NEWS & BLOG
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-02-03 Origin: Site
If you’re an Amazon FBA seller sourcing products from China in 2026, the rules of the game have undergone seismic shifts—shifts that directly impact your bottom line. The era of low-effort, low-cost shipping is over; adaptability isn’t optional—it’s the key to surviving and scaling.
Gone are the days of duty-free small shipments: The $800 de minimis exemption was eliminated for China/Hong Kong shipments on May 2, 2025, and suspended globally by August 29, 2025. Today, every single shipment—whether a small test batch or a full container—faces formal customs entry, tariffs, and duties. No more workarounds for small parcels; the math on low-MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) orders has completely changed.
Amazon’s policy overhaul has amplified the challenge: As of January 1, 2026, all U.S. FBA prep and labeling services are a thing of the past. Warehouses will no longer provide polybagging, FNSKU application, bundling, bubble wrapping, or any compliance-related assistance—even for inventory shipped via AGL, AWD, SEND, or the Supply Chain Portal. Your goods must arrive at Amazon’s facilities fully prepped, labeled, and compliant. Fail to meet these standards, and you’ll face costly rejections, storage fees, and delivery delays that derail your inventory plans.
Tariff stability has emerged post-November 2025 U.S.-China truce, but the effective rates remain steep: Common FBA categories (electronics, apparel, toys, home goods) now carry total tariffs of ~20–30% (combining Section 301 base rates of 7.5–25% with 10% IEEPA/reciprocal tariffs; select exclusions have been extended through November 2026). Freight rates have stabilized post-holiday peak as of January 2026: Ocean FCL (Full Container Load) ranges from $2,000–$4,100 per container (depending on U.S. West/East Coast destinations), air freight hovers around $7 per kg, LCL (Less than Container Load) is ~$118 per cbm, and rail freight remains a niche multimodal option for specific use cases.
For sellers scaling from $500k to $10M in annual revenue—like the countless Alex-type entrepreneurs we’ve partnered with—outdated logistics strategies are costly. Sticking with inexperienced forwarders or neglecting upstream prep can drive landed costs up by 20–40%. Stockouts from delayed shipments, unexpected customs fees, and rejected inventory eat into profits faster than ever before.
But here’s the opportunity: Sellers who embrace reliable DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) forwarders, integrate upstream prep into their supply chain, and optimize their shipping methods are cutting landed costs by 15–25%. Our client data proves it: A 500-unit electronics batch saved over $7k through efficient DDP customs handling and integrated prep, while a mid-size apparel seller reduced landed costs by 18% via optimized sea freight and compliance support.
This 2026 playbook delivers actionable, step-by-step guidance—from supplier prep to Amazon warehouse delivery—backed by real-time rules, industry benchmarks, comparative tables, case studies, free tools, and proven strategies. No fluff, no theory—just tactics to ship smarter, protect your margins, and scale with confidence.
De minimis is gone (China: May 2025; global: August 2025) → No duty-free shipments under $800; all orders require formal customs entry and pay 20–30% tariffs (most categories).
Amazon’s prep/labeling services ended January 1, 2026 → All prep (FNSKU labeling, polybagging, bundling) must be completed upstream—no Amazon support.
Tariffs are stable post-truce → Landed costs will rise 20–40% unless you optimize shipping, prep, and customs handling.
Shipping method hierarchy: Sea (cheapest for bulk: FCL $2,000–$4,100), air (fastest for urgent needs: ~$7/kg), rail (niche multimodal: 15–25+ days).
DDP forwarders are essential → They handle customs, duties, and delivery seamlessly—critical post-de minimis.
Our clients save 15–25% on landed costs → Thanks to transparent DDP pricing, accurate prep, and zero hidden fees.
The de minimis exemption, which allowed duty-free entry for shipments under $800, was first axed for China/Hong Kong on May 2, 2025, before being suspended globally on August 29, 2025. This means every shipment—regardless of size—now incurs tariffs, duties, entry fees, and full customs processing.
Amazon’s Seller Central policy update has eliminated all in-house prep and labeling services for U.S. FBA inventory—including shipments via AGL, AWD, SEND, and the Supply Chain Portal. This isn’t a temporary change: Amazon warehouses will reject any inventory that isn’t fully compliant upon arrival.
Ocean FCL: $2,000–$2,650 (U.S. West Coast); $2,650–$4,100 (U.S. East Coast) for 20ft containers.
LCL: ~$118 per cbm.
Air freight: ~$7 per kg.
Port congestion is currently low, but seasonal fluctuations (e.g., pre-holiday rush) remain a risk.
FNSKU labeling (scannable, applied to a flat surface—no overlapping or wrinkling).
Polybagging for loose items (polybags with openings >3″ require a suffocation warning label).
Bubble wrapping or protective packaging for fragile goods.
Bundling/kitting (securely packaged, no loose parts or components).
