Shipping from China to Amazon FBA:
DDP Freight Guide (2026)
Ship inventory from your Chinese supplier directly to Amazon fulfillment centers. Compare DDP rates from competing carriers - customs, duties, and delivery included in one price.
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer:** DDP shipping to Amazon FBA means the carrier handles every step from Chinese factory to fulfillment center: export clearance, freight (air 3-8 days, ocean 12-20 days), US customs clearance, import duty payment, FBA prep, and delivery appointment scheduling. You pay one all-inclusive price per kg or CBM. No customs broker needed. Average DDP cost: $4-8/kg (air) or $100-150/CBM (ocean LCL).
Why Amazon FBA Sellers Use DDP Shipping from China
If you sell on Amazon and source products from China, your shipping method directly affects your profit margin, your inventory timing, and your risk of customs problems.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the carrier handles everything from your supplier's factory to the Amazon fulfillment center in one all-inclusive price: pickup, freight, customs, duties, and delivery. For a full explanation of how DDP works, see our complete DDP guide.
This matters because Amazon does not act as Importer of Record for third-party sellers. If a shipment arrives with unresolved customs issues, it gets held while your listing runs out of stock. Under DDP, the carrier owns that responsibility.
→ New to DDP? Our DDP shipping guide covers the full definition, how it compares to other Incoterms, and when to use it.
AiDeliv runs reverse auctions where carriers compete for your FBA shipment. 5 free points when you register. Get DDP Rates →
How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA - Step by Step
Here's the complete process, from creating your Amazon shipment plan to receiving inventory at the fulfillment center.
Step 1 - Create Your Shipping Plan in Seller Central
Before you can ship anything, Amazon needs to know what's coming. In Seller Central, go to "Send to Amazon" and create your inbound shipping plan. You'll enter product quantities, carton dimensions, and weights. Amazon then assigns one or more fulfillment centers (FCs) as destinations.
Tip: If your ship-from address is in California (which it will be if your carrier delivers from a West Coast port), Amazon often assigns West Coast FCs, which means faster delivery from China and lower domestic trucking costs.
Step 2 - Prepare Labels and Carton Data
Every sellable unit needs an FNSKU barcode - Amazon's own product identifier. Don't rely on manufacturer barcodes (UPC/EAN) unless you're enrolled in commingling, which most experienced sellers avoid because it mixes your inventory with other sellers' stock.
What you need on every unit:
- FNSKU label (scannable, not covered by packaging)
- Poly bag with suffocation warning (for items with openings)
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
What you need on every carton:
- Amazon-generated carton label (unique per box)
- Clear marking of which SKU and quantity is inside
- Weight under 50 lbs (23 kg) per carton
What you need on every pallet:
- Standard GMA pallet: 40" × 48" (101 × 122 cm)
- Total height including pallet: max 72" (183 cm)
- Stretch-wrapped securely, no overhang
- Pallet labels on all 4 sides
Tip: Have your freight forwarder or carrier handle FBA prep in China. It's significantly cheaper than using a US prep center - typically 60-80% less per unit. Most DDP carriers offer labeling, poly bagging, and palletization as part of the service.
Step 3 - Post Your Shipment and Get DDP Rates
With traditional freight forwarding, you email 5-10 companies, wait 3-5 days for quotes, and receive non-standardized responses that are hard to compare. Some include duties, some don't. Some quote per kg, others per CBM. You spend hours making spreadsheets.
With AiDeliv's reverse auction, you post your shipment details once - origin (your supplier's city in China), destination (the Amazon FC assigned in your shipping plan), cargo weight and dimensions, and product category. Verified carriers then bid for your shipment during a defined auction window. Each bid must meaningfully beat the previous one, so prices drop through genuine competition. You see all bids transparently and choose the one that fits your budget and timeline.
You retain full discretion: accept the winning bid, reject it, or start a new auction. Booking only happens when you accept.
Step 4 - Carrier Picks Up from Your Supplier
Once you accept a bid, the carrier coordinates pickup from your supplier's factory or warehouse in China. The carrier handles export customs clearance and all Chinese-side documentation.
