Amazon FBA Shipping

China Amazon FBA Shipping

If you are an Amazon seller who sources products from China, you might be wondering how to ship them to Amazon FBA warehouses in the most efficient and cost-effective way. Shipping from China to Amazon FBA is not as complicated as it may seem, but it does require some planning and preparation. In this blog post, we will cover some of the most important aspects of shipping from China to Amazon FBA, such as:

• Customs and Amazon certification
• Amazon Global Logistics
• Shipping cost calculation
• Product inspection
• FBA specifications

By following these tips, you will be able to ship your products from China to Amazon FBA smoothly and successfully.

Customs and Amazon certification

One of the first things you need to consider when shipping from China to Amazon FBA is the customs clearance process. Depending on the type and value of your products, you may need to pay import duties and taxes, as well as comply with certain regulations and standards. For example, if you are importing electronics, toys, cosmetics, or food products, you may need to obtain certifications from agencies such as the FCC, CPSC, FDA, or USDA.

To avoid any delays or penalties at customs, you should work with a reliable freight forwarder who can handle the customs clearance process for you. A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the transportation of goods from one place to another. They can also help you with the documentation, labeling, and packaging requirements for shipping to Amazon FBA.

One of the documents you will need for shipping to Amazon FBA is the FBA shipment ID label. This is a barcode label that identifies your shipment and allows Amazon to receive and process your products. You can generate this label in your Amazon seller account after creating a shipment plan. You should print this label and attach it to each carton or pallet of your shipment.

Another document you may need is the commercial invoice. This is a document that shows the value and description of your products, as well as the seller and buyer information. You should provide this document to your freight forwarder so they can declare your goods to customs.

Amazon Global Logistics

If you want to simplify your shipping process from China to Amazon FBA, you can also use Amazon’s own logistics service called Amazon Global Logistics (AGL). AGL is a service that allows you to book ocean or air shipments directly from your Amazon seller account. AGL will handle the transportation, customs clearance, and delivery of your products to Amazon FBA warehouses.

To use AGL, you need to have an eligible seller account in one of the supported marketplaces (US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan). You also need to have a valid Chinese business license and bank account. You can request access to AGL in your seller account settings.

The benefits of using AGL include:

• Competitive rates and transparent fees
• End-to-end tracking and visibility
• Faster transit times and delivery
• Reduced risk of loss or damage
• Simplified communication and coordination

The drawbacks of using AGL include:

• Limited availability and capacity
• Strict requirements and restrictions
• Potential delays or errors
• No control over carrier selection or routing

Shipping cost calculation

Another important aspect of shipping from China to Amazon FBA is the shipping cost calculation. The shipping cost depends on various factors such as:

• The mode of transportation (ocean or air)
• The weight and volume of your products
• The origin and destination of your shipment
• The customs duties and taxes
• The additional services or fees (such as insurance, inspection, storage, etc.)

To get an accurate estimate of your shipping cost, you should contact your freight forwarder or use an online freight marketplace such as Freightos. Freightos is a platform that connects shippers with freight forwarders and provides instant quotes for various shipping options. You can compare rates and services from different providers and book your shipment online.

Some tips for reducing your shipping cost include:

• Choosing the most suitable mode of transportation for your products (ocean for bulky or heavy items, air for urgent or fragile items)
• Optimizing the packaging and palletizing of your products (using standard sizes and shapes, minimizing empty space, stacking properly)
• Consolidating multiple shipments into one (if possible)
• Negotiating with your freight forwarder or supplier for better rates or discounts
• Avoiding peak seasons or holidays when demand and prices are high

Product inspection

Before shipping your products from China to Amazon FBA, you should also conduct a product inspection. A product inspection is a quality control process that verifies if your products meet your specifications and expectations. A product inspection can help you avoid receiving defective or damaged products, as well as prevent customer complaints or returns.

You can conduct a product inspection yourself or hire a third-party inspection company to do it for you. A third-party inspection company is a professional service that can inspect your products at different stages of production, such as:

• Pre-production inspection: This inspection checks the raw materials and components before production starts.
• During production inspection: This inspection checks the products when 20% to 80% of production is completed.
• Pre-shipment inspection: This inspection checks the finished products before they are shipped.
• Container loading inspection: This inspection checks the loading and sealing of the container.

The cost of a product inspection depends on the type and quantity of your products, the location and size of the factory, and the inspection standard and criteria. Typically, a product inspection costs around $200 to $300 per man-day.

Some tips for conducting a product inspection include:

• Communicating your quality requirements and expectations to your supplier clearly and in writing
• Providing a detailed inspection checklist and sample report to your inspector
• Reviewing the inspection report and photos carefully and taking action if any issues are found
• Requesting a re-inspection or corrective action if necessary

FBA specifications

The last aspect of shipping from China to Amazon FBA is the FBA specifications. FBA specifications are the requirements and guidelines that Amazon sets for preparing and sending products to FBA warehouses. These specifications include:

• Product labeling: Each product unit must have a unique barcode label that matches the product ID in your Amazon listing. You can use the manufacturer barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN, etc.) or the Amazon barcode (FNSKU). You can print these labels in your seller account or ask your supplier or freight forwarder to do it for you.
• Packaging: Each product unit must be packaged individually and securely to protect it from damage during transit and storage. You should use durable materials such as cardboard boxes, poly bags, or bubble wrap. You should also follow Amazon’s packaging guidelines for specific product categories such as liquids, batteries, glass, etc.
• Carton labeling: Each carton or pallet of your shipment must have a shipment label that shows the shipment ID, destination address, box number, and box weight and dimensions. You can print these labels in your seller account or ask your freight forwarder to do it for you.
• Palletizing: If you are sending pallets to Amazon FBA, you must follow Amazon’s palletizing guidelines such as using standard pallet sizes and shapes, stacking cartons properly, wrapping pallets securely, etc.

By following these FBA specifications, you will ensure that your products are received and processed by Amazon quickly and accurately. You will also avoid any potential fees or penalties for non-compliance.

FAQs Regarding Our shipping from china to amazon fba

Q: How long does it take for my products to ship from China to my Amazon Fulfillment Center?

A: It typically takes about 10-15 days for products to ship from China to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and the location of your fulfillment center.

Q: How much does it cost to ship from China to an Amazon Fulfillment Center?

A: The cost of shipping from China to an Amazon Fulfillment Center depends on a few factors, such as the weight and dimensions of your products, as well as the distance between your factory and the fulfillment center. However, we can give you a rough estimate of $0.50-$2.00 per unit shipped.

Q: What is the process for shipping my products from China to an Amazon Fulfillment Center?

A: The process is actually quite simple. First, you will need to create a shipping plan through Amazon Seller Central. Once you have done that, you will need to generate a commercial invoice and pack list, which we can help you with. After that, you will need to choose a freight forwarder (like us!) and provide us with your shipping documents. We will then pick up your products from your factory and ship them to your fulfillment center.

Q: Do I need to pay taxes or duties on my products when shipping from China to an Amazon Fulfillment Center?

A: No, you do not need to pay taxes or duties on your products when shipping from China to an Amazon Fulfillment Center.

Conclusion

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA is a common and profitable strategy for Amazon sellers. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to avoid any problems or delays. By following the tips we shared in this blog post, you will be able to ship your products from China to Amazon FBA smoothly and successfully.

If you need any help with sourcing products from China or shipping them to Amazon FBA, feel free to contact us. We are a professional sourcing agent that can help you find reliable suppliers, negotiate prices, arrange inspections, handle logistics, and more. We have years of experience and expertise in helping Amazon sellers grow their businesses. Contact us today for a free quote!