How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA: Prep, Costs & Delivery

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA is more than an international freight booking. Your products need to be prepared, labeled, documented, and delivered to the fulfillment centers assigned through Amazon Seller Central.

Quick answer: You can ship directly from a Chinese factory to Amazon FBA, or use a consolidation warehouse or third-party logistics (3PL) provider when you need additional inspection, preparation, or inventory management.

The process follows seven essential steps: confirm your products and destination marketplace, create your Amazon shipment plan, prepare products and cartons, check and consolidate cargo, arrange freight and customs clearance, deliver to the assigned fulfillment centers, and track Amazon receiving.

The best approach depends on your suppliers, shipment size, target marketplace, and inventory schedule.

This guide explains how to make those decisions, prepare FBA-ready inventory, understand shipping costs, and coordinate your Chinese suppliers from production to shipment handover.

Can You Ship Directly from China to Amazon FBA?

Yes. You can ship products directly from a Chinese manufacturer to Amazon FBA, provided your inventory meets the destination marketplace's requirements and the shipping and import arrangements are properly organized.

You do not necessarily need to receive the goods at your own address or send them through an overseas warehouse first.

There are three practical ways to arrange your shipment.

Option 1: Direct Factory-to-FBA Shipping

Your manufacturer prepares the products, applies the required labels, packs the cartons, and hands the shipment to a carrier or freight forwarder.

After international transportation and customs clearance, the goods are delivered to the Amazon facilities assigned to your shipment.

Best for: Sellers working with one experienced manufacturer whose products are already prepared for FBA.

Direct shipping can reduce intermediate handling, making it suitable for straightforward orders and repeat replenishment.

Option 2: Consolidation in China

If you purchase from multiple Chinese suppliers, sending every order separately may create unnecessary coordination work.

A China-based consolidation arrangement allows goods from different factories to be collected, checked, sorted, and prepared for coordinated international shipping.

For example, a seller sourcing fitness accessories from two manufacturers can arrange one China-side process for receiving the goods, confirming quantities, coordinating labels, and preparing the cargo for freight handover.

Once the Amazon shipment plans are confirmed, cartons can be organized according to their assigned fulfillment-center destinations.

Best for: Sellers managing multiple factories, product categories, SKUs, or production schedules.

Consolidating goods in China does not mean that every carton can be delivered to the same Amazon warehouse. The final delivery arrangements must still match the confirmed shipment assignments.

Learn more about consolidating orders from multiple Chinese suppliers.

Option 3: Shipping Through a Destination-Country 3PL

A third-party logistics provider can receive your imported inventory, store it locally, and send smaller replenishment shipments to Amazon.

Some 3PL facilities also provide labeling, repacking, inspection, and inventory management services.

Best for: Sellers who need reserve stock outside Amazon, regular smaller replenishments, or inventory for multiple sales channels.

A 3PL adds another handling and storage stage, but provides greater flexibility for ongoing inventory management.

Which Shipping Route Should You Choose?

Choose direct-to-FBA when your goods are already prepared correctly and no additional handling is required.
Choose China consolidation when several factories or product lines need to be organized before export.
Choose a destination-country 3PL when local storage and staged replenishment are part of your inventory strategy.

The most efficient route is the one that matches your preparation needs, Amazon delivery requirements, and replenishment schedule.

How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA: 7 Steps

A successful FBA shipment involves two connected workflows.

In Amazon Seller Central, you confirm SKUs, quantities, packing information, shipment assignments, and labels.

In China, your suppliers prepare the products, cartons, documentation, and physical cargo.

The key is keeping both workflows aligned.

Step 1: Confirm Your Products, Suppliers, and Destination Marketplace

Before arranging transportation, collect the information your suppliers and freight provider will need.

Start with:

Product names, specifications, ASINs, and seller SKUs.
Quantity for each SKU.
Selling-unit packaging requirements.
Expected units per carton and carton quantities.
Carton dimensions and gross weights.
Factory pickup addresses.
Production completion dates.
Target Amazon marketplace.

For multi-supplier orders, collect the same information from each factory.

Also confirm whether your products have category-specific requirements. Batteries, liquids, chemicals, and other regulated products may require additional documentation, packaging, or transportation arrangements.

Next step: Request preliminary packing lists from your suppliers before preparing the final Amazon shipment information.

Step 2: Create Your Shipment Using Send to Amazon

Amazon's Send to Amazon workflow helps sellers prepare inbound FBA shipments through Seller Central.

Depending on the marketplace and shipment type, you will generally:

Select the products and quantities to send.
Enter the ship-from address.
Provide carton contents, weights, and dimensions.
Review available shipment placement and transportation options.
Confirm the shipment details and assigned destinations.
Generate the required FBA box and pallet labels.
Provide applicable carrier and tracking details.

