- Trusted by Shopify Sellers Worldwide
- 200,000+ orders fulfilled
- Average Response < 12 Hours
Skip to content A 2026 operational guide for Amazon FBA sellers sourcing in China: 6 China hubs, FNSKU labeling free, $0.80 pick & pack, 8 US Amazon FBA warehouses (ONT8, LAX9, SMF3, ATL6, CLT2, IND9, BWI2, BNA4), Section 301 / Section 321 / ISF 10+2 compliance, and 1-3 day final-mile to Amazon FCs.
For US-based Amazon FBA sellers, sourcing from China is a standard operational decision: it reduces unit cost, expands the catalog, and provides access to supplier networks in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, and Yiwu. The operational lift — pick & pack, FNSKU labeling, customs clearance, cross-border transport, FBA prep — is what Alleasy’s 6 China hubs handle end to end. Across 220+ countries served and 200,000+ orders shipped, the China-to-Amazon-FBA workflow is the highest-volume route in our network.
Three operational factors make this workflow cost-efficient at scale. First, FBA-bound orders receive FNSKU labeling at no extra cost — the seller does not need to pre-label units at the supplier or use a US-based prep house. Second, China hub location at Shenzhen flagship (45 min from SZX airport, 60 min from Yantian Port) enables direct consolidation of factory-side goods into Amazon-bound shipments. Third, Alleasy coordinates Section 301 / Section 321 / ISF 10+2 / Amazon FC delivery end-to-end, so the seller does not need to engage a US customs broker directly.
Alleasy's China sourcing agent service connects you to verified factories and trading companies across Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, and Yiwu. Source products against a spec sheet (SKU, dimensions, weight, MOQ, target landed cost) and receive supplier shortlists within 1 working hour. For sellers who already have a supplier, skip directly to Step 2 with goods shipped to an Alleasy hub.
Pre-shipment QC is included with every Alibaba sourcing order, with photos covering SKU verification, quantity count, packaging integrity, and visual defect check. For higher-volume orders (500+ units), AQL inspection is available per your standard (e.g. AQL 1.0 / 2.5 / 4.0). Random sampling inspection covers SKU count, color, dimensions, weight, packaging, labeling, and any spec the seller requests.
Amazon FBA inbound shipments must meet Amazon's prep requirements: FNSKU labels on every unit (Code 128 barcode, 1-2 inches wide), single-SKU case packing or mixed-SKU with per-unit labels, six-sided carton with all flaps sealed, max 50 lb per carton (or oversized with Amazon's oversized label), suffocation warning labels for poly bags with >5 inches opening, country of origin label on outer carton, and shipping label on top of carton with the Amazon FBA Shipment ID. Alleasy's FBA prep service bundles FNSKU labeling free with the standard pick & pack fee; poly bagging is $0.10/unit, bubble wrap is $0.30/unit, and custom branded packaging is available on request at custom cost.
Four methods to US Amazon FBA warehouses: Express 3-7 days via DHL / FedEx / UPS (best for urgent restocks or low-volume new launches); Air DDP 5-9 days with broker + duty + VAT + final-mile bundled (best for time-sensitive restocks of 50-500 kg); Sea DDP FCL 18-35 days with 20' / 40' container (best for full-container volumes); Sea DDP LCL for shared-container shipments under full FCL. Method cost-per-kg decreases as shipment volume increases, but transit time increases. For most Amazon FBA sellers, Sea DDP FCL is the default for steady-state inventory and Air DDP / Express is for urgent restocks.
At the US port of entry, Section 301 / Section 321 / ISF 10+2 apply depending on the shipment type and origin. Section 301 tariffs are paid on Chinese-origin goods (7.5% under List 4A/4B, 25% under List 3, subject to USTR/CBP updates). Section 321 de minimis treatment for China-origin goods has changed materially and should not be assumed. ISF 10+2 is required for all ocean shipments, filed at least 24 hours before vessel loading. Alleasy coordinates with the US customs broker on HS Code classification, Section 301 application, and ISF filing.
Final-mile from US port of entry to the Amazon FC: most major Amazon FBA warehouses (ONT8, LAX9, SMF3, ATL6, CLT2, IND9, BWI2, BNA4) are reachable within 1-3 days by truck from LA, LGB, NY, NJ, SAV, ATL ports. Alleasy's US warehouses USCA01 (Los Angeles) and USNJ03 (New Jersey) provide staging for cross-dock consolidation. Once the shipment is checked in at the Amazon FC, inventory becomes available for Amazon Prime fulfillment.
