Amazon FBA Import Guide: How to Import Goods Smoothly Into Amazon Fulfilment Centres

Why Amazon FBA Importing Requires Extra Care

Importing into Amazon FBA isn’t the same as importing into your own warehouse. Amazon has strict requirements for:

• Labelling
• Packaging
• Delivery appointments
• Customs documentation
• Product compliance
• Shipment accuracy

A single customs or documentation error can result in:

• Refused deliveries
• Stranded inventory
• Unexpected duty/VAT charges
• Delays at the port
• Account health issues

This guide gives you a clear, step‑by‑step process to import goods into Amazon FBA smoothly and compliantly.

1. Understand Your Role as the Importer of Record

Even if your supplier “ships directly to Amazon,” you are the importer of record.

This means you are responsible for:

• Correct HS/commodity codes
• Accurate customs values
• Paying duty and VAT
• Ensuring product compliance
• Keeping records for HMRC
• Handling returns and re‑imports

Amazon does not act as the importer of record under any circumstances.

2. Get Your EORI, VAT, and CDS Setup Ready

Before importing into FBA, ensure you have:

• A valid UK EORI number
• VAT registration (if applicable)
• Access to CDS (Customs Declaration Service)
• A duty deferment account (optional but useful for high‑volume sellers)

Without these, your goods may be held at the border and Amazon will not accept delivery.

3. Classify Your Products Correctly

Correct HS codes determine:

• Duty rates
• VAT
• Import restrictions
• Product safety rules
• Origin eligibility

Common FBA categories with strict classification rules:

• Electronics
• Toys
• Beauty and cosmetics
• Supplements
• Clothing and textiles
• Homeware

Incorrect classification can lead to customs delays or Amazon compliance issues.

4. Ensure Product Compliance Before Shipping

Amazon requires strict compliance with UK regulations, including:

• CE/UKCA marking
• Safety certificates
• Labelling requirements
• Chemical restrictions (e.g., REACH)
• Toy safety standards
• Food and cosmetic regulations

Non‑compliant goods can be rejected by Amazon or seized by customs.

5. Prepare Supplier Documentation Correctly

Your supplier must provide:

• A correct commercial invoice
• Accurate product descriptions
• Correct HS codes (to be verified)
• Packing list
• Origin statements (if claiming preference)
• Certificates for regulated goods

Provide suppliers with a documentation template to avoid delays.

6. Choose the Right Incoterms for FBA

For Amazon FBA, the safest Incoterms are:

FOB (Recommended)

You control the shipping and customs process.

DAP

You pay duty/VAT on arrival.

Avoid DDP

DDP is often non‑compliant because:

• Suppliers cannot legally act as importer of record
• Incorrect VAT numbers are often used
• Customs declarations may be inaccurate

DDP shipments frequently lead to customs issues and Amazon delivery refusals.

7. Plan Your Delivery to Amazon FBA

Amazon requires:

• Shipment creation in Seller Central
• FNSKU labels
• Carton and pallet labels
• Booking delivery appointments
• Approved carriers
• Correct packaging and palletisation

If customs delays occur, your Amazon delivery window may expire — causing further delays.

8. Manage Transit (T1) Documents if Shipping via the EU

If your goods travel through the EU before reaching the UK:

• A T1 transit document may be required
• An LRN must be issued before departure
• The T1 must be discharged correctly in the UK

Incorrect transit handling can stop your shipment before it reaches Amazon.

9. Understand Duty and VAT for FBA Imports

Duty and VAT depend on:

• HS code
• Customs value
• Origin
• Whether preference applies
• Whether you use postponed VAT accounting

Tip: Many FBA sellers overpay duty because they don’t check origin rules or relief options.

10. Plan for Returns and Re‑Imports

Amazon returns are common. Use Returned Goods Relief (RGR) to avoid paying duty twice when:

• Customers return items
• Goods are re‑imported in the same condition
• You can prove original export

This is essential for high‑volume FBA sellers.

Common Amazon FBA Importing Mistakes

Many sellers run into issues because they:

• Use incorrect HS codes
• Rely on supplier documentation
• Use non‑compliant DDP shipping
• Don’t check product compliance
• Fail to claim duty relief
• Don’t prepare for Amazon delivery requirements
• Ignore port‑specific rules
• Don’t keep proper records

A structured process prevents these costly errors.

How We Help Amazon FBA Importers

We support FBA sellers with:

• HS code classification
• Import declarations
• Supplier documentation checks
• Duty relief advice (IP, RGR, TA, warehousing)
• CDS setup and compliance
• Transit (T1) documents
• Amazon delivery coordination
• Ongoing customs support

Our goal is simple: smooth, compliant, cost‑effective importing into Amazon FBA.

Explore More in Our Knowledge Hub

You can also read:

• E‑Commerce Importing Guide
• Importer Checklists
• How to Reduce Duty Costs Legally
• Understanding Duty Relief Schemes
• Customs Glossary

If you want help importing goods into Amazon FBA, our customs specialists are ready to support you.

Get in touch for expert Amazon FBA importing guidance and compliance support.