Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Canada requires proper coordination of international freight, customs clearance, and final warehouse delivery. Sellers can choose air freight, express courier, or ocean freight depending on cargo volume, budget, and delivery urgency.
This 2026 guide covers shipping costs, transit times, Canadian import requirements, DDP services, and Amazon FBA packaging and labeling requirements.
Amazon FBA
China to Canada
DDP & Customs Clearance
The shipping process involves five main steps, from creating an inbound shipment plan to delivering inventory to the assigned fulfillment center.
Log in to Amazon Seller Central and use the Send to Amazon workflow to select products, confirm quantities, enter packaging information, and review the assigned Canadian fulfillment center.
Download the required product and carton labels after confirming the shipment. Amazon determines the destination warehouse based on its inventory placement requirements, so do not assume every shipment will go to the same location.
See our guide on how to create an Amazon FBA shipment.
Collect the following information from your Chinese supplier:
Product names, SKUs, and quantities
Carton dimensions and gross weight
Total shipment volume in CBM
Factory address and cargo-ready date
Product materials and applicable HS codes
Special packaging or handling requirements
If you purchase from multiple manufacturers, consider consolidating the goods at a warehouse in China before international shipping.
Your supplier must prepare the products according to Amazon’s requirements. This may include individual packaging, protective materials, product barcodes, and carton labels.
Check the barcode requirements for each ASIN and ensure that all shipping labels are correctly printed and applied before the cargo leaves China.
Choose a suitable shipping method and confirm the Incoterms with your logistics provider.
The freight forwarder can coordinate factory pickup, export customs clearance, international transportation, Canadian import clearance, and final delivery.
Before departure, confirm the Importer of Record, duty and tax arrangements, and the party responsible for customs declarations.
After customs clearance, arrange transportation to the assigned Amazon fulfillment center.
Small parcel shipments require the correct FBA box IDs and carrier labels. Larger shipments may need pallet preparation, delivery documentation, and an appointment arranged through Amazon’s carrier procedures.
Keep the tracking information and proof of delivery. Physical delivery does not necessarily mean Amazon has finished receiving and processing the inventory.
Sellers can choose express courier, air freight, ocean LCL, or ocean FCL. Each option has different costs, transit times, and suitable shipment sizes.
Express services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS are suitable for samples, small parcels, and urgent inventory replenishment.
They offer fast delivery and convenient tracking, but the cost per kilogram is generally higher than air or ocean freight.
Air freight is suitable for medium-sized shipments, new product launches, and time-sensitive inventory. Charges are generally based on chargeable weight, which considers both gross and volumetric weight.
It offers a balance between delivery speed and transportation cost.
See our guide to air freight from China to Canada.
Less than Container Load (LCL) is suitable for shipments that do not require a full container.
Multiple shipments share container space, allowing sellers to pay for the volume they use. However, consolidation, deconsolidation, and destination handling can increase the overall transportation time and cost.
Full Container Load (FCL) is suitable for larger inventory shipments that can use a dedicated 20GP or 40HQ container.
FCL provides greater control over cargo handling and can offer a lower transportation cost per unit when container utilization is high.
For more details, see sea freight from China to Canada.
The cost of shipping from China to Amazon FBA Canada depends on cargo volume, chargeable weight, destination warehouse, and delivery requirements. Sellers should compare the total landed cost rather than looking at international freight rates alone.
| Shipping Method | Estimated Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20GP) | $2,100–$3,500 | Large shipments |
| Sea Freight (40HQ) | $4,100–$8,300 | Bulk inventory |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $50–$190/CBM | Smaller shipments |
| Air Freight | $4.80–$10/kg | Urgent restocking |
| Express Courier | $12–$20/kg | Small parcels |
Rates are estimates and vary by route, cargo details, season, and destination. They may not include customs clearance or final delivery.
Besides international freight, sellers should consider several additional costs when importing goods into Canada:
Import Duties: Depend on the product’s HS code, country of origin, customs value, and applicable tariff rates.
GST/HST: Import GST is generally 5%, or the federal portion of HST where applicable. The tax is calculated based on the applicable customs value plus duties.
