China remains the backbone of global manufacturing, producing the majority of the world’s consumer products — from electronics and apparel to furniture, tools, and household goods. Meanwhile, Amazon dominates the e-commerce market in both the USA and Europe, providing an accessible platform for entrepreneurs to reach millions of customers.
When these two ecosystems connect, incredible opportunities arise. But while “buy from China, sell on Amazon” sounds simple, the reality involves multiple steps — sourcing, quality control, shipping, customs clearance, and fulfillment. Each stage requires attention to detail and professional logistics management.
This in-depth guide explores how to successfully buy from China and sell on Amazon in the USA and EU, how to choose the right suppliers and logistics channels, and how a China 3PL provider like DIDADI Logistics can make your cross-border business smoother, faster, and more profitable.
China’s manufacturing landscape is unmatched. Its supply chains are efficient, regional clusters are specialized, and suppliers understand global market demands. For Amazon sellers, this translates into a unique opportunity to launch and scale a brand at competitive prices.
1. Unbeatable cost advantages
Chinese manufacturers benefit from economies of scale, advanced supply chain integration, and decades of export experience. Even with global inflation, the cost of production and packaging in China remains significantly lower than in most Western countries.
2. Huge variety of products and suppliers
From electronic gadgets in Shenzhen to fashion accessories in Yiwu, China offers nearly every category imaginable. Whether you sell private-label kitchenware, smart home devices, or pet accessories, you can find multiple suppliers willing to customize and produce to your exact specifications.
3. Advanced customization and OEM/ODM capability
Factories in China can turn a product idea into reality quickly. Many specialize in OEM (original equipment manufacturing) and ODM (original design manufacturing), letting you create a private-label brand that looks and feels unique.
4. Mature export ecosystem
Chinese exporters are highly familiar with Amazon’s FBA packaging, barcoding, and labeling standards. They also work closely with freight forwarders, couriers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure goods reach the right Amazon fulfillment center efficiently.
However, this opportunity comes with challenges — logistics complexity, language barriers, hidden shipping fees, and customs compliance. Understanding these obstacles is key to long-term success.
Many new sellers underestimate how many steps are involved between the factory and the Amazon warehouse. The process seems simple on paper: buy, ship, sell. But in practice, several common issues can disrupt operations and cut into profits.
1. Multiple suppliers and scattered production
Amazon sellers often buy from more than one supplier — for different SKUs, packaging, or accessories. Without a local partner to consolidate products, shipping costs multiply and quality checks become difficult.
2. Unclear shipping responsibilities
Terms like EXW, FOB, or CIF determine who handles transportation, customs, and insurance. Many first-time importers misunderstand these terms, leading to unexpected costs and delays.
3. Quality control and FBA compliance
Amazon has strict standards for labeling, barcoding, and packaging. If cartons don’t meet those requirements, FBA warehouses can reject your shipment — resulting in extra fees and missed sales windows.
4. Customs duties and import regulations
Each destination market (USA, UK, or EU) has its own import rules, product certifications, and tax systems. Failing to prepare documentation correctly can result in delays or even seized shipments.
5. Inventory management challenges
If you ship directly from factories to Amazon warehouses without an intermediate hub, you lose flexibility. Overstocking or running out of stock can both hurt your ranking and profits.
These are exactly the pain points a China-based 3PL (Third-Party Logistics provider) can solve.
A China 3PL is a local logistics company that manages the end-to-end process between your suppliers and your destination market. Unlike traditional freight forwarders that only handle transportation, 3PLs integrate warehousing, packaging, quality inspection, labeling, and order fulfillment.
By operating near China’s major manufacturing hubs — such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangsu — a 3PL acts as your on-the-ground logistics department.
Typical China 3PL services include:
Pickup directly from factories across multiple cities
Inspection and product testing before shipping
Consolidation of orders from different suppliers
Storage in local bonded or non-bonded warehouses
FBA labeling, packaging, and palletization
Export documentation and customs declaration
Freight forwarding by air, sea, or courier
Final delivery to Amazon FBA warehouses in the USA or EU
This system removes the need for sellers to coordinate with multiple logistics agents, enabling them to focus on branding, marketing, and sales instead.
