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How to ship to Amazon FBA from China

Last update: December 4, 2024

Contents

Discover how to ship products from China to Amazon fulfilment centres around the world

Key takeaways

You can ship goods from China to Amazon FBA through air freight and ocean freight
You can also partner with a freight forwarder or sign up for Amazon Send if you are shipping to fulfilment centres in Amazon warehouses
Amazon FBA has strict packaging and labelling guidelines
WorldFirst is a participating Amazon Payment Service Provider (PSP) that simplifies cross-border collections from Amazon

Introduction

Shipping goods from China to Amazon FBA comes with its own challenges—you need to ship products to different Amazon fulfilment centres, manage freight partners, ensure your custom taxes are paid before Amazon receives the goods and follow very specific packaging and shipping requirements set by Amazon.

The process isn’t complicated, but the initial setup can take some time to understand.

In this guide, we look at everything you need to know about shipping products from China to Amazon FBA warehouses.

Top ways to ship from China to Amazon FBA

There are different ways to move goods from China to Amazon FBA warehouses. The right shipping method depends on your budget, the kind of products you’re shipping and the location of FBA warehouses.

Air freight

The fastest way to get your products shipped from China is through air freight. It is ideal for high-value, time-sensitive perishables and small goods.

However, air freight is also the most expensive option. It has stricter regulations and you can’t ship very heavy-weight items. If you have bulky shipments or hazardous goods, air freight may not be the right option.

Express air shipping can also be used for urgent shipments or goods requiring careful handling. Though it is more expensive than standard air freight.

Ocean freight

Ocean freight or sea freight involves shipping goods through the sea. It is cheaper than air freight, but delivery times are longer. Ocean freight can take weeks for your goods to be delivered, so you need to prepare your inventory accordingly. The goods also need to be packaged more carefully as they are loaded, unloaded and segregated at ports.

It’s more environmentally friendly and has a lower carbon footprint than air freight, making it a better option for companies focused on improving their sustainability efforts.

Freight forwarders

Freight forwarders are intermediaries specialising in international freight. They manage the entire process on your behalf–obtaining goods from the supplier, preparing customs documents, packing products according to Amazon FBA’s requirements and shipping them to Amazon fulfilment centres.

Amazon Send

You can also use Amazon Send, if you plan to ship products directly from China to Amazon FBA warehouses in Australia.

A partnered carrier picks up your shipment and handles the entire end-to-end shipping process, from customs clearance to delivery at the Amazon fulfilment centre.

You can send the goods to a designated drop-off point. Amazon Send’s biggest advantage is its seamless and deep integration with FBA.

→ Take a look at our complete guide to Amazon FBA Australia

Top tips for managing shipments from China to Amazon FBA

Review FBA prep and labelling requirements

Amazon FBA has strict packaging and labelling guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in refusal of inventory at the Amazon fulfilment centres. If your supplier or freight forwarder is packaging shipments on your behalf, ensure they follow the necessary guidelines.

Important note: All products sent to FBA need to have a scannable barcode and be ready to be fulfilled. Customer deliveries can be delayed if any products require additional labelling or prepping after they are received at Amazon fulfilment centres. You can also be charged a penalty for noncompliance.

Establish a quality inspection process

Quality control must be an integral part of your product sourcing process since you never get to physically check all the products before they are sent to customers. The products are sent directly from your supplier’s warehouses to Amazon fulfilment centres and then to your customers.

You can perform surprise physical checks yourself or hire a third-party quality control agency.

Manage customs clearance

Customs is the most tricky part of international shipping. No matter how you ship your goods from China, you must ensure your customs documentation is in place.

Here are the main documents you’ll need to ship from China to Amazon Australia’s FBA warehouses.

(Note: While we have tried to be as exhaustive as possible, the list below may not be accurate as regulations and procedures change with time. Please seek professional advice before moving forward with your imports and exports.)

Pre-shipping

Export licence
Permit
Proforma invoice
Export letter of credit
Australian Business Number (ABN)

Preparing for the shipment

Certificate of inspection
Commercial invoice
Bill of exchange
Export packing list

Leaving the port

Cargo insurance certificate
Bill of lading
Certificate of origin

Create your shipping plan

Before you can send products to Amazon FBA, you need to ensure they are set up to be fulfilled by Amazon. Once the initial product setup is done, Amazon FBA warehouses will be notified to expect your products.

Go to Inventory in the Amazon Seller Central menu and click Manage All Inventory
Click on the Edit button next to any of the listed products and select Change to Fulfilled by Amazon
You’ll then be prompted to add inventory details, review the shipping plan and download shipping labels.

Pay suppliers and collect Amazon marketplace payouts with your World Account

WorldFirst is a participating Amazon Payment Service Provider (PSP) that simplifies cross-border collections and marketplace payouts from Amazon.

Amazon sellers can open local receiving accounts in 15+ currencies and collect payments from global customers in their preferred currency. Use the collected funds to further pay suppliers and shipping partners or repatriate the funds to your bank account any time at competitive exchange rates.

Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.

Based in Sydney, Jim is responsible for the WorldFirst business across Australia and New Zealand. He brings with him over 25 years of experience helping Business Owners, CFO’s and Treasury Managers overcome the challenges with cross border payments and navigating volatile foreign exchange markets.

Jim Vrondas

Author

Country Manager ANZ at WorldFirst

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How to ship to Amazon FBA from China

Top ways to ship from China to Amazon FBA

Air freight

Ocean freight

Freight forwarders

Amazon Send

Top tips for managing shipments from China to Amazon FBA

Review FBA prep and labelling requirements

Establish a quality inspection process

Manage customs clearance

Create your shipping plan

Pay suppliers and collect Amazon marketplace payouts with your World Account

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The simpler way to pay and get paid

Save money, time, and have peace of mind when expanding your global business.