Shipping From China to Amazon FBA: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re starting to use Amazon Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) to increase your sales on Amazon, you might be wondering how to go about shipping from China to Amazon FBA. You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll provide an overview of everything you need to know about shipping from China to Amazon FBA.

From the best shipping methods, estimated and actual costs, and customs paperwork requirements, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence and ease. We’ll also share our top tips for getting the most out of your domestic and international shipping operations. So if you’re ready to learn everything there is to know about shipping from China to Amazon FBA, let’s jump right in!

Shipping directly from China to Amazon FBA

If you’re selling through Amazon, it may make sense to consider shipping your goods directly from the manufacturer in China to avoid additional costs. Shipping directly from the source can save you both time and money. But, while it is possible, there are some important pros and cons to consider before you make the leap.

Advantages:

The biggest advantage of shipping your goods directly from China is that you will reduce your overall costs by cutting out unnecessary middlemen. This can greatly impact your bottom line, as this cost includes a wide range of potential fees like shipping, customs duties and taxes, warehousing and storage fees, and more.

Disadvantages:

However, shipping directly from China to Amazon FBA also presents certain challenges, such as Amazon’s requests to ship the products to different warehouses and not to one centralized location; your product must meet the shipping and packaging requirements and standards set by Amazon, which not every supplier is familiar with. Also, managing international shipments can be difficult due to language barriers and cultural differences. The biggest disadvantage of shipping items from China directly to Amazon FBA warehouses is that cannot inspect the products upon arrival. To ensure smooth operations, it’s crucial to find reliable shippers familiar with the process and have experience with Amazon FBA requirements.

Shipping Products to a Forwarder to Make Amazon Shipping Easier

Shipping products from China to Amazon FBA can be a confusing and time-consuming process, but it doesn’t have to be. By using a forwarder, you can simplify the process and make it much easier.

Some China Freight Forwarders can provide free warehousing, cargo consolidation, and packaging services combined with shipping services. Just purchase the goods from your supplier, and send them to the freight forwarder in China, then they’ll handle the rest. They will consolidate your goods into one international shipment before sending it to its destination—any of Amazon’s distribution centers.

Here are a few advantages of using a forwarder when shipping products from China to Amazon FBA:

  • You can save time and money by consolidating multiple orders into one shipment.
  • They ensure that goods arrive safely and securely
  • You don’t need any warehousing space in China; you can store goods at the freight forwarder’s warehouse until you send them over to Amazon
  • The process of shipment becomes much more straightforward; China freight forwarder handles all the paperwork relating to customs clearance
  • You get assistance when navigating international shipping laws & regulations.

Generally speaking, using a forwarder is a great way to make sure that your product reaches its destination quickly and on time while keeping costs low.

Things You Must Know Before Sourcing from China

Before sourcing from China, there are a few things you must know. From understanding taxes and duties to local laws and regulations, there’s much to consider. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

1. Knowing Your Landed Costs Before Manufacturing Goods

When shipping goods from China to Amazon FBA, knowing your landed costs is vital before you begin manufacturing in China. Knowing your landed cost—the total cost of goods for when they arrive at the Amazon warehouse—before you start manufacturing is vital to setting your pricing and calculating whether or not a product will be profitable.

Your landed cost should include the following:

  • The cost of producing goods, including labor and materials
  • Cost of freight and insurance
  • Custom duties and taxes
  • Inbound freight costs to move goods from warehouse to fulfillment center
  • Amazon fulfillment fees

It’s also important to remember that the cost of shipping from China can vary widely depending on which carrier and services you use, so it’s essential to research and to choose the best option for your shipping needs. Creating a spreadsheet or using an online calculator tool can help ensure you have all the information you need when calculating your total landed costs.

2. Suppliers are Not Trustworthy just because They Sell on Alibaba

Just because a supplier says they sell on Alibaba doesn’t mean you can trust them. Quality control is a major issue, with sellers often not following their quality standards and procedures carefully enough. You should always do your due diligence and research before committing to any supplier. Make sure that the company has a good track record, for example, by reading reviews from past buyers and doing background checks on their business practices.

Additionally, when shipping from China, beware of suppliers who over-promise or don’t warn you about hidden costs in advance. You should also make sure any contracts you sign with suppliers accurately reflect your expectations and the details of your agreement.

3. The Manufacturer is Not Always the Best Supplier

When shipping from China to Amazon FBA, you might not know that the manufacturer is not always the best option. Depending on your budget, you may be able to find a better supplier who can help you save money and time with your order.

Prices: The manufacturer may have higher prices due to their reputation and standing in the industry. Many third-party suppliers out there can provide a better price for the same quality product. Remember that third-party suppliers may have different terms of sale or other hidden costs, so make sure you do your research beforehand.

Quality Assurance: If you’re concerned about quality assurance and control, working directly with the manufacturer is the way to go. The manufacturer is best at ensuring products meet their standards and will likely have more processes in place for quality assurance compared to third-party suppliers.