Key Chinese ports for Amazon FBA shipments:
- Shenzhen/Guangzhou: South China, electronics, consumer goods
- Shanghai/Ningbo: East China, largest port complex in the world
- Yiwu: Small commodities hub
- Qingdao: North China, industrial products
Step 5 - Carrier Clears US Customs and Pays Duties
This is where DDP earns its value. The carrier:
- Files ISF (Importer Security Filing) at least 24 hours before vessel departure
- Arranges customs entry when the shipment arrives at a US port
- Pays import duties and taxes on your behalf
- Handles any FDA, CPSC, or other agency requirements if applicable
Through AiDeliv, the executing carrier (the carrier whose bid you accept) provides Importer of Record capability via its approved IOR structure. You don't need to obtain your own customs bond or hire a separate customs broker.
Step 6 - Delivery to Amazon Fulfillment Center
The carrier arranges last-mile trucking from the port to the Amazon FC. This includes scheduling a delivery appointment through Amazon's CARP (Carrier Central Appointment Request) or ISA (Inbound Shipment Appointment) system.
Important: Amazon enforces strict appointment windows. A missed appointment means your shipment gets turned away and rescheduled - adding days or weeks to your timeline. Experienced FBA carriers know this process and schedule proactively.
After delivery, Amazon receives, inspects, and checks in your inventory. This typically takes 3-7 business days before units become available for sale.
Key Takeaway: The entire process from Chinese factory to Amazon FBA takes 10-15 days by air or 25-55 days by ocean. Under DDP, the carrier handles every logistical step - you manage your Amazon listing and sales.
Air vs Ocean Freight to Amazon FBA: Which Should You Choose?
This is the first decision every FBA seller needs to make. Each method has clear trade-offs.
Comparison Table
| Factor | Air Freight | Ocean Freight (LCL) | Ocean Freight (FCL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit time | 5-12 days | 25-55 days | 20-35 days |
| Cost per kg | $4-8 | $1-3 (effective) | $0.50-2 (effective) |
| Minimum shipment | 50 kg | 1 CBM or 100 kg | Full container |
| Best for | Urgent restocks, product launches, high-margin items | Small-medium batches, budget-conscious | Large inventory loads, bulk replenishment |
| Capacity risk | Limited during Q4 peak | Container space varies | More predictable |
| Cost for 500 kg shipment | $2,000-4,000 | $500-1,500 | N/A (too small for FCL) |
| Cost for 10 CBM shipment | $6,000-10,000+ | $1,500-4,000 | $3,500-8,000 |
All rates are DDP estimates including freight, customs, duties, and delivery. Actual rates depend on product category, duty rate, origin/destination, and season. Rates shown are 2026 market estimates.
When to Use Air Freight
- Product launches: You need inventory at Amazon fast to start generating reviews and organic ranking
- Emergency restocks: Your listing is about to run out of stock and you can't afford the lost sales
- High-margin products: The extra shipping cost is a small percentage of your product margin
- Small initial orders: Testing a new product with 100-500 units before committing to large ocean shipments
- Q4 holiday inventory (late additions): It's September and you need more stock for Black Friday
When to Use Ocean Freight
- Planned replenishment: You know your sell-through rate and can forecast 4-6 weeks ahead
- Large volume: Shipping 5+ CBM or 500+ kg makes ocean significantly cheaper per unit
- Lower-margin products: Every dollar of shipping cost matters for your P&L
- Full containers: If you're moving 15+ CBM, an FCL gives you the lowest cost and fastest ocean transit
The Smart Approach - Split Shipments
Many experienced FBA sellers use both methods simultaneously:
- Ship a small air freight batch (100-300 kg) to start selling immediately
- Ship the bulk via ocean freight (5-20 CBM) to arrive 3-4 weeks later
The air batch generates sales and reviews while the ocean batch is in transit. This approach costs slightly more than pure ocean shipping but prevents stockouts and protects your listing ranking.
→ For detailed rate tables across all shipping methods, see our DDP shipping cost guide.
DDP Shipping Cost from China to Amazon FBA
Here's what you should expect to pay in 2026, with DDP (all costs included in one price).
Air Freight DDP Rates to Amazon FBA
| Method | Rate Range (DDP) | Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air freight | $4-8/kg | 5-12 days | Product launches, urgent restocks, high-margin items |
| Ocean LCL | $100-150/CBM | 20-55 days | Small-medium batches, budget-conscious |
| Ocean FCL (40ft) | $3,500-8,000 | 20-45 days | Large inventory loads, bulk replenishment |
Rates are DDP all-inclusive (freight, customs, duties, delivery). Actual rates depend on product type, weight, duty rate, and season.
A DDP quote covers origin charges, freight, customs clearance, import duties, last-mile delivery, and insurance. Amazon's own fees (placement, storage, fulfillment) are separate.
Real Example: Shipping 300 kg of Phone Cases from Shenzhen to FBA
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Origin charges (pickup, handling, export) | $120 |
| Air freight (300 kg × $4.50/kg) | $1,350 |
| US customs clearance (ISF + entry) | $180 |
| Import duties (HS 4202, 8% on $6,000 value) | $480 |
| Last-mile trucking (LA port → Ontario, CA FC) | $250 |
| Insurance | $18 |
| Total DDP | $2,398 |
Without DDP, you'd pay each of these separately, plus hire your own customs broker ($150-300), potentially miss the ISF deadline (penalty: $5,000), and coordinate delivery to Amazon yourself.
→ Full cost breakdown and rate calculator: DDP shipping costs explained
Post your shipment on AiDeliv and see what carriers actually bid. No obligation - you decide whether to accept.
Run a DDP Auction →DDP via Freight Forwarder vs Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)
Amazon offers its own shipping service called Amazon Global Logistics (AGL). Here's how it compares to DDP through a freight forwarder or platform like AiDeliv.
| Factor | DDP via AiDeliv | Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) |
|---|---|---|
| Who acts as Importer of Record | The carrier (via its approved IOR structure) | You - the seller |
| Who clears customs | The carrier (included in DDP) | You need your own customs broker |
| Duties & taxes | Included in one price | You pay separately |
| Pricing model | Carriers compete in auction → transparent | Amazon sets the price → take it or leave it |
| FBA prep (labeling, packaging) | Most carriers include or offer at low cost | Limited prep services |
| Rate visibility | See all competing bids | One quote from Amazon |
| Tracking | Carrier dashboard + AiDeliv platform | Seller Central |
| Support | Dedicated carrier + AiDeliv support | Amazon support (high volume, limited) |
| Flexibility | Choose any carrier, any route | Amazon's carriers and routes only |
| Best for | Cost-conscious sellers, regular shippers, anyone who wants DDP simplicity | Sellers who want everything in one Amazon dashboard |
When AGL Makes Sense
AGL can work for sellers who ship very small quantities, want everything in one Amazon interface, and are comfortable being the Importer of Record (which means you need your own customs bond and broker). AGL rates are sometimes competitive for express-size shipments under 100 kg.
When DDP Through a Carrier Platform Makes More Sense
If you ship regularly, care about cost optimization, or want someone else to handle customs entirely, DDP through a competitive platform is the better choice. On AiDeliv, carriers compete for your shipment - which means you don't pay whatever one company decides to charge. You see the market rate formed by genuine competition.
AiDeliv carriers handle the full DDP scope: pickup from your Chinese supplier, freight, customs clearance as IOR, duty payment, FBA prep (labeling, palletization), appointment scheduling, and delivery to the Amazon FC. One price. One point of contact. No customs broker needed.
Key Takeaway: AGL is an option for beginners who want simplicity inside Amazon. But it doesn't offer DDP - you still handle customs and duties yourself. For sellers who want true all-inclusive pricing and competitive rates, DDP through a carrier platform is the more complete solution.
Amazon FBA Prep Requirements - What Gets Shipments Rejected
Amazon's fulfillment centers enforce strict inbound requirements. Even if your shipment clears customs perfectly, it can be rejected at the dock for operational non-compliance. Here's what to get right.
