How to Ship from China to Amazon FBA 2026: Full Guide
If you’re an Amazon FBA seller sourcing from China in 2026, the landscape has shifted hard – and it’s hitting margins right where it hurts.
The $800 de minimis duty-free loophole vanished: ended for China/Hong Kong on May 2, 2025, and suspended globally by August 29, 2025. Every shipment now faces full tariffs, duties, and customs processing – no more easy small-parcel wins.
Amazon doubled down: as of January 1, 2026, they’ve discontinued all U.S. FBA prep and labeling services (no polybagging, FNSKU application, bundling, bubble wrap, or any compliance help at warehouses – even for inventory via AGL, AWD, SEND, or Supply Chain Portal). Your goods must arrive fully prepped and compliant, or face rejections, fees, and delays.
Tariffs on Chinese goods? Post-November 2025 US-China truce, effective rates hover ~20–30% total for common FBA categories (electronics, apparel, toys, home goods—Section 301 base 7.5–25% + IEEPA/reciprocal at 10%; some exclusions extended to Nov 2026). Freight rates in January 2026 are stable post-peak: ocean FCL $2,000–$4,100/container (West/East Coast), air ~$7/kg, LCL ~$118/cbm, rail a niche multimodal play.
For Alex-type sellers scaling $500k–$10M revenue: landed costs up 20–40% if you’re stuck with outdated forwarders or ignoring upstream prep. Stockouts, customs surprises, and rejections eat profits fast.
The flip side? Sellers adapting with reliable DDP forwarders, upstream prep integration, and method optimization are cutting landed costs 15-25% (Unicargo client data: e.g., $7k+ savings on 500-unit batches via efficient DDP customs handling).
This 2026 playbook delivers the exact steps, from supplier prep to Amazon delivery – with current rules, benchmarks, tables, case studies, free tools, and Unicargo advantages. No theory, just tactics to ship smarter, protect margins, and scale.
Dive into the key insights below, then the full guide. Or grab your free personalized 2026 quote now.
TL;DR – Key Insights for 2026 China-to-FBA Shipping
2026 realities for China-sourced FBA:
- De minimis ended (China May 2025; global Aug 2025) → No duty-free under $800; tariffs/duties/formal entry on everything (effective ~20–30% for most categories).
- Amazon prep/labeling discontinued Jan 1, 2026 → All upstream: FNSKU, polybagging, bundling, protection—no Amazon help.
- Tariffs stabilized post-truce → Landed costs +20–40% unless you optimize.
- Sea cheapest for bulk (FCL $2,000–$4,100); air urgent (~$7/kg); rail niche (15–25+ days multimodal).
- DDP forwarders essential to handle customs/duties seamlessly.
- Unicargo clients save 15–25% on landed costs (transparent DDP, prep accuracy, no hidden fees).
Bottom line: Don’t get caught – -adapt fast.
Get your free 2026 landed cost breakdown & Unicargo quote → Click to quote!
Why 2026 Is a Make-or-Break Year for China-to-FBA Shipping (De Minimis Gone, Prep Changes, Tariff Hikes)
Rules changed overnight: de minimis closed, Amazon prep ended, tariffs layered.
The End of De Minimis: No More Duty-Free Small Shipments
De minimis suspended – China May 2, 2025; global Aug 29, 2025. All shipments under $800 now incur duties, tariffs, fees, and entry fees. Air/express small parcels? No longer a cheap loophole.
Impact: Low-MOQ tests/restocks cost 20–50%+ more; forces bulk/sea for viability.
Amazon Discontinues Prep & Labeling Services (Effective Jan 1, 2026)
Seller Central policy: No in-house prep/labeling for US FBA (including AGL/AWD/SEND flows). Inventory arrives fully compliant or rejected.
Hits mid-size sellers: extra upstream time/cost, higher rejection risk without experts.
Rising Tariffs, Port Congestion & Freight Rates in 2026
Post-truce: ~20–30% effective (Section 301 + IEEPA/reciprocal); stable January rates – ocean FCL $2,000–$4,100, air $7/kg. Congestion low post-peak.
Result: Optimize or erode margins.
Step 1: Prepare Your Products – 2026 Amazon FBA Prep & Labeling Requirements (No More Amazon Prep Service)
All prep upstream – non-negotiable to avoid fees/rejections.