Customs Brokerage: Fees for customs declarations, document processing, and broker services.
Destination Charges: May include port handling, terminal fees, LCL warehouse handling, inspections, and storage.
Final Delivery: Includes truck transportation, pallet handling, and delivery to the assigned Amazon FBA warehouse.
Importers must also meet applicable registration requirements, including a Canadian Business Number (BN), RM import account, and CARM registration. These are separate compliance requirements, not standard freight charges.
Transit times depend on the shipping method, Canadian destination, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements. Western Canada generally receives ocean shipments faster than Eastern Canada because of its proximity to major Pacific ports.
The total delivery time includes international transportation, destination handling, customs clearance, and delivery to the assigned Amazon fulfillment center.
| Shipping Method | Port-to-Port Transit | Final-Mile Delivery | Total Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier | — | — | 3–7 days |
| Air Freight (DDP) | 3–5 days | 4–7 days | 7–12 days |
| Sea Freight to West Coast | 14–20 days | 8–12 days | 22–32 days |
| Sea Freight to East Coast | 26–35 days | 10–15 days | 36–50 days |
Transit times are estimates and may vary depending on the route, customs processing, and warehouse appointment availability.
Western Canada (British Columbia and Alberta)
Shipments typically arrive through Vancouver or Prince Rupert before continuing by truck to fulfillment centers in British Columbia or Alberta. Ocean freight generally takes around 3–4.5 weeks for delivery to the FBA destination.
Eastern Canada (Ontario and Quebec)
Shipments may travel through Vancouver before moving inland by rail or truck, or use ocean services to eastern Canadian ports followed by inland delivery. Total ocean shipping time is generally around 5–7 weeks.
Even after international transportation is completed, several factors can extend the delivery schedule:
Customs Clearance and LCL Handling: Customs inspections, container unloading, cargo sorting, and pallet preparation may add several days.
Amazon Delivery Appointments: Carriers must arrange delivery appointments according to Amazon’s receiving procedures. Limited availability during peak periods can cause additional delays.
Documentation and Labeling: Incorrect shipment details, missing labels, or incomplete customs documents can delay warehouse delivery.
To avoid delays, prepare FBA labels and customs documents before departure and allow sufficient time for final delivery and inventory receiving.
Shipping goods from China to Amazon FBA Canada requires proper customs documentation, a valid Importer of Record (IOR), and compliance with Canadian import regulations. Sellers should confirm these requirements before their goods leave China to avoid customs delays and unexpected charges.
Amazon Canada does not act as the Importer of Record for FBA shipments. Sellers must arrange their own eligible importer to handle customs declarations, import duties, and applicable taxes.
Amazon also requires imported FBA shipments to arrive under DDP or Free Domicile terms, with all applicable charges paid before delivery. The IOR must be clearly identified in the customs documents.
Commercial importers generally need a Canadian Business Number (BN9), an import-export program account (RM), and registration in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal.
Non-Resident Importers (NRIs) must obtain their BN9 through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) before registering in CARM. They can then create an RM account and authorize a licensed customs broker to handle customs declarations on their behalf.
Prepare the following documents before shipping:
Commercial Invoice: Product descriptions, quantities, declared values, and seller and buyer details.
Packing List: Carton quantities, dimensions, and gross weight.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: International transportation details.
HS Code: Product classification for customs assessment.
Certificate of Origin: Origin documentation when required.
Import Permits or Certificates: Required for certain regulated products.
Working with a licensed Canadian customs broker can help verify documents, prepare customs declarations, and coordinate import clearance. However, the importer remains responsible for ensuring that customs information is accurate and applicable duties and taxes are paid.
Before shipping from China to Amazon FBA Canada, sellers must ensure that products are properly labeled, securely packaged, and prepared for warehouse receiving. Incorrect labels or packaging can lead to delays and additional handling costs.
Amazon uses product barcodes to identify and track inventory. Depending on the product and seller eligibility, sellers may use manufacturer barcodes such as UPC or EAN, or Amazon barcodes such as FNSKU.
Check the barcode requirements for each ASIN in Seller Central before printing labels. Not every product requires an FNSKU.
See our guide to FNSKU labels for Amazon FBA.