Boxing for sets (sturdy, appropriately sized packaging to prevent damage).
Hazmat compliance (for regulated items: proper labeling, documentation, and certification).
Transit Time: 25–45 days (port-to-Amazon warehouse).
Cost: FCL $2,000–$2,650 (U.S. West Coast); $2,650–$4,100 (U.S. East Coast) for 20ft containers; LCL ~$118 per cbm.
Best For: Shipments of 500+ units, non-urgent inventory, or bulk restocks.
Transit Time: 6–12 days (door-to-Amazon warehouse).
Cost: ~$7 per kg.
Best For: Urgent restocks, low-MOQ test orders, or time-sensitive products (e.g., holiday goods).
Transit Time: 15–25+ days (typically via Europe or Central Asia, then onward to the U.S.).
Cost: Higher than sea freight, lower than air freight (varies by route and volume).
Best For: Mid-size shipments that need faster transit than sea but lower cost than air—note: not a mainstream direct option for U.S. FBA.
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Estimated DDP Cost | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea (FCL/LCL) | 25–45 days | $2,000–$4,100/container or $118/cbm | Bulk shipments, cost optimization |
| Rail (Multimodal) | 15–25+ days | Variable (niche) | Mid-size orders, balanced time/cost |
| Air/Express | 6–12 days | ~$7/kg | Urgent restocks, low-MOQ tests |
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means your forwarder handles every step: customs clearance, duty payment, and final delivery to Amazon’s warehouse. You receive a single, transparent invoice—no surprise fees or delays. This is critical post-de minimis, as navigating customs alone increases risk of errors and hold-ups.
Hidden surcharges (e.g., “customs processing fees” not disclosed upfront).
Lack of FBA expertise (e.g., unfamiliarity with Amazon’s labeling/prep rules).
Inaccurate address handling (Amazon warehouses have strict delivery requirements—mistakes lead to rejections).
Failure to include prep services in quotes (leading to last-minute costs).
Electronics: ~20–30% total (Section 301 + IEEPA tariffs).
Apparel: ~20–30% total (varies by material; some synthetic blends carry higher rates).
Toys & Home Goods: ~20–30% total.
Select exclusions: Extended through November 2026 for specific products—verify with your forwarder.
HS Codes: Accurate classification is critical—use the U.S. CBP HS lookup tool or rely on your forwarder’s expertise to avoid overpayment or penalties.
Importer of Record (IOR): With DDP shipping, your forwarder acts as the IOR, simplifying compliance and reducing your liability.
Log into Seller Central and navigate to “Inventory” → “Manage FBA Shipments.”
Create a new shipment, select your destination warehouse, and enter product details (weights, dimensions, quantities).
Choose your carrier (provide your forwarder’s details for tracking integration).
Split shipments if needed (Amazon may assign multiple warehouses).
Print shipping labels and share them with your forwarder—ensure prep and labeling match your plan to avoid fees.
Dual tracking: Use your forwarder’s real-time tracking tool + Amazon’s Shipment Dashboard to monitor progress.
Build in buffers: Account for 3–5 extra days of transit for potential customs holds or delivery delays.
Replenish strategically: Use Amazon’s inventory alerts to reorder before stockouts—pair with bulk sea freight to optimize costs.
Challenge: Post-de minimis duties threatened profitability on a 500-unit batch of wireless earbuds.
Solution: Our DDP sea freight + integrated prep service (FNSKU labeling, polybagging, hazmat compliance).
Result: $7,200 in savings via optimized duty classification, no hidden fees, and zero rejection risk.
Challenge: Rising tariffs and Amazon’s prep discontinuation pushed landed costs up 22%.
Solution: Switched to our optimized sea DDP service with China-based prep.
Result: 18% lower landed costs, 98% on-time delivery, and zero compliance issues.
2026 Amazon FBA Prep Checklist (ensures compliance with all new rules).
Freight Forwarder Comparison Template (evaluate providers on cost, expertise, and services).
DDP Cost Calculator (estimate total landed costs for your shipments).
How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA in 2026: Ultimate Guide for Sellers
TL;DR – Key Insights for 2026 China-to-FBA Shipping
Why 2026 Is a Make-or-Break Year for China-to-FBA Shipping
Step 1: Prepare Your Products – 2026 Amazon FBA Prep & Labeling Requirements
Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Method – 2026 Costs & Transit Times
Step 3: Select a Freight Forwarder – DDP vs. DAP & Red Flags to Avoid
Step 4: Navigate Customs, Duties & Tariffs in 2026
Step 5: Create Your Amazon Shipping Plan & Send Inventory
Step 6: Track, Receive & Replenish – Avoid Stockouts in 2026
Real 2026 Case Studies: How Our Clients Saved 15–25% on Landed Costs
Free 2026 FBA Shipping Tools & Templates
FAQ: 2026 China-to-Amazon FBA Shipping