Efficiency/Time Savings: When it comes to efficiency and time savings, third-party suppliers may be able to provide faster shipping times due to their connections in the industry. This is especially useful if you need your products quickly or are looking for expedited shipping services. It’s also important to consider taxes and duties when making your final decision – while manufacturers usually offer assistance with customs clearance, this service may be more comprehensive with third-party suppliers due to their expertise in global shipment logistics.

4. Using a Freight Forwarder

If you’re planning to ship from China to Amazon FBA, you should seriously consider using a freight forwarder in China. Using a China freight forwarder can save you time and money, as they are well-versed in international transportation regulations and can provide invaluable advice on cost-saving strategies. Plus, they have strong relationships with carriers that help them negotiate better rates and faster delivery times.

5. Using a Customs Broker

A customs broker is essentially a third-party service provider that will help you navigate the complicated world of international customs regulations, duties, fees, and paperwork.

Using a customs broker will make the entire process much easier and smoother for you. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a customs broker:

Peace of Mind – A good customs broker can help ensure that all your documents are submitted correctly and on-time, helping you avoid any costly delays or penalties due to incorrect paperwork.

Expert Guidance – With a knowledgeable customs broker on your side, you’ll be able to rest assured knowing that you’re in good hands when navigating all the paperwork associated with your shipment.

Cost Savings – A customs broker can assist you in minimizing costs associated with your shipment by helping you identify when duties and taxes may be applicable, and provide advice on how best to proceed.

6. Conducting a Quality Inspection

No matter how great your supplier is, you always want to inspect the quality of your international cargo before it goes out. Quality inspections are the vital in ensuring all the products meet the standards you set for them before reaching Amazon warehouses.

Quality inspection must be taken seriously — otherwise, you might face returned shipments or unhappy customers due to faulty products. But with careful planning and proper execution, there’s no reason why your orders won’t arrive looking good as new!

China Global Freight – One-Stop Logistics Provider for E-Commerce

As you can see, sending goods from China directly to Amazon requires many steps to ensure your goods arrive undamaged and comply with customs in your destination country and Amazon FBA.

That’s why we recommend working with a reputable China freight forwarder like China Global Freight who can handle both the China-side and destination-side logistics.

Detailed Guide: Shipping from China to Amazon FBA

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA can be a daunting and confusing process. To help take the stress out of the situation, we’ve put together this detailed guide to walk you through each step of the process.

Step 1: Decide the Right Shipping Method

When shipping from China to Amazon FBA, the suitable shipping method can make all the difference. While there are a few ways to send goods from China to the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and beyond, Air Freight and Sea Freight are the two most commonly used methods.

Air Freight is faster but more expensive, while Sea Freight takes longer but is cheaper. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing a shipping option so that you can ensure you get your international shipment from China in a timely manner at an affordable price.

Air Freight is recommended for sending packages weighing over 100 kg, as it generally arrives within two weeks. However, if your international freight from China is smaller than this or you have a long lead time for production, Sea Freight may be a better option for you. That’s because it usually takes about 30 days for goods to be delivered by sea—plus it usually costs one-tenth of air freight prices!

Step 2: Contact a China Freight Forwarder

Now that you’ve identified who to ship your goods from in China, it’s time to book your shipping. To make this process stage less stressful, you’ll need to find a reliable China freight forwarder.

When selecting a freight forwarder, it’s important to choose one who is experienced and familiar with export from China and shipment to Amazon FBA–this will save you time and money. You’ll also want to ensure their fees are competitive—ask them for quotes so you can compare them before making a decision. Some things to keep in mind when evaluating quotes:

  • Practice due diligence when reading contracts – read through all terms and conditions.
  • Ensure that all documentation for customs clearance is included in the quote
  • Check if any fluctuating charges like fuel surcharges or currency fluctuations are included
  • Ask what kinds of services the freight forwarder provides (e.g., loading/unloading, warehouse storage).

Overall, choosing an experienced China freight forwarder makes the entire logistics process easier–all you have to do is provide them with your product details, and they’ll take care of the rest!

Step 3: Run a Quality Inspection on Your Goods

The third step in shipping from China to Amazon FBA is running a quality inspection on your goods. This is an important step because you want to ensure that your international goods from China are up to the standards that you promised your customers.

Step 4: Create an Amazon Shipping Plan

Now it’s time to create an Amazon shipping plan. This is where you’ll determine the quantity of items to ship, and then select the specific carrier and delivery speed your order will travel with.

The primary consideration you’ll need to make is what type of shipping service to use, and your shipping options are:

You can select a trusted third-party logistics provider, such as China Global Freight, to help you manage the shipment process from start to finish. Whichever route you take, ensure your shipment is created correctly and all documentation is in order before sending it off!

