Shipping to Amazon FBA from Overseas
International sellers face unique challenges getting inventory into US Amazon fulfillment centers. Here's how to do it efficiently.
The International FBA Supply Chain
- Manufacturing (China, India, Vietnam, etc.)
- Quality inspection at factory
- Ocean freight or air freight to US port
- Customs clearance at US port of entry
- Drayage from port to prep center or warehouse
- FBA prep (labeling, poly bagging, inspection)
- Shipping to Amazon fulfillment centers
- FC check-in and inventory available for sale
Shipping Methods from China to US FBA
| Method | Transit | Cost (per CBM) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL | 25–35 days | $800–$2,500 | Large orders (10+ CBM) |
| Ocean LCL | 30–40 days | $1,500–$3,500 | Small orders (<5 CBM) |
| Air freight | 5–10 days | $5,000–$10,000 | Urgent/high-value/light |
| Express (DHL/UPS) | 3–5 days | $8,000–$15,000 | Samples, small orders |
| Sea-air hybrid | 15–20 days | $3,000–$5,000 | Balanced speed/cost |
Customs Requirements
International sellers importing to the US need:
- Importer of Record (IOR) — You or your agent
- Customs bond — Required for all commercial imports
- ISF filing — 24 hours before vessel loading
- Duties and tariffs — Based on HS code and country of origin
- FDA/USDA clearance — If applicable to your product category
Using a US Prep Center
Most international sellers use a prep center near a major port:
| Port | Nearby Prep Centers | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles/Long Beach | Inland Empire | Closest to Asian imports |
| New York/New Jersey | NJ warehouse district | East Coast distribution |
| Savannah | GA logistics corridor | Lower costs |
| Houston | TX distribution hubs | Central US access |
Cost-Saving Tips for International Sellers
- Ship FCL (full container) when possible — much cheaper per unit than LCL
- Use a freight forwarder who understands FBA requirements
- Pre-label in China — Have your factory apply FNSKU labels to save prep costs
- Consolidate shipments — Combine multiple SKUs into single containers
- Time shipments to avoid Q4 storage fee increases
- Work with an experienced customs broker to minimize duties
Indray's International FBA Service
Indray provides end-to-end international FBA logistics including:
- Ocean/air freight coordination
- Customs clearance and duty management
- Drayage from port to prep center
- FBA prep coordination
- FTL/LTL delivery to Amazon FCs
