Missing a single step in the Amazon FBA shipping process can cause delays, extra fees, or shipment rejection. This comprehensive 50-step checklist walks you through every phase — from pre-shipment preparation to Amazon warehouse delivery.
Print this checklist, share it with your team and supplier, and never miss a step again.
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
Printable Checklist Summary
| Phase | Steps | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-Shipment | 1–17 | Product ready, supplier confirmed, shipping booked |
| 2. Labeling & Packaging | 18–34 | FNSKU labels applied, packaging compliant |
| 3. FBA Shipment Creation | 35–43 | Shipment plan created, carton labels applied |
| 4. Freight & Customs | 44–53 | Documents prepared, customs cleared |
| 5. Delivery & Receiving | 54–62 | Delivery confirmed, inventory received |
Total: 62 steps — Don't skip any!
Need Help Shipping From China?
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Request a QuoteFAQ
Q: How long before my shipment arrives should I create the FBA shipment plan? A: Create the shipment plan as soon as your products are ready and packaged. Amazon shipment IDs are valid for 7 days before the shipment must be picked up.
Q: What happens if I forget to apply FNSKU labels? A: Amazon will either reject the shipment or charge you $0.50–$2.00 per unit for FBA Prep Service to apply labels.
Q: Do I need to file ISF for air freight shipments? A: No. ISF (Importer Security Filing) is only required for sea freight shipments. Air freight requires standard customs documentation only.
Q: Can I change the FBA warehouse destination after creating a shipment? A: No. Once you confirm a shipment plan, the destination is locked. You would need to cancel and recreate the shipment.
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.
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