Amazon may assign inventory to multiple fulfillment centers.

Always use the confirmed destinations from your shipment plan rather than an old Amazon warehouse address.

The workflow also allows sellers to use case-pack templates for recurring shipments, helping reduce repetitive data entry.

For the official process, see Amazon's Send to Amazon shipment creation guide.

Practical tip: Collect preliminary packing information from your factory first, then send the confirmed shipment assignments and final labels back to the supplier or preparation team.

Step 3: Prepare Product Packaging and FBA Labels

Your products need the correct identification and preparation before they reach Amazon.

Depending on the product and destination marketplace, this may include:

Manufacturer barcodes or Amazon FNSKU labels.
Protective packaging.
Poly bags or category-specific preparation.
Packaging for products sold as sets.
Required product markings.
Correct shipping-carton labels.

Product barcodes and FBA shipping-box labels are different and should not be confused.

Your supplier should follow the approved preparation instructions for the relevant products and shipment.

We cover the main labeling requirements in the next section.

Step 4: Check and Consolidate the Cargo

Before releasing inventory for international transportation, confirm that the physical products match the purchase orders and Amazon shipment information.

Useful checks include:

SKU quantities.
Product packaging and barcode placement.
Carton counts and units per carton.
Actual carton weights and dimensions.
Condition of the goods and outer packaging.
FBA Box ID labels and corresponding carton contents.

If you work with multiple factories, this is also the stage to coordinate collection dates, receive incoming goods, and organize cartons by shipment and destination.

Corrections to packaging, quantities, or labels are often easier to coordinate before the goods leave China.

FBA Shipment Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist before approving final dispatch:

This checklist can be shared with your manufacturer, preparation team, and freight provider to help everyone work from the same shipping information.

Step 5: Arrange Freight and Customs Clearance

Once your goods are ready and the Amazon shipment details are confirmed, arrange international transportation.

Depending on shipment volume, product characteristics, and timing, you may choose express courier, air freight, or ocean freight.

Your freight provider will typically need:

Final commercial invoice and packing list.
Factory pickup address.
Product descriptions and cargo details.
Customs classification and import documentation.
Importer-of-record information.
Confirmed Amazon delivery destinations.
Applicable shipment and tracking references.

For imported FBA inventory, the customs and delivery arrangements must also satisfy Amazon's destination requirements.

For example, Amazon's U.S. and Canadian import policies require DDP delivery terms for inbound FBA inventory, with duties, taxes, and shipping charges settled before warehouse delivery.

Step 6: Deliver to the Assigned Amazon Fulfillment Centers

After customs clearance, the shipment moves to its assigned Amazon receiving locations.

Small-parcel shipments and palletized freight have different delivery procedures.

For applicable less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) shipments, the freight carrier needs to follow Amazon's routing and delivery appointment requirements.

The shipment should carry the correct box labels, pallet labels where applicable, and carrier documentation.

If Amazon assigns cartons to different facilities, the goods must be sorted and delivered accordingly.

For U.S. requirements, refer to Amazon's FBA shipping and routing guidelines.

Step 7: Track Amazon Receiving and Inventory Availability

A carrier's delivery confirmation does not necessarily mean your inventory is ready to sell.

Amazon shipment tracking includes statuses such as:

Shipped → Delivered → Checked In → Receiving → Closed

Delivered indicates that your shipment has arrived at the fulfillment-center facility or delivery location.

Checked In means it is ready for the receiving process.

Receiving indicates that Amazon has started scanning and processing the inventory.

Some units may become available while receiving continues. Amazon may also transfer inventory between fulfillment centers.

When planning launches or replenishment, allow time for Amazon receiving in addition to international transit and final delivery.

Amazon FBA Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Correct labeling is especially important when shipping directly from a Chinese manufacturer.

Three different types of identification are involved: product barcodes, FBA Box ID labels, and carrier shipping labels.

Product Barcodes: FNSKU vs Manufacturer Barcode

Each selling unit needs an eligible, scannable product barcode.

Depending on Amazon's requirements, the barcode may be:

A manufacturer barcode, such as UPC or EAN.
An Amazon barcode, commonly called an FNSKU.

Not every FBA product needs an FNSKU sticker.

For the U.S. marketplace, Amazon updated its barcode requirements effective March 31, 2026.

Eligible products associated with a brand enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry may continue using manufacturer barcodes when the seller has the required Brand Representative role and meets the product eligibility conditions.

Resellers must use Amazon barcodes, even when products already have manufacturer barcodes.