The USA is the largest and most competitive Amazon marketplace. Efficient logistics determine whether your product listings stay profitable.
Shipping methods:
Courier services (DHL, UPS, FedEx): Fast (5–7 days) and ideal for small, urgent batches or high-value goods.
Air freight: Balanced between cost and time (8–12 days), suitable for replenishment shipments.
Sea freight: The most cost-effective for large shipments, though it takes 25–40 days.
Each method requires FBA-compliant labeling and Amazon delivery appointment scheduling. A China 3PL like DIDADI Logistics can manage these details — ensuring your inventory arrives on time, properly documented, and fully compliant with Amazon’s rules.
Customs considerations:
When shipping to the US, importers must declare their HS code, product description, and value. DIDADI assists with customs documentation, minimizing clearance risks and helping sellers avoid costly delays.
The EU market — especially Germany, France, Spain, and Italy — is rapidly growing, but importing there is more complex than to the USA.
EU-specific requirements include:
VAT registration and EORI number
Product certification (CE marking, RoHS, REACH compliance)
Customs documentation with detailed product information
Eco-compliance laws, especially for electronics and packaging
For Amazon sellers, one efficient strategy is to ship to a central EU warehouse (like in Germany, the Netherlands, or Poland) and distribute to multiple Amazon marketplaces.
A professional 3PL based in China helps sellers:
Consolidate goods from different suppliers
Prepare export paperwork and invoices
Label products for each EU marketplace
Coordinate with freight partners for customs clearance
Deliver directly to FBA centers or third-party EU warehouses
With this structure, sellers reduce complexity and ensure a smooth entry into the European market.
Relying solely on suppliers or freight forwarders often leaves sellers with little visibility over their shipments. A dedicated China 3PL fills this gap with control, efficiency, and scalability.
Advantages include:
Cost efficiency: Consolidating multiple orders reduces total freight and customs costs.
Flexibility: Manage inventory based on market demand — store, repack, or ship anytime.
Quality control: Inspections and labeling done before shipping ensure FBA compliance.
Faster turnaround: Local warehousing enables immediate dispatch after production.
Simplified communication: A bilingual logistics team manages coordination with multiple factories.
In short, a 3PL turns your fragmented supply chain into an integrated, predictable system — a critical foundation for scaling your Amazon business globally.
DIDADI Logistics is a China-based 3PL and freight management company helping importers, Amazon sellers, and e-commerce brands simplify their China-to-USA/EU logistics.
With warehouse operations in key industrial zones — Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Yiwu, Ningbo, and Xiamen — DIDADI offers full-service logistics coverage across China.
Our services include:
Factory pickup and multi-supplier consolidation
Quality inspection, product labeling, and custom packaging
FBA labeling, pallet preparation, and documentation
Warehousing and stock management for flexible shipment timing
Air, sea, and courier shipping to the USA, UK, Germany, and beyond
Customs clearance and import coordination
Final delivery to Amazon FBA warehouses or third-party fulfillment centers
What makes DIDADI different is its focus on transparency and seller-centric operations. Every shipment is tracked end-to-end, and our bilingual support team keeps clients informed at every stage — from the factory floor to Amazon’s warehouse gate.
For new sellers, DIDADI also provides consultation on shipment strategy, helping you decide the most cost-effective and time-efficient route based on your product size, weight, and destination.
Sourcing from China and selling on Amazon in the USA or EU is one of the most powerful ways to build a scalable online business. But logistics is the bridge — and if that bridge isn’t strong, your business can’t grow.
By partnering with a trusted China 3PL like DIDADI Logistics, importers and Amazon sellers can focus on what matters most: expanding their product range, improving marketing performance, and serving customers better.
With the right partner, your business gains:
- Better control over your supply chain
- Faster and more reliable delivery
- Lower hidden costs and fewer risks
- A long-term competitive advantage in global e-commerce
Buy smart from China. Ship smarter with DIDADI Logistics.
Your brand deserves a logistics partner that understands every mile between your supplier and your Amazon store.
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