FBA prep is the operational step that determines whether Amazon accepts or rejects your shipment at FC check-in. Amazon’s prep specs evolve and are stricter than typical B2B shipping — a single FNSKU error or insufficient poly bagging can result in the entire shipment being refused at the FC door, with re-routing charges ($0.50-2.00 per unit) or return-to-supplier reshipment fees. Alleasy’s FBA prep service bundles FNSKU labeling free with the standard pick & pack, with these specific services:
Each unit receives a FNSKU label (Amazon’s Code 128 barcode, 1-2 inches wide) printed at the China hub. Sellers can send pre-labeled inventory, but the standard workflow is to send unlabeled goods and have Alleasy apply FNSKU labels at pick & pack. FNSKU labeling is bundled at no extra cost — sellers should not be charged for FNSKU as an add-on. Bubble wrap is $0.30/unit for fragile items; poly bagging is $0.10/unit when Amazon’s prep spec mandates suffocation-warning poly bags (for any unit in a poly bag with >5 inches opening).
Standard Amazon FBA carton requirements: six-sided carton with all flaps sealed (no top-loading-only cartons); max 50 lb per carton unless oversized; max dimensions 25 x 18 x 8 inches for standard-size; suffocation warning labels in English for any unit in poly bag with opening >5 inches; country of origin label on outer carton; shipping label on top of carton with the Amazon FBA Shipment ID. Alleasy checks each carton against the Amazon spec before sealing.
Thank-you cards, branded stickers, product inserts, branded tissue paper, or custom-printed cartons are available on request at custom cost; pricing depends on material, finish, and order volume. Custom branded packaging is not bundled with pick & pack. For sellers who want to use branded packaging in the Amazon FBA shipment (e.g. for unboxing experience in customer returns), send the materials to an Alleasy China hub and the team will apply per spec.
Choose the cross-border transport method based on shipment size, urgency, and cost-per-kg budget. The table below summarizes the 4 standard methods with indicative rates, transit times, and best-use cases. Rates are quoted at the time of booking; final rates depend on season, route, weight tier, and carrier surcharges.
| Method | Indicative Rate | Transit Time | Best For | Sample 100 kg Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS) | $9-15/kg | 3-7 business days | Urgent restocks; low-volume new launches (1-50 kg) | $900-1,500 |
| Air DDP | $5.52-13.58/kg (depends on FBA destination) | 5-9 business days | Time-sensitive restocks (50-500 kg); new product launches | $552-1,358 |
| Sea DDP FCL (20' / 40' container) | $1.5-3/kg | 18-22 days to LA/LGB; 25-35 days to NY/NJ | Full-container steady-state inventory; large restocks | 20' container $4,000-8,000 |
| Sea DDP LCL (consolidated) | Quote per CBM | 25-40 days to US ports | Mid-volume restocks (1-15 CBM) not requiring full container | 5 CBM $1,500-3,500 |
Amazon's US fulfillment network spans 60+ active fulfillment centers. The 8 warehouses listed below are the highest-traffic inbound destinations for sellers shipping from China. Each is paired with the most-used US port of entry for ocean shipments and the standard final-mile truck route.
| FBA Code | Location | Closest US Port | Sea DDP Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONT8 | Ontario, CA | Los Angeles / Long Beach | 18-22 days | West Coast / California sellers; cross-border to Mexico |
| LAX9 | Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles / Long Beach | 18-22 days | California, Nevada, Arizona sellers |
| SMF3 | Sacramento, CA | Oakland | 18-24 days | Northern California, Pacific Northwest |
| ATL6 | Atlanta, GA (Lithia Springs) | Savannah | 28-35 days | Southeast US, Florida, Georgia |
| CLT2 | Charlotte, NC (Concord) | Savannah / Charleston | 28-35 days | Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee |
| IND9 | Indianapolis, IN | Savannah / NY | 30-35 days | Midwest, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan |
| BWI2 | Baltimore, MD | NY / NJ | 25-32 days | Mid-Atlantic, Pennsylvania, DC |
| BNA4 | Nashville, TN | Savannah / NY | 28-35 days | Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi |
US customs clearance for China-origin goods has three primary components: Section 301 tariffs, Section 321 de minimis treatment, and ISF 10+2 for ocean shipments. Each is managed by Alleasy’s US customs broker coordination, but the seller remains responsible for accurate HS Code classification.
Section 301 tariffs are additional duties the US imposes on Chinese-origin goods under the Trade Act of 1974. Current rates: List 4A / 4B at 7.5% additional duty; List 3 at 25% additional duty; specific tariff schedules vary by HS Code. The seller is responsible for accurate HS classification; the customs broker applies Section 301 duties based on the declared HS Code. Specific Section 301 schedules are subject to official USTR / CBP guidance and may continue to evolve. Confirm at booking.
U.S. de minimis treatment for China-origin shipments has changed materially and should not be assumed when quoting or booking shipments. For shipments that do not qualify for de minimis, full Section 301 tariffs apply at the port of entry. Current eligibility depends on the shipment date, origin, transport mode, and applicable CBP rules. Confirm the current treatment before quoting or booking the Amazon FBA shipment.