Brand Registry enrollment alone does not automatically make every product eligible for manufacturer-barcode tracking.

Before asking your factory to print thousands of labels, confirm the actual barcode requirement for each ASIN in Seller Central.

See Amazon's official FBA barcode requirements.

FBA Box ID Labels and Carrier Labels

The FBA Box ID identifies an inbound shipping carton, not an individual selling unit.

Each shipping box needs its own unique FBA Box ID label generated from the confirmed shipment workflow.

This label is separate from the product's FNSKU or UPC.

For small-parcel shipments, the carrier shipping label is also separate. Palletized deliveries require the applicable pallet labels.

Before dispatch, confirm that:

Each carton has the correct unique FBA Box ID label.
Labels are visible and scannable.
Carton contents match the submitted information.
Boxes are assigned to the correct shipments.
Carton dimensions and weights meet the destination requirements.

For standard U.S. FBA inbound cartons, Amazon's general limits are 36 × 25 × 25 inches and 50 lb per box, with exceptions for certain oversized single-item shipments.

These limits should not be automatically applied to other Amazon marketplaces or Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD).

What Changed for U.S. FBA Prep in 2026?

Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon discontinued its FBA preparation and item-labeling services for new inbound shipments in the U.S. store.

Sellers therefore need to arrange the required preparation before their inventory reaches U.S. FBA facilities.

For businesses sourcing from China, this makes factory preparation or third-party prep coordination an important part of shipment planning.

The work can be organized while products are still in China, allowing the supplier and preparation team to confirm labels, packaging, carton quantities, and shipment information before export.

See Amazon's official U.S. FBA Prep Service policy.

Other Amazon marketplaces may have different service arrangements, so check the rules for your destination.

Which Shipping Method Is Best for FBA Inventory?

The best freight method depends on shipment volume, replenishment timing, and the cost of keeping inventory available for sale.

Express and Air Freight

Express courier services are practical for smaller, urgent shipments.

Air freight may be suitable when you need relatively fast transportation for larger cargo volumes.

Consider these methods for new product launches, urgent replenishment, small high-value shipments, or inventory needed to prevent a stockout.

Remember that faster international transportation does not eliminate customs clearance or Amazon receiving time.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is often better suited to larger shipments and planned replenishment.

LCL allows sellers to share container space, while FCL provides an entire container for the shipment.

When planning ocean freight for Amazon FBA, account for the complete journey from factory completion to Amazon inventory availability—not just the vessel's sailing time.

Split Shipments for Inventory Replenishment

Some sellers use a combination of shipping methods.

For example, a smaller quantity can move by air to support an upcoming launch, while the remaining stock travels by ocean freight.

This approach can help balance speed and cost when inventory timing is important.

However, splitting orders can also add handling, transportation, and inbound delivery expenses.

Choose the method that gets sufficient sellable inventory into Amazon when you need it, at a cost that works for your business.

For a more detailed explanation of ocean freight, air freight, LCL, FCL, transit-time planning, and general shipping costs, read our guide to shipping products from China.

How Much Does Shipping from China to Amazon FBA Cost?

There is no universal shipping price for China-to-FBA inventory.

The cost depends on your cargo, transportation method, destination, import arrangements, and Amazon's applicable inbound fees.

A useful quotation should help you understand the entire inbound shipping arrangement.

Main FBA Shipping Cost Components

1. China-side preparation

Factory pickup, packaging, labeling, agreed inspections, consolidation, and any required repacking.

2. International transportation

Express, air, or ocean freight, including relevant freight surcharges.

3. Customs clearance and import charges

Brokerage, duties, taxes, and applicable import documentation.

4. Final warehouse delivery

Destination handling, inland transportation, and delivery to Amazon's assigned fulfillment centers.

5. Amazon inbound charges

Applicable inbound placement fees and other Amazon inbound service charges.

Storage, fulfillment, and selling fees are separate from the freight quotation, but should be considered when evaluating overall product profitability.

Understanding U.S. Inbound Placement Fees

Amazon may distribute inbound inventory across multiple fulfillment centers.

In the U.S., its FBA inbound placement service fee can vary based on product characteristics, shipment details, and the available placement options.

Amazon updated parts of the fee structure effective January 15, 2026.

Depending on the shipment, you may be offered options involving fewer receiving destinations or eligible multi-location splits.

A shipment with fewer destinations may be less expensive to transport but incur higher Amazon placement charges.

A multi-destination arrangement may reduce some placement fees but increase delivery costs.

To make a practical comparison, consider:

Total inbound cost = China preparation + international freight + customs and import charges + final delivery + applicable Amazon inbound fees.