What Prep Tasks You Must Handle Upstream Now
FNSKU labeling, polybagging loose items, bubble wrap/fragile protection, bundling/kitting, boxing/sets, hazmat compliance.
FNSKU Labeling, Polybagging, Bundling & Fragile Item Rules
- FNSKU scannable/flat surface.
- Polybags >3″ opening: suffocation warning.
- Secure bundles, no loose parts. Full checklist → [2026 Amazon FBA prep and labeling requirements (no more Amazon prep service)].
Choosing a Reliable Prep Partner or 3PL
China-side (supplier/forwarder warehouse) saves costs. Unicargo integrates prep + consolidation → 10–15% error reduction.
Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Method – Air, Sea, Rail, Express Compared (2026 Costs & Times)
January 2026 benchmarks (market/Unicargo quotes):
Sea Freight (Ocean) – Cheapest for Bulk but Slowest
- Time: 25–45 days.
- Cost: FCL $2,000–$2,650 West / $2,650–$4,100 East (20ft); LCL ~$118/cbm.
- Best for: >500 units, non-urgent.
Air/Express – Fast but Expensive Post-De Minimis
- Time: 6–12 days.
- Cost: ~$7/kg.
- Best for: Urgent/low MOQ.
Rail Freight – Niche Multimodal Option
- Time: 15–25+ days (often via Europe + onward).
- Cost: Higher than sea, lower than air.
- Best for: Mid-size balanced. Not direct mainstream for US FBA.
2026 Quick Comparison Table
Step 3: Select a Freight Forwarder – DDP vs. DAP + Top Mistakes to Avoid
Why DDP Is Often Best for FBA in 2026 (But Choose Wisely)
DDP: Forwarder covers customs/duties/delivery → one invoice, no surprises. Critical post-de minimis.
DAP: You handle duties → risk delays/fees.
Hidden Fees & Red Flags in Forwarder Quotes
Surcharges, Amazon address errors, prep not included. Unicargo: Transparent, FBA-expert, high accuracy.
Step 4: Handle Customs, Duties & Tariffs in 2026 (Post-De Minimis Reality + HS Code Tips)
2026 US-China Tariff Breakdown for Common FBA Categories
Electronics: ~20–30% total.
Apparel: ~20–30%.
Toys/home goods: ~20–30%.
CBP HS lookup + forwarder classification.
Importer of Record & Compliance Essentials
DDP shifts IOR to the forwarder → simpler.
Step 5: Create Your Amazon Shipping Plan & Send Inventory (Seller Central Walkthrough 2026)
Seller Central: Create shipment, select carrier, split if needed, print labels → forwarder delivers compliant.
Match prep/weights/dims to avoid fees.
Step 6: Track, Receive & Replenish – Avoiding Stockouts & Delays
Forwarder + Amazon tracking. Buffer for customs/2026 delays.
Real 2026 Case Studies: How Unicargo Clients Saved 15–25% on Landed Costs
Case 1: Electronics (500 units) → Unicargo DDP sea + prep → $7k+ savings (post-de minimis duties seamless).
Case 2: Apparel mid-size → Optimized sea/DDP → 18% lower landed.
Unicargo vs. Competitors (2026 Data)
- On-time/accuracy: 98% vs. industry 85–90%.
- Fees: Minimal vs. $200–500 surprises.
Free Tools & Templates: Download Your 2026 FBA Shipping Toolkit
- 2026 Prep Checklist
- Forwarder Comparison Template
- DDP Cost Calculator
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions (2026 Edition)
What changed with Amazon FBA prep services in 2026?
Ended Jan 1 – all upstream.
Is de minimis still available for China shipments to Amazon FBA?
No – ended May 2025 (China), Aug 2025 (global).
What’s the cheapest way to ship from China to Amazon FBA now?
Sea DDP for bulk; air for urgent.
Is DDP shipping still legal/recommended for Amazon FBA?
Yes – recommended.
How much have tariffs increased post-de minimis?
~20–30% effective for most categories post-truce.
Should I use rail freight for Amazon FBA in 2026?
Niche; explore → [rail cluster].
How do I switch forwarders without disrupting inventory?
Guide → [switch forwarders cluster].
Ready to Ship Smarter? Get Your Personalized China-to-FBA Quote Today
Protect your 2026 margins with Unicargo.
Questions? Feel free to contact us and get the answers you need.