Step 5: Package and Label Goods Correctly for Amazon

Once you’ve got your products all packaged up and ready to go, the next step is to make sure you package and label them correctly for Amazon FBA. This is an important step, as any mistakes in your packaging and labeling could delay your products’ destination or even prevent them from being accepted.

It’s easy to do this once you know the basics. Here’s what you need to do:

Label Your Shipments Correctly – You need to be sure that your shipments are labeled correctly before they’re sent off. This includes writing down any tracking information, as well as adding in required barcodes and SKU codes.

Package Goods Securely – Make sure that all of the goods are packaged securely, so they do not get damaged in transit or arrive at their destination in poor condition. If there are any fragile items, ensure that these are packed with extra padding or cushioning materials, such as bubble wrap or foam sheets.

Include Documentation With Shipments – You should also include the necessary paperwork with each shipment, such as invoices and packing lists, so that customs do not delay clearance of your goods at the port of entry into Europe/US/China/Australia, etc..

Step 6: Get a Container Loading Check Inspection

Now you’ve arrived at the penultimate step: getting an inspection for your container. It’s not required, but it can bring tremendous peace of mind. After all, you want to ensure your products arrive safe and sound.

Container Loading Check Inspections (CLCI) are highly recommended because they enable you to spot any potential problems with the way your container is being loaded, as well as any potential customs-related issues. All in all, they’re a great way to have an extra level of assurance.

Step 7: Get Freight Insurance for Shipping from China to Amazon FBA

The seventh step in the process of shipping from China to Amazon FBA is to make sure you have freight insurance. You don’t want to be responsible for any damages, losses, or delays that might happen along the way, and freight insurance is one way to ensure you won’t be.

Freight insurance covers physical loss of, or damage to, merchandise caused by external or unexpected events during the transit time.

Step 8: Use a Customs Broker to Get Your Shipping Documents in Order

A customs broker is an essential third party that helps you move your product from point A (China) to point B (Amazon FBA). They’ll help you navigate the complex legal requirements and paperwork associated with international shipping, which can be tedious and confusing.

By finding a trusted customs broker, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress and worry. They’ll handle things like:

  • Completing Customs Forms such as HS Tariff Codes
  • Drafting Power of Attorney Documents
  • Applying for Obligations and Regulations Updates
  • Drafting Bills of Lading
  • Securing special permission from respective government to ship specific items across borders

At China Global Freight, we have our own custom brokers in China and around the world; when shipping with us, you can rest assured that your shipment will proceed smoothly with minimal delays. With the right professional, you’ll have no problems shipping from China to Amazon FBA. We take care of all the documents needed. Our qualified customs broker will ensure all of your documentation meets your destination’s importing requirements, including:

  • Telex Release – allows the carrier’s agent to release the cargo at one port even though the original bill of lading may be at a different port.
  • Bill of Lading – is a legal document between a shipper and a carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods being shipped.
  • Commercial Invoice – a bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer.
  • Packing List – provides a detailed description of a shipment’s contents, but that does not include any information about pricing or value.

Step 9: Track Your International Shipment from China

The last step in the Amazon FBA shipping process from China is tracking your shipment. Fortunately, tracking your international cargo shipped from China to Amazon FBA is easier than ever before. If you’re using an international express delivery like DHL, FedEx, or UPS, you can easily track your shipment using the tracking number the shipper provides.

You can also track your international freight through your reputable and established China Freight Forwarder.

For example, at China Global Freight:

  • We will update you on the progress of your international shipment from China.
  • We also provide you with a detailed shipping plan to put you in control.
  • We send a copy of the China bill of lading for your shipment.
  • We track the customs clearance and send you an actual copy of the Entry Summary for your reference on the charges.

China Global Freight – Your Trustworthy Freight Forwarder in China

Having a reliable and experienced freight forwarder is one of the most critical steps in shipping from China to Amazon FBA. After all, you want to make sure that your goods are in safe hands and that your shipment will arrive on time.

That’s why you need China Global Freight, who have been helping businesses of all sizes with their Amazon FBA shipping needs for years. We specialize in handling export and import shipments between China and the US/UK/Europe. From product sourcing in China to shipping and delivery, we’ll ensure that your international freight gets from A to B without any hassle or delays. Here’s what makes us so great:

Knowledge and Experience – We have had a team of experts in the Amazon FBA industry for years. We know the rules, regulations, and best practices for shipping from China to Amazon FBA – so you don’t have to worry about any surprises!

Cost-Effective Solutions – With competitive rates and discounts on bulk orders, We offer cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise quality or service.

Full Range of Services – From product sourcing to inspections and customs clearance, they provide a full range of services for all your shipping needs – even door-to-door delivery!

Let Us Handle Your Shipment from China to FBA Warehouse

Don’t be held back by shipping from China—let China Global Freight handle the hassle for your Amazon business! Enjoy convenient door-to-door delivery, hassle-free customs clearance, and pick-up from your supplier with our One-Stop Logistics Service.

Contact Your China Freight Expert