Compare freight quotations with the placement options and estimated charges shown for your actual shipment in Seller Central.

See Amazon's U.S. inbound placement service fee guidance.

DDP Shipping and the Importer of Record

DDP, or Delivered Duty Paid, is commonly used for shipments from China to Amazon FBA because it provides a framework for arranging transportation, import clearance, applicable duties, and delivery to the destination.

For imported shipments entering U.S. and Canadian Amazon fulfillment centers, Amazon's official policies require DDP delivery terms.

Amazon does not act as the importer of record for FBA inventory, and fulfillment centers do not accept shipments with unpaid freight charges, duties, or taxes to be collected on arrival.

Your original purchase agreement with the Chinese supplier does not necessarily need to use DDP terms.

For example, you may purchase goods from a factory under FOB terms and separately arrange an international logistics service that provides the required import clearance and duty-paid delivery to Amazon.

The key is to organize the complete route correctly.

Before confirming a shipping quotation, ask:

Who will act as the importer of record?
Who will arrange customs clearance?
Are import duties and applicable taxes included?
Does the quotation include delivery to all assigned Amazon facilities?
Are there any additional destination or handling charges?

These questions help ensure that two quotations are being compared on the same basis.

For the official U.S. policy, see Amazon's Delivering imports to Amazon guidance.

How to Compare Two FBA Freight Quotes

A lower international freight rate does not always mean a lower total inbound cost.

One provider may quote ocean freight only, while another includes Chinese factory pickup, customs brokerage, destination handling, and final FBA delivery.

Provide each provider with the same cargo details and ask for a clear breakdown of included services.

If your shipment has multiple Amazon destinations, confirm how those deliveries will be handled.

The best quotation is the one that provides a practical, clearly scoped route for your inventory—not simply the lowest headline price.

What Changes by Amazon Marketplace?

The core China-to-FBA process is similar across major marketplaces, but local customs rules, product requirements, and Amazon inbound programs differ.

United States

For Amazon.com, pay particular attention to the 2026 changes affecting FBA preparation services, manufacturer barcode eligibility, and inbound placement fees.

Confirm the importer-of-record arrangement, DDP delivery, product preparation, and fulfillment-center assignments before shipping.

United Kingdom

For goods imported into Great Britain, the importing business generally needs an appropriate GB EORI number, together with the applicable customs and import VAT arrangements.

Northern Ireland may involve different identification requirements.

UK and EU customs procedures are not interchangeable, even when your products are sold across both markets.

See the UK government's guide to importing goods into the UK.

European Union

For EU marketplaces such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, consider the import destination, customs arrangements, VAT registrations, and intended inventory-storage countries.

An EU EORI number is used for customs identification, while VAT registration and European FBA inventory arrangements are separate considerations.

Sellers using cross-border European fulfillment programs should confirm where their inventory may be stored.

For customs identification requirements, refer to the European Commission's EORI guidance.

Canada and Australia

For Canada, Amazon requires an importer-of-record arrangement and DDP delivery for imported inventory sent to its fulfillment centers.

In Australia, eligible sellers can explore Amazon SEND, which provides China-to-Australia inbound shipping options through participating third-party carriers.

The available services depend on the shipment and program requirements.

See Amazon SEND Australia for current program details.

Japan

Japan has its own customs procedures and Amazon FBA receiving requirements.

Non-resident sellers importing goods into Japan for FBA generally need to appoint an Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP) under Amazon Japan's published guidance.

Confirm the importer, customs procedures, product eligibility, and delivery arrangements before arranging direct shipment from China.

The most useful starting point for every international FBA shipment is the same: confirm the destination marketplace first, then organize supplier preparation and freight around its requirements.

Practical Example: Shipping Products from Two Chinese Factories to FBA

Consider an illustrative U.S. Amazon seller preparing to launch a fitness-accessories collection.

The seller has already ordered resistance bands from one Chinese factory and yoga mats from another.

The two factories have different completion dates, packing methods, and pickup locations.

The seller needs the products prepared for FBA without spending unnecessary time managing separate shipping arrangements.

A Coordinated China-Side Workflow

A practical solution would be to:

Collect product details, carton specifications, and production schedules from both factories.
Confirm the SKUs, quantities, and packaging requirements.
Prepare the relevant Amazon shipment plans and obtain final label instructions.
Coordinate agreed product checks and labeling preparation.
Arrange collection and consolidation where appropriate.
Sort cartons according to their assigned Amazon shipment destinations.
Coordinate handover to the selected freight provider.

The benefit is a more organized purchasing and preparation process, even if Amazon requires delivery to more than one fulfillment center.