Product-Level Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| FNSKU barcode | Amazon-specific product barcode on every sellable unit | Using UPC instead of FNSKU |
| Scannable labels | Barcode must scan cleanly - no wrinkles, no ink smudging | Label covered by poly bag seam |
| Poly bagging | Required for items with openings; must include suffocation warning | Warning text too small or missing |
| Bubble wrap | Required for glass, ceramics, fragile items | Insufficient protection → breakage |
| "Sold as set" sticker | Required for multi-item bundles | Missing sticker → Amazon separates units |
Carton-Level Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Carton labels | Amazon-generated, unique per box, matching shipment plan | Wrong quantity or missing labels |
| Weight limit | Max 50 lbs (23 kg) per carton | Overweight cartons rejected on arrival |
| No mixed SKUs | Unless using case-packed or individual units correctly | Mixed SKUs without proper declaration |
| 6-sided closure | All carton flaps must be closed and sealed | Open or damaged cartons |
Pallet-Level Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet type | Standard GMA: 40" × 48" (101 × 122 cm) | Wrong pallet size |
| Max height | 72" (183 cm) including the pallet itself | Stacking too high |
| Stretch wrap | Must be wrapped securely on all sides | Loose wrap, shifting cargo |
| Pallet labels | Amazon-generated, on all 4 sides | Only 1-2 sides labeled |
| No overhang | Cartons must not extend beyond pallet edges | Boxes sticking out → rejection |
Delivery Appointment Requirements
Amazon requires carriers to schedule delivery through CARP (Carrier Central Appointment Request) or ISA (Inbound Shipment Appointment). This isn't optional - showing up without an appointment means your truck gets turned away.
Experienced FBA carriers schedule appointments proactively and know how to handle Amazon's system. This is one reason why choosing a carrier with FBA experience matters more than choosing the cheapest bid.
On AiDeliv, the AI recommendation system considers each carrier's track record with Amazon FBA deliveries - including on-time rates, rejection history, and appointment compliance - alongside price.
Key Takeaway: FBA rejections cost you time, money, and sales ranking. Have your carrier handle FBA prep in China where it's cheaper, and choose carriers with proven Amazon delivery experience.
Seasonal Shipping Strategy for FBA Sellers
Timing your shipments from China is critical for Amazon success. Ship too late and you're out of stock for peak sales. Ship at the wrong time and you pay premium rates.
Q4 Holiday Season (October-December)
The biggest sales period for Amazon sellers - and the most expensive time to ship.
- Ship ocean freight by mid-August to have inventory at Amazon by early October
- Ship air freight by mid-September for late October arrival
- Expect rate surcharges of 30-100% during August-October peak season
- Watch for Amazon receiving delays - FCs get overwhelmed in October-November, and check-in can take 2-3 weeks instead of 3-7 days
- Book early: Carrier capacity fills up. Post your auction on AiDeliv 6-8 weeks before you need goods at Amazon
Chinese New Year (January-February)
Most Chinese factories close for 2-4 weeks during CNY. This creates a shipping blackout period every year.
- Place orders and ship before January 15th to avoid the shutdown
- Or wait until late February/early March when factories reopen
- Stock up on 8-10 weeks of inventory before CNY to avoid running out
- Port congestion increases in the weeks right after CNY as backlogged orders flood out simultaneously
Low Season Advantages (March-June)
Smart sellers plan their largest ocean shipments during the low season when rates are 30-50% lower than peak.
- Best rates: March through June, excluding the week around Easter
- Fastest transit: Less port congestion means quicker customs clearance
- More carrier availability: Your auction on AiDeliv attracts more bids during slow periods
Common Mistakes FBA Sellers Make When Shipping from China
After processing thousands of FBA shipments, these are the errors that cost sellers the most time and money.
-
Mistake 1: Using FOB instead of DDP for the first shipment.
You save $200 on the freight quote but spend $500+ on a customs broker, duty calculations, ISF filing, and drayage you didn't budget for. Start with DDP until you understand the full cost picture. -
Mistake 2: Not checking HS codes before ordering.
Your product's HS code determines the duty rate. A difference of one digit can mean 0% duty vs 25% duty. Ask your carrier to confirm the HS code and duty rate before you commit to a large order. -
Mistake 3: Sending manufacturer barcodes instead of FNSKU.
Amazon may commingle your inventory with other sellers. If they send a counterfeit unit to your customer, you get the negative review and potential account suspension. -
Mistake 4: Ignoring volumetric weight.
Carriers charge by actual weight or volumetric weight - whichever is higher. If your product is light but bulky (e.g., pillows, lampshades), your air freight cost could be 3-5× what you expected. Optimize packaging before shipping. -
Mistake 5: Shipping everything by air.
Air freight is 4-8× more expensive per kg than ocean. Unless your product margin justifies it or you urgently need stock, ocean freight should be your default for planned replenishment.
