Amazon FBA Shipping from China: Complete Guide for Importers (2026)
This guide is for Amazon FBA sellers and B2B importers shipping products from China to Amazon fulfillment centers in the United States. If you are looking for job opportunities at Amazon fulfillment centers, please visit Amazon's careers page.
A lot has changed in two years. Shipping from China to Amazon FBA in 2026 works differently than it did in 2024. The De Minimis suspension, Amazon dropping its FBA Prep Service, and fresh tariff rates mean sellers need a clear, current workflow to avoid clearance delays, labeling rejections, and unexpected fees.
This guide covers the complete journey for Amazon FBA shipping from China: sourcing and preparing your products, choosing a shipping method, clearing US customs, selecting a freight forwarder, routing to the right Amazon warehouse, managing FBA fees, and planning for peak season. Use the section links below to jump to any step.
Step 1: Source and Prepare Your Products for Amazon FBA
Before you ship anything, your products must meet Amazon's FBA preparation requirements. As of January 1, 2026, Amazon discontinued its FBA Prep Service, meaning sellers are now fully responsible for all labeling, polybagging, and packaging upstream. Amazon's official announcement on Seller Central confirms the change.
FNSKU and Amazon Barcode Requirements
Every product sent to Amazon FBA needs a scannable barcode. Amazon uses FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) codes to track inventory. FNSKU labels must be clear, scannable, and placed on the outside of each individual unit or polybag. Learn more in our detailed guide to FNSKU codes and Amazon labeling rules.
FBA Labeling and Polybag Standards
Products that require polybags must meet Amazon's thickness and seal specifications. Polybags must be at least 1.5 mils thick, have a suffocation warning if the opening is larger than 5 inches, and not obscure the product barcode. Our guide to Amazon FBA polybag requirements covers the full rules. For box-level labeling, see the complete FBA shipping labels guide.
FBA Pallet Requirements
If you are shipping pallets to Amazon FCs, standard GMA pallets are required: 40x48 inches, with a maximum height of 72 inches including the pallet. Floor-loaded cartons arriving at fulfillment centers may trigger unplanned palletizing fees. Review the full Amazon FBA pallet requirements guide before shipping.
FBA Prep Services in China
Since Amazon no longer provides prep services, many sellers use a prep facility in China before shipping. These facilities handle FNSKU labeling, polybagging, bundle assembly, and quality inspection. Zbao Logistics offers FBA prep services in China as part of our full DDP shipping package.
Step 2: Choose Your Shipping Method from China
The right shipping method depends on your shipment size, budget, and how urgently you need to restock. Here are the main options for shipping from China to Amazon FBA in 2026.
LCL Sea Freight (Best for Small to Medium Shipments)
LCL (Less than Container Load) is the most common choice for FBA sellers shipping under 15 CBM. Your cargo shares container space with other shipments. Rates range from $90 to $140 per CBM door to door DDP. Transit time is 18 to 28 days depending on the port pair. Learn more in our complete LCL shipping guide.
FCL Container Shipping (Best for 15+ CBM)
For larger shipments, a full container is more cost effective. A 20ft container holds approximately 28 CBM and costs $3,000 to $4,600 DDP door to door. A 40ft container holds approximately 58 CBM and costs $3,800 to $5,800. See our shipping cost guide for detailed rate comparisons.
Air Freight (Best for Urgent Restock)
Air freight is the fastest option at 5 to 8 days door to door, but costs $5 to $8 per kg. It is best for high-value items, urgent restocks, or lightweight products where air freight cost is a small fraction of the retail price. Our air freight guide covers route options and pricing.
Matson Express (Fast Ocean Alternative)
Matson offers expedited ocean service from China to the US West Coast in 11 to 12 days, faster than standard ocean freight. It costs more than standard LCL but less than air freight. Compare Matson vs air freight in our Matson guide for FBA sellers.
