight and volume restrictions
Many freight forwarders offer DDP air shipping (Delivered Duty Paid), which includes all duties, taxes, and customs clearance—ensuring a smooth delivery process into Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
Ocean Freight to Amazon FBA
FBA ocean freight is the cheapest way to ship to Amazon FBA when you’re moving bulk cargo. Transit time is longer—typically 25–40 days—but the cost per unit is far lower compared to air.
There are two types of ocean shipping:
FCL (Full Container Load): Suitable if you’re shipping a large volume (e.g., 20ft or 40ft container).
LCL (Less than Container Load): Your cargo shares container space with others, great for mid-sized sellers.
DDP sea freight is a popular choice because it covers customs, duty, and final delivery—making the process nearly hands-off for sellers.
Pros:
Best for high-volume, low-cost products
Lower cost per CBM/kg
DDP options available
Cons:
Slower than air
Requires better inventory forecasting
Express Courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx)
For extremely urgent orders, courier services like DHL or UPS offer FBA express shipping from China. Transit time is usually 3–6 days, but cost per kg is the highest.
This method is best for samples, launch inventory, or stock emergencies. Courier companies can deliver directly to Amazon, provided you include the correct FBA box labels and shipping plan.
Shipping Method Summary:
Method | Transit Time | Best For | Cost | DDP Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Air Freight | 5–10 days | Urgent restocking | $$$ | ✅ |
Ocean Freight | 25–40 days | Bulk shipments | $ | ✅ |
Express Courier | 3–6 days | Samples & emergencies | $$$$ | ✅ |
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to Amazon FBA USA?
The total FBA shipping cost from China to the USA varies based on factors such as shipping method, cargo size, weight, destination, and service level (e.g., DDP or DAP). Understanding the freight cost breakdown helps you budget accurately and price your product competitively.
Here’s what makes up the total cost:
Freight Costs (Air, Sea, Express)
Shipping Method | Cost Estimate (per kg or CBM) |
|---|---|
Air Freight | $2.5 – $5.5/kg (DDP) |
Ocean Freight (LCL) | $100 – $150/CBM (DDP) |
Express Courier | $4 – $9/kg |
Use a freight calculator to estimate costs based on chargeable weight (air) or volume (CBM) (sea). For air shipments, chargeable weight is calculated using the greater of actual or volumetric weight, typically using the formula:
Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6000
You can try our CBM and chargeable weight calculator to get real-time estimates.
Customs Duty and Import Taxes
If you’re not using a DDP shipping service, you’ll need to factor in customs duties, import taxes, and handling fees when goods arrive in the US. These vary by product (HS code) and declared value.
Customs duty: Usually 0–10%
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% (min $31.67, max $614.35)
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% (for ocean freight)
DDP shipping includes all customs duties and taxes, which simplifies the process and reduces the risk of hidden fees.
Amazon Prep Service or Third-Party Prep
Before your shipment arrives at the Amazon fulfillment center, you must meet FBA’s packaging, labeling, and carton content requirements. There are two options:
Amazon Prep Service: Amazon can label and prep for a fee (around $0.30–$2.20 per unit).
3rd-Party Prep Centers: Often used by sellers to save costs and bundle services like inspection, bundling, and re-boxing. Many freight forwarders partner with prep centers in the USA for seamless integration.
If your supplier in China doesn’t follow Amazon’s prep guidelines, using a prep service is essential to avoid rejections or delays.
You may be interested:
Air Freight from China to the USA
Shipping Route from China to USA
DDP Shipping from China to USA
Shipping from Taiwan to USA Cost and Time
Sea Freight Shipping from China to the USA
20FT & 40FT Container Shipping Rates from China to USA
How to Find a Freight Forwarder from China to the USA
How to Reduce Import Duty When Shipping from China to the USA
Creating Your Amazon FBA Shipping Plan from China
To ship products from China to a US Amazon warehouse, you must create a proper FBA shipping plan in your Amazon Seller Central account. This ensures Amazon knows what inventory is inbound, where it’s coming from, and how it’s packaged.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the shipment creation process:
Step 1: Set Up a Shipment in Seller Central
Log into your Amazon Seller Central dashboard and go to:
Inventory > Manage FBA Shipments > Send to Amazon
Enter your product details, quantities, and origin country (China).
Step 2: Choose “Case-packed” or “Individual units”
If your supplier ships products in uniform cartons, choose case-packed. For mixed SKUs, select individual units.
Step 3: Select a Prep and Labeling Option
You can choose to have your supplier apply FNSKU labels or use Amazon’s prep service for an added fee. If you work with a freight forwarder, they can assist with correct labeling and prep requirements in China or at a US prep center.
Step 4: Generate Carton Labels
Amazon will assign your shipment to one or more fulfillment centers based on its inventory placement service. After confirming carton contents, download the FBA carton labels (PDF), which must be printed and affixed to each box.
Step 5: Share Labels with Your Freight Forwarder or Supplier
Your Chinese supplier or Amazon FBA freight forwarder will apply these carton labels before arranging pickup. These labels must be scannable and compliant with Amazon’s guidelines—otherwise, your shipment may be rejected.
Tip: Use the Inventory Placement Service (IPS) to consolidate shipments to a single Amazon warehouse for a small fee. This avoids splitting cartons across multiple destinations.
Once your FBA shipping plan is approved and the goods are ready in China, it’s time to move to the final step—booking the shipment.