ISF 10+2 is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for all ocean shipments entering the US. The importer (or customs broker on the importer’s behalf) must file 10 data elements + 2 carrier data elements at least 24 hours (industry standard) before vessel loading at the origin port, and no later than 48 hours before loading at the US destination port. Failure to file ISF on time can result in $5,000 per violation penalty. Alleasy coordinates ISF filing with the customs broker; for Amazon FBA sellers, ISF is part of the standard Sea DDP FCL quote.
For Amazon FBA-bound consumer products, additional US regulations may apply: FDA approval / registration for food, supplements, cosmetics with certain ingredients, medical devices; FCC for electronics with radio transmitters; CPSC for children’s products and general consumer safety; California Prop 65 for products with specific chemicals. The seller is responsible for compliance; Alleasy can refer you to compliance consultants and product-testing labs in the US.
| US Customs Component | Applies To | Filing Responsibility | Penalty if Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 301 | All China-origin goods | Customs broker (Alleasy coordinated) | Goods held at port; Section 301 back-duty owed |
| Section 321 | Low-value China-origin shipments | Customs broker + seller (HS Code) | If treatment incorrect, full Section 301 owed retroactively |
| ISF 10+2 | All ocean shipments to US | Importer (Alleasy coordinated) | $5,000 per violation |
| FDA | Food / supplements / cosmetics / medical devices | Seller (Alleasy can refer consultants) | FDA detention; Amazon listing suppression |
| FCC / CPSC / Prop 65 | Electronics / consumer products | Seller (Alleasy can refer labs) | Recall; Amazon listing removal |
China-to-Amazon FBA shipping carries operational risks at every stage. Below are 8 risks most Amazon FBA sellers encounter and the specific mitigations Alleasy applies.
| Risk | Description | Alleasy Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| FNSKU labeling error | Wrong FNSKU applied to unit; Amazon FC rejects shipment | FNSKU verification against Amazon's SKU list at labeling; QC check before sealing carton |
| Carton prep non-compliance | Carton exceeds 50 lb, no suffocation label, wrong shipping label | Carton-spec checklist applied per Amazon's Prep Requirements; pre-shipment photo |
| ISF late filing | $5,000 per violation penalty; vessel delay | ISF filed at booking confirmation (T-72 hours before loading) |
| Section 301 misclassification | Wrong HS Code: overpaid / underpaid Section 301 | HS Code review by customs broker for first-time SKUs; binding ruling available |
| Port congestion at LA / NY | Vessel waiting at anchor; Amazon to take longer | Routing via alternate ports (SAV for Southeast US destinations); pre-staging at USCA01 / USNJ03 |
| Amazon FC rejection rate | Random FC audits reject 5-15% of shipments | Pre-shipment audit against Amazon's current spec; Amazon FC routing per current Amazon guidance |
| Currency / FX volatility | RMB-USD swings: 10-30% cost variance over 12 months | Per-shipment quote locked at booking; FX clause per quote |
| Peak season (October-January) | Shipping rate +30-50%; capacity constrained | Pre-position inventory at USCA01 / USNJ03 in Q3; partner warehouse capacity expansion |
Indicative components of the China-to-Amazon FBA shipping cost, for context only. Final rates depend on the route, weight tier, season, and applicable Section 301 schedule.
| Logistics Component | Indicative Range | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| China-side fulfillment | From $0.80/order + FNSKU free | Receiving, 30-day storage, pick & pack, FNSKU labeling (free), poly bagging, bubble wrap |
| Cross-border transport | $1.5-3/kg (Sea FCL) / $5.52-13.58/kg (Air DDP) / $9-15/kg (Express) | Sea DDP FCL 20'/40' container; Air DDP per kg; Express DHL/FedEx |
| US destination duty + Section 301 | 3-15% of declared value | HS-based; Section 301 List 4A/4B 7.5%; List 3 25%; subject to USTR/CBP updates |
| US broker + ISF 10+2 | Quote at booking | Customs broker fee + ISF filing (mandatory for ocean) |
| Final-mile to Amazon FC | Quote per FC destination | Truck from US port / Alleasy USCA01 or USNJ03 warehouse to Amazon FC |
For the full Amazon FBA fee breakdown (referral, FBA fulfillment, monthly storage, aged inventory surcharge, low-inventory fee, inbound placement service fee, returns processing fee, removal order fee) — with a free fee calculator — see the comprehensive Amazon FBA Fees Guide. That guide covers the 8 fee layers Amazon charges in 2026 (referral 8-17% by category, FBA fulfillment $2.5-5.0/unit, monthly storage $0.78-2.40/CBM, etc.) and how to reduce each layer with shipping strategy.
Sea DDP FCL (20’/40′ container) is the most cost-effective per kg, approximately $1.5-3/kg to US West Coast ports (LA, LGB) and $1.8-3.5/kg to US East Coast ports (NY, NJ, SAV). Sea DDP FCL transit time is 18-22 days to LA/LGB and 25-35 days to NY/NJ. Air DDP per kg to Amazon FBA US is $5.52-13.58/kg depending on destination FBA warehouse and weight tier. Express via DHL/FedEx is $9-15/kg to 3-7 business days for small urgent parcels. All rates indicative; confirm at quote.
Yes. Direct-to-FBA shipping from China to Amazon FBA FCs is a standard Alleasy service. The process: (1) prep goods at one of 6 China hubs with FNSKU labels + Amazon-compliant cartons; (2) cross-border transport via Express, Air DDP, or Sea DDP FCL; (3) customs clearance at US port of entry; (4) final-mile delivery to the specified Amazon FBA warehouse (FC code). Alleasy coordinates the entire workflow with the customs broker and the Amazon carrier.
FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is the Amazon-specific barcode label that identifies each unit of your product within Amazon’s fulfillment network. FNSKU labels are mandatory for Amazon FBA inbound shipments because they allow Amazon to track and route inventory within their fulfillment centers. Labels must meet Amazon’s barcode standards (typically FNSKU Code 128, 1-2 inches wide). Alleasy provides FNSKU labeling as a free service bundled with pick & pack.
Amazon FBA carton requirements: (1) single SKU per carton (case-packed) or mixed-SKU cartons with each unit individually labeled; (2) six-sided carton with all flaps sealed; (3) max weight 50 lb per carton unless oversized; (4) max dimensions 25 x 18 x 8 inches (standard); (5) suffocation warning labels for poly bags >5 inches opening; (6) country of origin label on outer carton; (7) FNSKU labels visible on each unit; (8) shipping label on top of carton with Amazon FBA Shipment ID. Alleasy coordinates FBA prep per Amazon’s current specification.
Indicative transit times from China to Amazon FBA US: Express via DHL/FedEx 3-7 business days; Air DDP 5-9 business days; Sea DDP FCL 18-22 days to US West Coast (LA, LGB), 25-35 days to US East Coast (NY, NJ, SAV). Add 1-3 days for Amazon to receive and check-in inventory after final-mile delivery to the FBA warehouse. Total door-to-FBA check-in: 5-10 days Express, 7-12 days Air DDP, 20-40 days Sea DDP.
Section 301 tariffs are additional duties the US imposes on Chinese-origin goods under the Trade Act of 1974. Section 301 List 4A and 7B products carry 7.5% additional duty; Section 301 List 3 carries 25%; specific tariff schedules vary by HS Code. The seller is responsible for accurate HS classification and payment of Section 301 duties at the US port of entry. Alleasy coordinates with the customs broker to ensure Section 301 is correctly applied based on HS Code. Specific Section 301 schedules are subject to official USTR / CBP guidance and may continue to evolve.
U.S. de minimis treatment for China-origin shipments has changed materially and should not be assumed when quoting or booking shipments. Current eligibility depends on the shipment date, origin, transport mode, and applicable CBP rules. For shipments that do not qualify for de minimis, full Section 301 tariffs apply at the port of entry. Confirm the current treatment before quoting or booking the Amazon FBA shipment.
ISF (Importer Security Filing) 10+2 is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirement for ocean shipments. The importer must file 10 data elements + 2 carrier data elements at least 24 hours (industry standard) before vessel loading at the origin port, and no later than 48 hours before loading at the US destination port. ISF applies to all ocean shipments entering the US. Alleasy coordinates ISF filing with the customs broker; failure to file ISF on time can result in $5,000 per violation penalty.
Depends on the product category. FDA approval / registration / notification is required for: food, dietary supplements, infant formula, medical devices, drugs, cosmetics with certain ingredients, radiation-emitting electronics. For most consumer products (toys, household items, decor, electronics without FDA scope), FDA approval is not required, but FCC / CPSC / CARB / Prop 65 compliance may apply. Alleasy can refer you to compliance consultants and product-testing labs in the US.
FNSKU labeling is free for Amazon FBA-bound orders bundled with the standard pick & pack service. Poly bagging is $0.10/unit (for products that require Amazon FBA poly bagging per spec). Bubble wrap is $0.30/unit (for fragile items). Custom branded packaging (thank-you cards, flyers, branded stickers, product inserts) is available on request at custom cost; pricing depends on material, finish, and order volume. FNSKU is bundled, not a separate add-on fee.
Send us the destination Amazon FBA warehouse code (e.g. ONT8, LAX9, BWI2), carton count, total weight / dimensions, and HS Code if known. Our Cross-Border Logistics Specialist, will reply within 1 working hour during China business hours (UTC+8) with a per-shipment DDP quote to your specific Amazon FC.
WhatsApp: +86 199 0292 5251 · Email: [email protected]