Rather than managing each supplier independently, the seller can coordinate the China-side activities through a common workflow.

This is an illustrative scenario, not a completed KSH customer case.

How KSH Helps Coordinate China-to-FBA Shipments

For many Amazon sellers, the challenge is not simply finding someone to transport the goods.

It is coordinating what happens before the cargo is ready to leave China.

Factories may have different production schedules. Product packaging and labels need to match the shipment requirements. Packing lists must be accurate, cartons need to be organized, and freight arrangements need to align with Amazon's assigned destinations.

KSH Sourcing helps overseas sellers bring these China-side purchasing and shipment-preparation activities into one coordinated process.

Manage Your Existing Chinese Suppliers

Already working with manufacturers in China?

KSH can help coordinate supplier communication, purchase order follow-up, production updates, and the information needed for shipment preparation.

Instead of repeatedly contacting several factories for progress updates, packing details, and dispatch arrangements, you can work through a coordinated China-side purchasing process.

If you are still looking for manufacturers, KSH can also help identify and compare suitable supplier options.

Learn more about how a China sourcing agent supports international buyers.

Coordinate Product Checks and FBA Preparation

KSH can coordinate agreed product checks and preparation work with suppliers and relevant service providers.

Depending on your project, this may include:

Checking SKU quantities and packing information.
Coordinating custom product packaging.
Sharing approved barcode and FBA labeling instructions.
Confirming carton dimensions and packing lists.
Arranging agreed inspections and photo updates.
Coordinating repacking or preparation work where needed.

The goal is to help you move from completed production to organized, shipment-ready cargo with fewer disconnected conversations.

Consolidate Cargo and Coordinate Freight Handover

When you purchase from several Chinese manufacturers, KSH can help coordinate factory collections, cargo consolidation, packing arrangements, and handover to a freight provider.

You can work with your nominated freight forwarder or discuss suitable international transportation and eligible DDP delivery options for your project.

See our sourcing and supplier management workflow for more information.

For sellers developing private-label merchandise, our Squishy Toys sourcing page also introduces packaging, labeling, and FBA preparation coordination options.

KSH's Maldives multi-category procurement project illustrates our experience coordinating multiple Chinese suppliers, product checks, cargo consolidation, and freight handover for an international buyer.

Although that project was not an Amazon FBA shipment, it demonstrates the type of multi-supplier coordination that can also support e-commerce inventory preparation.

Already sourcing from China? Share your suppliers, products, quantities, destination Amazon marketplace, and expected shipping schedule. KSH can help you review the China-side preparation and coordination needed for your shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Alibaba Suppliers Ship Directly to Amazon FBA?

Yes. A Chinese manufacturer found through Alibaba can ship products directly to Amazon FBA when the inventory meets the destination marketplace's preparation, labeling, import, and delivery requirements.

Do All FBA Products Need FNSKU Labels?

No. Eligible products may use manufacturer barcodes. In the U.S., barcode eligibility depends on product requirements and the seller's Brand Registry status or role. Check the applicable setting for each ASIN in Seller Central.

Can I Combine Inventory from Multiple Chinese Suppliers?

Yes. Goods can be collected and prepared through a China-based consolidation operation. Final cartons and deliveries must still follow the confirmed Amazon shipment assignments.

Does Amazon FBA Require DDP Shipping?

Amazon's published U.S. and Canadian import policies require DDP delivery for imported FBA inventory. Other marketplaces have their own import and receiving rules, which should be confirmed before shipping.

Who Arranges Delivery Appointments at Amazon Warehouses?

For applicable palletized freight shipments, the freight carrier coordinates the required warehouse delivery appointment through Amazon's relevant appointment process. Small-parcel shipments follow the applicable parcel-carrier delivery procedures.

Plan Your China-to-FBA Shipment with KSH

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA becomes easier when your suppliers, preparation work, and international transportation are organized around one clear shipment plan.

Start by confirming your products and destination marketplace. Make sure the cartons and labels match Amazon's requirements, then choose the transportation and delivery arrangement that fits your inventory schedule.

KSH Sourcing helps international buyers coordinate Chinese suppliers, organize product checks, prepare shipment information, consolidate cargo, and arrange freight handover.

Whether you already have manufacturers in China or need help finding suitable suppliers, we can help you organize the next steps.

Get Your FBA Shipment Ready

Tell us what products you are sourcing, where your suppliers are located, which Amazon marketplace you sell on, and when you want your inventory to arrive.

We'll help you review your China-side sourcing and shipment coordination needs and discuss a practical plan for your order.

Discuss Your FBA Sourcing & Shipping Project

Shipping from China to Amazon FBA: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide