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Shipping your products from China to Amazon warehouses across Europe can be complex without the right partner. With Top China Forwarder, sellers can simplify their Amazon FBA shipping from China to Europe, optimize costs, and ensure on-time delivery that meets Amazon’s strict requirements.
What Is Amazon FBA Shipping from China to Europe?
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows sellers to store goods in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where Amazon handles picking, packing, and shipping to customers. When sourcing from China, sellers must comply with European customs rules, VAT registration, and Amazon’s labeling and packaging standards.
| Step | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supplier coordination | Confirm EXW or FOB terms with factory |
| 2 | Freight booking | Choose sea, air, or rail |
| 3 | Customs clearance | China export + EU import |
| 4 | Delivery | Ship directly to Amazon warehouse |
| 5 | FBA check-in | Amazon receives inventory |
For smooth delivery, rely on experienced Customs Brokerage and FBA specialists.
Which Shipping Methods Are Best for Amazon FBA?
| Method | Transit Time | Cost | Suitable For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 30–40 days | $1,200–$1,800/20GP | Bulk goods | Cheapest | Long lead time |
| Air Freight | 5–8 days | $5–8/kg | High-value or urgent stock | Fast & reliable | Costly |
| Rail Freight | 18–22 days | $2.5–3/kg | Mid-sized cargo | Balance cost/time | Limited areas |
| Express Courier | 3–5 days | $6–10/kg | Small cartons | Fast customs | Expensive |
| Door to Door | 15–25 days | Varies | FBA deliveries | Simplified process | All-inclusive rates |
For large inventory shipments, Sea Freight offers the best cost efficiency.
How to Calculate the Cost of Amazon FBA Shipping
| Cost Element | Example (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight | 1,500 | 20GP container |
| Port Fees | 200 | Handling, loading |
| Import VAT | 20% | Based on declared value |
| Customs Clearance | 120 | Export + EU entry |
| Amazon Delivery | 300 | To warehouse |
| Insurance | 50 | Optional |
| Total Estimate | 2,170 | Door-to-door |
For a full breakdown, use Door To Door FBA service to handle freight, tax, and Amazon delivery.
How Long Does It Take to Ship to Amazon EU Warehouses?
| Mode | Transit Time | Route Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 30–40 days | Ningbo → Hamburg |
| Air Freight | 5–8 days | Shenzhen → Frankfurt |
| Rail Freight | 18–22 days | Chongqing → Duisburg |
| Express | 3–5 days | Guangzhou → Paris |
Transit time depends on destination and customs. Rail Freight is ideal for central Europe (Germany, Poland, France).
What Are the Key Amazon FBA Requirements for Imports?
| Requirement | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| FNSKU Labels | Amazon barcodes on every unit | High |
| Packaging | Must follow EU standards | High |
| Palletization | 120×100 cm, heat-treated pallets | Medium |
| Importer of Record | Local entity or representative | High |
| VAT Registration | For EU customs compliance | High |
Top China Forwarder provides Warehouse support for relabeling, palletization, and repacking before delivery.
What Are the Main Amazon Warehouse Destinations in Europe?
| Country | Major Amazon Fulfillment Centers |
|---|---|
| Germany | FRA1, HAM2, DTM2 |
| France | CDG7, LYS2 |
| Spain | BCN1, MAD4 |
| Italy | MXP5, BGY2 |
| UK | BHX1, MAN3, LCY2 |
Understanding warehouse codes helps with route selection and delivery optimization.
Air vs Sea vs Rail: Which Is Best for FBA Shipments?
| Feature | Air Freight | Sea Freight | Rail Freight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fastest | Slowest | Moderate |
| Cost | $$$ | $ | $$ |
| Customs | Easy | Moderate | Simple |
| Ideal Cargo | Urgent | Bulk | Mixed |
| Carbon Impact | High | Low | Medium |
For most sellers, Sea Freight + Last-Mile Trucking offers the best balance between cost and reliability.
How to Prepare FBA Shipments in China
- Confirm packaging meets Amazon and EU import standards.
- Print and apply FNSKU, carton, and pallet labels.
- Consolidate cargo in a bonded Warehouse before export.
- Choose between EXW, FOB, or DDP terms.
- Verify the delivery appointment at Amazon’s booking portal.
Always verify warehouse addresses; incorrect labeling causes delays and fines.
Common Customs & VAT Issues for Amazon Sellers
| Issue | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong HS Code | Miscalculated duty | Pre-classify products |
| Missing EORI | Shipment hold | Register before shipping |
| Incomplete Docs | Entry rejection | Use expert brokerage |
| VAT Non-Compliance | Tax penalties | Register in advance |
With expert Import Service support, these risks can be avoided completely.
How to Save Money on Amazon FBA Shipping
- Consolidate multiple SKUs into one shipment.
- Use LCL (Less than Container Load) for smaller volumes.
- Plan shipments during off-peak months.
- Compare sea + rail routes for hybrid efficiency.
- Book early to lock rates.
👉 Request your optimized route plan today — Send Inquiry.
Real Case: Air + Truck FBA Shipping Example
Case Study: A seller shipped 2 CBM of electronics to Amazon FRA1 in Germany.
- Mode: Air freight + DDP trucking
- Transit Time: 7 days
- Cost: $920
- Result: Fast check-in, zero delay
Efficient coordination between carrier and Amazon warehouse minimized customs delay and demurrage.
Why Choose Top China Forwarder for Amazon FBA?
- All-in-one solution: freight, customs, labeling, delivery.
- FBA experience: 5,000+ shipments handled monthly.
- Flexible routes: Sea, Air, Rail, or Express.
- Custom clearance support in every EU country.
You can also protect shipments via Cargo Insurance for full coverage.
Conclusion:
The Amazon FBA shipping from China to Europe process involves strategic planning, customs compliance, and carrier coordination. Choosing the right shipping mode, verifying VAT documentation, and working with a professional forwarder ensures timely Amazon warehouse check-ins and reduced costs.
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FAQ
Q1: What is the cheapest way to ship to Amazon Europe?
Sea freight is the most affordable, especially for full container loads.
Q2: How long does shipping take from China to EU warehouses?
Sea takes 30–40 days; air takes 5–8 days.
Q3: Can you handle labeling and packaging for FBA?
Yes, Top China Forwarder provides full labeling, packaging, and inspection.
Q4: Do I need a VAT number to import to Europe?
Yes, it’s required for customs and Amazon compliance.
Q5: Is rail freight reliable for Amazon shipments?
Yes, rail is fast and stable for goods to Germany, France, and Poland.
Q6: Can you ship door-to-door directly to Amazon warehouses?
Absolutely, via Door To Door service.