DDP vs DDU vs DAP for FBA Shipments
For FBA shipments from China, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the most common and safest incoterm. Under DDP, the freight forwarder handles everything: export, ocean freight, customs clearance, duty payment, and delivery to the Amazon FC. Never use DAP or DDU for FBA shipments, because Amazon will not act as the importer of record. Our DDP vs DDU comparison guide explains the differences in detail.
Step 3: Understand US Customs Clearance for FBA Imports
This is the step where many FBA sellers run into trouble. Customs clearance for commercial shipments into the US requires specific documentation, a valid customs bond, and correct HTS classification. If you are new to Amazon FBA shipping from China, this is the area where a freight forwarder with in-house brokerage adds the most value. Zbao Logistics offers comprehensive US customs clearance services for FBA importers.
Customs Bond Requirements
Every commercial shipment entering the United States must be secured by a customs bond. For FBA sellers shipping multiple times per year, a continuous customs bond is the standard choice. It covers all your imports for 12 months and costs between $300 and $600 depending on the bond amount. Without a valid bond, CBP will not release your cargo. Our complete customs bond guide covers everything you need to know. If you are deciding between bond types, read our single entry vs continuous bond comparison.
ISF 10+2 Filing
The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as 10+2, must be filed with CBP at least 24 hours before the vessel departs from China. Missing or incorrect ISF filings result in $5,000 fines and cargo holds. Our ISF filing guide explains the requirements step by step.
HTS Classification and Duty Calculation
Every product imported into the US needs a correct HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code. The HTS code determines the duty rate and any additional tariffs. Our HTS code guide shows you how to find the right code. For a complete breakdown of how duties appear on your CBP Form 7501, read our CBP Form 7501 guide.
Commercial Invoice for FBA
Your commercial invoice is the most important document for customs clearance. It must include the shipper, consignee, accurate product descriptions, HTS codes, unit values, and country of origin. Our commercial invoice guide for FBA sellers provides a template and common mistakes to avoid.
Common CBP Holds and How to Avoid Them
CBP can place holds on your shipment for document review (5H), physical examination, or security concerns. Understanding hold codes helps you respond quickly. Our CBP hold codes guide covers 1H, 2H, 5H, 7H, and 9H holds. For strategies to reduce your risk of CBP exams, read how to avoid CBP exam fees.
Step 4: Choose a Freight Forwarder for Amazon FBA
The freight forwarder you pick determines how smoothly your FBA shipments run. Here is what to look for and what to avoid.
What to Look for in an FBA Freight Forwarder
Look for an Amazon SPN certified forwarder with FMC licensing, in-house customs brokerage, and proven experience shipping to Amazon FCs. They should offer a single DDP contract covering factory pickup, ocean freight, customs clearance, and FC appointment scheduling. Read our definitive guide to FBA freight forwarders and our list of best FBA freight forwarders from China.
Red Flags to Avoid
Avoid forwarders who cannot provide an FMC license number, quote rates significantly below market, or ask you to handle customs clearance yourself. Our guide on freight forwarder red flags covers the most common scams. Also, understand the difference between a freight forwarder and a broker for China imports.
AGL vs Private Freight Forwarder
Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) is an option, but many sellers find that a private forwarder offers better rates, more flexibility, and hands-on support. Our AGL vs private forwarder comparison breaks down the costs and tradeoffs.
Step 5: Route Your Shipment to the Right Amazon Warehouse
Amazon decides which FC gets your inventory based on placement optimization. You can pay extra for inventory placement services if you want a say, but otherwise the decision is out of your hands. That said, knowing where the warehouses are helps with freight routing and transit time estimates.
Amazon FBA Warehouse Locations by State
Amazon operates fulfillment centers across the United States. Here are our state-by-state warehouse guides to help you understand the network:
Southeast: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina
Northeast: New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland
Midwest: Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin
Central: Arkansas, Nebraska, Kentucky, Alabama
West: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon
South: Louisiana
For the complete directory, visit our full list of Amazon FBA warehouse locations across the US.
FBA Appointment Scheduling
Amazon FCs require delivery appointments for all inbound shipments. If your truck arrives late, you may need to reschedule 3 to 5 days out. Our FBA appointment scheduling guide covers how to manage this process.