Choosing a Reliable Amazon FBA Freight Forwarder in China
A trusted Amazon freight forwarder is essential for ensuring smooth, timely, and compliant delivery to FBA warehouses in the USA. Many issues such as customs delays, mislabeling, or routing errors can be avoided with an experienced FBA logistics provider.
What Does an Amazon FBA Freight Forwarder Do?
A professional shipping agent or forwarder coordinates the entire journey of your goods from your Chinese supplier to the designated Amazon fulfillment center in the US. Their services typically include:
Pickup from supplier
Export customs clearance in China
International freight booking (air/sea/express)
DDP shipping service (including duties and taxes)
Delivery to Amazon warehouse
Support with labels, FBA shipment plans, and compliance
Key Factors When Choosing an FBA Freight Forwarder
Experience with Amazon Shipments
Not every forwarder understands Amazon’s strict FBA requirements. Choose one that handles Amazon FBA freight regularly and knows about box labeling, delivery appointments, and carton dimension limits.
End-to-End DDP Options
A reliable forwarder should offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping, meaning they’ll handle all customs clearance, pay import duties, and ensure on-time delivery—reducing your workload and risk.
Clear Communication & Tracking
Look for a provider who offers detailed tracking, shipment photos, and updates throughout the process.
Consolidation Services
If you buy from multiple suppliers, a forwarder with a consolidation warehouse in China can gather, inspect, and ship your inventory in one batch—saving costs and avoiding delays.
Amazon Partner Carriers
Some forwarders work with Amazon’s partnered carriers (like UPS) to streamline last-mile delivery to FBA warehouses.
Pro Tip: Ask for referrals or check reviews. A good FBA freight forwarder should act as an extension of your business—not just a cargo handler.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping to Amazon FBA
Even seasoned sellers can run into trouble when shipping inventory from China to Amazon FBA USA. Understanding and avoiding these Amazon FBA shipping mistakes can save time, money, and stress.
Here are the most common pitfalls—and how to prevent them:
Ignoring Carton Size and Weight Limits
Amazon strictly enforces carton size limits and weight guidelines for FBA shipments.
Max weight: 50 lbs (unless individual units exceed this)
Max dimensions: 25 inches on any side for standard shipments
Oversized or overweight cartons may lead to warehouse rejection or extra handling fees. Always confirm your packaging with your supplier or freight forwarder before shipping.
Missing or Incorrect Labels
Incorrect FNSKU or carton labels can delay check-in or cause complete rejection. This includes missing expiration dates (for perishable goods) or barcodes that aren’t scannable.
- Double-check that all labels are printed clearly and placed according to Amazon logistics rules.
Poorly Timed Shipments
FBA warehouses may require delivery appointments. Late delivery or missed appointments can result in costly re-delivery charges or storage issues. Always coordinate delivery windows with your freight agent and Amazon warehouse.
Failing to Declare Accurately
Incorrect or undervalued customs declarations may cause a customs hold, fines, or permanent bans. Provide honest and consistent data between your commercial invoice, packing list, and Amazon shipping plan.
No Backup Plan for Delays
Unexpected delays—such as port congestion, flight cancellations, or customs inspections—can stall your inventory replenishment. Always plan a buffer of 10–15 days and monitor shipments closely.
Skipping Inspection or Prep
Products arriving in poor condition due to lack of inspection, poor packaging, or missing prep (e.g., poly bagging, bubble wrap) may be refused. Use a prep center or ask your freight forwarder to inspect goods before departure.
Avoid These Mistakes and you’ll improve your FBA IPI score, reduce returns, and keep your product listings active and in-stock.
Conclusion: Mastering FBA Shipping from China to the USA
Efficient and compliant Amazon FBA shipping is the backbone of a successful eCommerce business. From choosing the right shipping method to managing customs clearance, working with a professional freight forwarder from China can dramatically reduce your workload and risk.
Whether you ship by air freight, ocean freight, or express, understanding the complete FBA logistics process—including labeling, documentation, and shipment planning—ensures your goods reach Amazon USA warehouses safely and on time.
By avoiding costly mistakes and planning ahead, you’ll maintain a consistent supply chain, improve your FBA delivery time, and keep your listings active year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to ship to Amazon FBA from China?
Air freight and express courier are the fastest methods, taking around 3–10 days. These are ideal for product launches or urgent restocks.
What’s the cheapest way to ship inventory from China to Amazon FBA USA?
Sea freight (LCL or FCL) offers the lowest per-unit cost. When bundled with DDP service, it’s both economical and hassle-free for large volumes.
Can I deliver to Amazon FBA directly from my Chinese supplier?
Yes. Many sellers arrange international shipping directly from their supplier to Amazon warehouses, especially if using an experienced freight forwarder familiar with Amazon’s requirements.
What is DDP shipping and is it suitable for Amazon?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means all duties, taxes, and customs processes are handled by the shipper. It’s ideal for FBA sellers who want a door-to-door solution without handling import formalities.
How long does it take to ship from China to Amazon FBA USA?
Estimated FBA delivery times:
Air freight: 5–10 days
Sea freight (DDP): 25–40 days
Express (DHL/UPS): 3–6 days
Do I need a US company to ship to Amazon FBA?
No, you do not need a US entity. Many Chinese and international sellers use freight forwarders from China who help them comply with FBA import regulations.