Each shipping carton must have the correct FBA box ID generated through the Send to Amazon workflow. Small parcel shipments also require carrier shipping labels.
Before dispatch, make sure that:
Each carton has the correct unique FBA box ID.
Labels are clearly printed and easy to scan.
Barcodes are not covered or placed across carton seams.
Carton information matches the confirmed shipment plan.
Pallet shipments also require the appropriate pallet labels and carrier documentation.
Amazon supports three main inbound delivery methods:
Small Parcel Delivery (SPD): Individual cartons shipped through parcel carriers.
Less Than Truckload (LTL): Multiple cartons consolidated onto pallets.
Full Truckload (FTL): Larger shipments transported in a dedicated truck.
Check Amazon’s current carton weight, size, pallet, and stacking requirements before loading. LTL and FTL shipments may also require delivery appointments arranged through the carrier.
For more details, see our Amazon FBA warehouse requirements guide.
Amazon Canada discontinued its FBA prep and item labeling services for shipments created from July 1, 2026.
Sellers must arrange product preparation and labeling before inventory arrives at the Canadian fulfillment center. This can be handled by the Chinese supplier or a third-party FBA prep provider.
Preparing products, applying labels, and checking carton packaging in China can help reduce additional handling and receiving delays in Canada.
The choice of Incoterms determines how transportation, export clearance, and other responsibilities are divided between the buyer and seller.
| Term | Main Responsibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Buyer arranges collection and subsequent transportation | Experienced importers |
| FOB | Seller handles export clearance and delivery to the agreed port | Buyers using their own freight forwarder |
| DDP | Seller arranges delivery with applicable import duties and taxes paid | Sellers seeking door-to-door shipping |
DDP is generally convenient for overseas Amazon sellers because it combines international transportation, customs clearance arrangements, import duties and taxes, and final delivery.
However, sellers must still confirm the legal IOR and ensure that the import arrangement complies with Canadian regulations.
See our guide to DDP shipping from China to Canada.
Under FOB, the Chinese supplier handles export clearance and delivers the goods to the agreed port of shipment. The buyer then arranges international freight, Canadian customs clearance, and final delivery.
Under EXW, the buyer takes responsibility for collecting the goods from the supplier’s premises and arranging subsequent transportation and export procedures.
DDP is generally suitable for new Amazon sellers who want simpler shipping arrangements. FOB offers more control over freight costs, while EXW may suit experienced importers with established logistics partners in China.
Regardless of the purchasing term, ensure that customs clearance is properly arranged and the shipment meets Amazon’s prepaid delivery requirements.
| Common Problem | Possible Cause | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Delays | Incorrect HS codes or incomplete documents | Verify import information before departure |
| IOR Problems | Missing or incorrect importer details | Confirm the legal importer in advance |
| Unexpected Charges | Incomplete freight quotation | Request an itemized DDP quotation |
| Missing FBA Labels | Incorrect barcode or box ID | Check labels before dispatch |
| Damaged Products | Insufficient export packaging | Use suitable protective materials |
| Missed Appointments | Poor delivery coordination | Confirm warehouse delivery arrangements |
Sellers should also verify supplier reliability, request product samples, and arrange pre-shipment inspections when necessary. These steps help identify quality and packaging problems before the goods enter international transportation.
A suitable freight forwarder should understand international shipping, Canadian customs clearance, and Amazon’s inbound delivery requirements.
Consider these factors when comparing providers:
Amazon FBA Experience: Knowledge of shipment plans, FNSKU labels, carton preparation, and pallet requirements.
Canadian Customs Support: Experience with IOR, CARM, and customs broker coordination.
DDP Transparency: Clear quotations covering freight, duties, taxes, and final delivery.
China Warehouse Services: Supplier pickup, cargo inspection, consolidation, and preparation.
Final-Mile Delivery: Coordination of carrier documentation and Amazon warehouse appointments.
Working with an experienced logistics partner such as Tonlexing can help coordinate supplier pickup, cargo consolidation, international transportation, customs clearance arrangements, and final delivery to Amazon FBA Canada.
Useful freight, customs and importing resources related to this shipping guide.
