Phase 1: Pre-Shipment Preparation

Product Readiness

• 1. Confirm product specifications match your Amazon listing (size, weight, color, model)
• 2. Verify product compliance with US regulations (FCC, FDA, FTC, CPSIA if applicable)
• 3. Obtain necessary certifications (UL, CE, RoHS, FCC ID for electronics)
• 4. Check if your product is classified as Hazmat by Amazon (batteries, liquids, aerosols)
• 5. Confirm product does not infringe on any patents or trademarks
• 6. Register your brand with Amazon Brand Registry (if applicable)

Supplier Coordination

• 7. Confirm production completion date with your Chinese supplier
• 8. Request photos of finished products before shipment
• 9. Arrange third-party quality inspection (QCs) before shipping
• 10. Confirm final carton count, dimensions, and total weight
• 11. Request a packing list from your supplier (include ASIN, quantity per carton)
• 12. Obtain commercial invoice and packing list documents

Shipping Planning

• 13. Determine shipping method (sea freight LCL/FCL, air freight, express)
• 14. Calculate total landed cost (product + freight + duties + FBA fees)
• 15. Choose Incoterms (DDP recommended for FBA shipments)
• 16. Book shipping with your freight forwarder at least 7 days in advance
• 17. Confirm shipping schedule and estimated delivery date

Phase 2: Labeling and Packaging

FNSKU Labeling

• 18. Generate FNSKU labels in Amazon Seller Central
• 19. Print labels using a thermal printer or high-quality laser printer
• 20. Test-scan a sample label with your phone camera
• 21. Apply FNSKU labels to each individual unit (or instruct supplier to do so)
• 22. Cover all existing barcodes (UPC, EAN, supplier barcodes) with opaque labels

Packaging Compliance

• 23. Ensure each unit is properly packaged (poly bag, box, or shrink wrap)
• 24. Verify poly bags have suffocation warning (for bags 5″+ opening)
• 25. Check that fragile items have adequate bubble wrap (minimum 2 layers)
• 26. Confirm liquid products are double-sealed and upright-labeled
• 27. Verify no marketing materials, price tags, or promotional inserts inside
• 28. Ensure expiration dates are visible on the outside (if applicable)
• 29. Perform a 2-foot drop test on sample cartons

Carton Preparation

• 30. Use ECT-32 or 200 lb burst strength corrugated cartons
• 31. Ensure cartons are properly sealed with packing tape (not masking tape)
• 32. Number cartons sequentially (1 of 20, 2 of 20, etc.)
• 33. Include a packing list inside each carton
• 34. Weigh and measure each carton; record for shipping documents

Phase 3: FBA Shipment Creation

Amazon Seller Central

• 35. Log into Amazon Seller Central → Manage FBA Inventory
• 36. Select products to ship → “Send/Replenish Inventory”
• 37. Confirm ship-from address (your freight forwarder’s warehouse in China)
• 38. Choose shipping method (LTL/FTL for sea freight, Small Parcel for air/express)
• 39. Enter carton dimensions and weights for each carton
• 40. Review and confirm shipment plan
• 41. Download and print carton labels (FBA shipment ID labels)
• 42. Apply carton labels on the top and one side of each carton
• 43. Record the FBA shipment ID (e.g., FBA15ABCD123)

Phase 4: Freight and Customs

Freight Shipping

• 44. Confirm pickup arrangement with your freight forwarder
• 45. Provide forwarder with: FBA shipment ID, destination warehouse address, carton count, dimensions, and weights
• 46. Confirm forwarder has correct Amazon FBA warehouse address (check the FBA shipment plan)
• 47. Obtain tracking number / Bill of Lading (B/L) from forwarder

Customs Documentation

• 48. Prepare commercial invoice (include: product description, HS code, value, country of origin, Incoterms)
• 49. Prepare packing list (carton count, weight, dimensions, ASIN per carton)
• 50. If DDP: Confirm your freight forwarder handles US customs clearance
• 51. If FOB/EXW: Arrange US customs broker; file ISF (Importer Security Filing) 24 hours before vessel loading (sea freight)
• 52. Verify HTS classification and duty rate for your product
• 53. Ensure no restricted/prohibited items in shipment

Phase 5: Delivery and Amazon Receiving

Pre-Delivery

• 54. Confirm delivery appointment with Amazon FBA warehouse (if LTL/FTL)
• 55. Verify carrier has correct delivery window and warehouse address
• 56. Ensure pallet labels are on all four sides (if palletized)
• 57. Confirm BOL (Bill of Lading) matches Amazon shipment ID

Tracking and Receiving

• 58. Monitor shipment status via carrier tracking
• 59. Check Amazon Seller Central for shipment status updates:
  • “In Transit” → shipment en route to FBA
  • “Checked In” → arrived at FBA warehouse
  • “Receiving” → Amazon is processing your inventory
  • “Closed” → all units received and available for sale
• 60. Verify received quantity matches shipped quantity
• 61. Investigate any discrepancies (shortage, damage) within 30 days
• 62. File reimbursement claims for lost/damaged units if applicable

Need Help with the Entire Process?

Skyler Logistics handles the entire Amazon FBA shipping process for you — from factory pickup to FBA warehouse delivery. We manage labeling, packaging, customs, and last-mile delivery.