How Reverse Auctions Help FBA Sellers
Most FBA sellers accept whatever their freight forwarder quotes. The forwarder sets a price, you negotiate a little, and you have no way to know if you are paying a fair rate. This is how information asymmetry works against small shippers: the forwarder knows the market rate, you do not.
A reverse auction fixes this by making carriers compete transparently. When Carrier A sees that Carrier B bid $4.00/kg, Carrier A bids $3.85/kg to win the volume. This is not negotiation. This is price discovery, the same mechanism that drives commodity markets.
On AiDeliv, this works specifically for FBA shipments:
- You post your shipment details (origin, Amazon FC destination, cargo specs)
- Carriers with FBA experience bid during a defined auction window
- Each bid must meaningfully beat the previous one
- The AI considers price, reliability, on-time rates, and Amazon delivery track record
- You make the final call: accept, reject, or start a new auction
What you pay: Only the carrier's winning rate. AiDeliv charges the carrier a platform fee, not you.
For a full explanation of how reverse auctions change freight pricing, see our DDP shipping guide.
Key Takeaway: Forwarders set prices in isolation. Auctions form prices through competition. That is why auction rates run 15-40% lower for the same service.
10 free points when you register. Post your first FBA shipment and watch carriers compete. No contracts. No obligations. You decide.
Start Your First Auction →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship from China to Amazon FBA?
Air freight DDP costs $4-8 per kg depending on weight and season. Ocean LCL costs $100-150 per CBM. A full 40ft container costs $3,500-8,000 DDP. All of these include freight, customs, duties, and delivery. Your actual cost depends on product weight, dimensions, duty rate, and season.
How long does shipping from China to Amazon FBA take?
Air freight: 10-15 days from factory to Amazon FC. Ocean freight: 25-55 days depending on the port pair and customs processing time. Add 3-7 days for Amazon to receive and check in your inventory before it's available for sale.
What does DDP mean for Amazon FBA shipments?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the carrier handles everything: factory pickup in China, export clearance, freight, US customs clearance, import duty payment, and delivery to the Amazon fulfillment center. You get one all-inclusive price. No customs broker, no duty surprises.
→ Full explanation: What is DDP shipping?
Do I need a customs broker for Amazon FBA shipments from China?
With DDP shipping, no. The carrier provides customs brokerage and Importer of Record services as part of the DDP scope. Without DDP (under FOB or DAP terms), you'll need to hire a US customs broker, which costs $150-300 per entry plus the complexity of managing it yourself.
Should I use Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) or a freight forwarder?
AGL is convenient for very small shipments, but you remain the Importer of Record and need your own customs broker. A DDP freight forwarder or carrier handles everything including customs and duties. For regular shipments and cost optimization, DDP through a competitive platform like AiDeliv typically offers better rates and fuller service.
What happens if Amazon rejects my FBA shipment?
Rejections are usually caused by labeling errors (wrong or unreadable barcodes), pallet non-compliance (overhang, wrong size, missing labels), missed delivery appointments, or inaccurate carton data. A capable carrier returns the shipment to a local facility, corrects the issue, and reattempts delivery. Additional fees may apply depending on the carrier.
Can I ship directly from a Chinese factory to Amazon FBA?
Yes. Your carrier arranges pickup from your supplier's factory or warehouse in China, handles all export and import processes, and delivers directly to the Amazon fulfillment center assigned in your shipping plan. You don't need a US-side warehouse or prep center - though some sellers use them for additional flexibility.
Does DDP include Amazon placement fees or FBA fees?
No. DDP covers logistics and import costs only. Amazon's own fees - including placement fees ($0.27-$1.58 per unit depending on option and size), storage fees, and fulfillment fees - are separate and charged through Seller Central.
Who is the Importer of Record for DDP shipments through AiDeliv?
The executing carrier (the carrier whose bid you accept) provides IOR capability via its approved IOR structure. You don't need to act as IOR or obtain your own customs bond. This is a key advantage of DDP over other shipping terms.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Amazon FBA?
Ocean freight LCL is cheapest for 1-10 CBM shipments. For 10+ CBM, a full container (FCL) has the lowest per-unit cost. To get the best rate regardless of method, use a competitive platform where carriers bid against each other - AiDeliv's reverse auction consistently delivers rates 15-40% below traditional quotes.
→ Compare DDP vs DAP for your situation: Incoterms comparison for e-commerce sellers