FAQs: Shipping from China to Amazon FBA

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Making Money

1. How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA Warehouse?

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows sellers to store products in Amazon’s centers, where staff handle packing, shipping, and customer service. Here are three methods for shipping:

  • Direct Shipping (China to Amazon):
  • Fastest and cheapest method.
  • Suitable for express shipping with companies like UPS or FedEx.
  • Limited quality control.

  • Ship to Your Home First:

  • Allows personal quality checks.
  • Additional transport costs from home to the warehouse.

  • Via Prep Service Company:

  • Handles inspections, labeling, and customs clearance.
  • Costly, especially if the warehouse is far from the prep service.

2. Which Shipping Mode is Best?

The mode depends on volume, cost, and product type:

  • Express Shipping:
  • Best for goods under 500kg.
  • Fast (4-7 days) and simple, with companies handling customs clearance.
  • Cost: $6-$7 per kg via FedEx or UPS.

  • Sea Freight:

  • Ideal for goods over 2CBM or with restricted items (e.g., lithium batteries).
  • Cost-effective but slower (25-40 days).
  • Estimated cost: $200-$300/CBM.

  • Air Freight:

  • Suitable for goods over 500kg.
  • Faster than sea freight but cheaper than express.
  • 10%-20% lower cost than express shipping.

  • Sea/Air Freight + UPS Combined:

  • UPS handles domestic delivery after sea or air freight.
  • Faster than traditional sea freight, cheaper than express.

3. Packaging and Labeling Requirements for Amazon FBA

  • Outer Packaging:
  • Use rigid, six-sided boxes within Amazon’s size and weight limits.
  • Label oversized items appropriately (e.g., "Team Lift" for items over 50 lbs).

  • Product Packaging:

  • Use protective materials like bubble wrap or poly bags.
  • Ensure packaging is secure; contents shouldn’t move when shaken.

  • Labeling:

  • Attach unique FBA shipping labels.
  • FNSKU barcodes required for each product variation.
  • Warning stickers (e.g., suffocation labels for poly bags).

4. Direct Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA

  • How: Alibaba suppliers do not offer logistics, so you must find a freight forwarder or use the supplier's recommendation.
  • Risks:
  • No quality inspection; defective products can harm rankings.
  • Suppliers may lack experience with Amazon's requirements.
  • Tips:
  • Hire a quality control agent for inspections.
  • Work with experienced suppliers familiar with Amazon labeling.

5. Tracking Shipments to Amazon FBA

  • Express Shipments: Use the tracking number on the courier’s website (e.g., FedEx, UPS).
  • Sea/Air Freight:
  • Contact freight forwarders for status updates.
  • Check with the airline or shipping company using container or air waybill numbers.

6. What to Do if Goods Are Lost at Amazon Warehouse?

  • Steps:
  • Contact Amazon Customer Service: Use “Call Me” service or helpdesk.
  • Provide Delivery Receipt: Shows goods were delivered and signed.
  • Submit Product Invoice: Prove the value of the lost goods.
  • Outcome: Amazon investigates and compensates for lost items.

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA can be complex, but understanding methods, packaging, and labeling, as well as tracking and loss mitigation strategies, ensures a smooth process.


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