Floor Loaded vs Palletized
Floor-loaded cartons are more likely to be rejected or incur unplanned palletizing fees. Our floor loaded vs palletized guide helps you decide which method to use.
Step 6: Understand FBA Fees and Costs in 2026
You need to know what Amazon is charging in 2026 to price your products right and keep your margins healthy.
FBA Fee Changes for 2026
Amazon announced updates to FBA fees including changes to fulfillment fees, storage fees, and inbound placement service fees. Our FBA 2026 fee changes guide covers everything you need to know.
FBA Inbound Placement Fees
Amazon charges inbound placement fees for distributing inventory across multiple FCs. Fees range from $0.21 to $0.68 per unit for standard-sized products and $2.16 to $6.00 for large bulky items. Our inbound placement fee guide explains how to minimize these costs.
FBA Removal and Relabeling Costs
If you need to remove inventory from Amazon FCs or have it relabeled, understand the 2026 rates. Read our guides on FBA removal fees and removal and relabeling costs.
Calculating Your Landed Cost
Your total landed cost includes product cost, shipping, duties, tariffs, and FBA fees. Accurate landed cost calculation is essential for profitable pricing. Our FBA COGS and landed cost guide walks through the formula. For shipping cost calculations, see our shipping cost guide.
Step 7: Plan for Peak Season and Replenishment
Peak season creates unique challenges for FBA sellers. Here is how to plan your shipping calendar.
Chinese New Year Shipping Cutoff Dates
Chinese New Year shuts down factories and freight services for 2 to 4 weeks. Missing the cutoff means your inventory will not ship until after the holiday. Our CNY shipping guide lists the critical cutoff dates.
FBA Peak Season Strategy
Q4 demand drives up ocean freight rates and creates port congestion. Plan your Q4 FBA inbound for August or September to avoid peak surcharges. Our FBA peak season guide covers timing and strategy.
Avoid Stockouts with Smart Replenishment
Running out of stock during peak season means lost sales and ranking drops. Build a replenishment schedule that accounts for 18 to 28 day sea freight transit times. Read our inventory gap strategy guide for a real-world example of how timing affects stock levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a freight forwarder to ship from China to Amazon FBA?
Yes, for most sellers. A freight forwarder handles factory pickup, ocean freight, customs clearance, customs bond, and FC appointment under one DDP contract. This is more reliable than managing each leg separately.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Amazon FBA?
LCL sea freight at $90 to $140 per CBM DDP. For shipments above 15 CBM, FCL at $3,000 to $4,600 is more economical. Transit time is 18 to 28 days.
How long does shipping from China to Amazon FBA take?
Sea freight: 18 to 28 days door to door. Air freight: 5 to 8 days. Matson express: 14 to 16 days.
Do I need a customs bond for Amazon FBA imports?
Yes. Every commercial shipment needs a customs bond. A continuous bond covers all imports for 12 months. Contact Zbao to include bond coverage in your DDP plan.
What are the new FBA labeling requirements for 2026?
Amazon discontinued FBA Prep Service as of January 2026. All labeling and prep must be done upstream. Each carton needs a valid FNSKU barcode. See our FNSKU labeling guide.
Which Amazon FBA warehouse should I ship to?
Amazon determines the destination FC. Check our state-by-state warehouse guides for location information to help with freight planning.
Can I ship directly from my factory in China to Amazon FBA?
Yes, through a DDP freight forwarder. Your forwarder handles the entire journey from factory pickup to FC delivery under one contract.
Ship from China to Amazon FBA with Zbao Logistics
Zbao Logistics is an Amazon SPN certified freight forwarder specializing in FBA shipping from China to the United States. We manage the entire DDP process: factory pickup, ocean or air freight, US customs clearance with bond coverage, ISF filing, and FC appointment scheduling.
Our in-house customs brokerage, FMC license, and ShipTrack integration mean fewer delays and fewer surprises. We ship to every Amazon FC in the US, including all facilities listed in the warehouse guides above.
