How Amazon Sellers Manage Shipments from China to Germany Amazon Warehouses

Germany is one of the largest e-commerce markets in Europe, making it a prime destination for Amazon FBA sellers. By shipping directly from Chinese suppliers to Amazon warehouses in Germany, sellers can: 

• Reduce lead times for European customers 

• Lower shipping costs compared to air freight 

• Avoid long-distance fulfillment from the US or other regions 

• Comply with EU customs regulations and VAT requirements 

1. Air Freight (Express Shipping) 

• Best for: Small, urgent shipments 

• Transit time: 5–10 days 

• Pros: Fast delivery, good for high-value or low-volume products 

• Cons: Higher cost compared to sea freight 

Popular express shipping services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are commonly used for Amazon FBA shipments from China to Germany. 

2. Sea Freight (LCL & FCL) 

• Best for: Large, heavy, or bulk shipments 

• Transit time: 25–40 days 

• Pros: Most cost-effective for high-volume shipments 

• Cons: Longer lead time, requires proper customs clearance 

Many sellers opt for LCL (Less than Container Load) if they don’t have enough goods to fill a full container. FCL (Full Container Load) is ideal for large-scale sellers. 

3. Rail Freight (China-Europe Railway) 

• Best for: Mid-sized shipments balancing cost and speed 

• Transit time: 15–20 days 

• Pros: More affordable than air, faster than sea 

• Cons: Limited routes and availability 

4. Cross-Border Trucking 

• Best for: Land transport within Europe after sea/rail arrival 

• Transit time: Varies (often used for last-mile delivery) 

Step 1: Find a Reliable China Freight Forwarder 

Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder in China ensures smooth customs clearance, proper documentation, and cost-effective shipping solutions. 

Step 2: Prepare Amazon FBA Shipment Requirements 

• Ensure products comply with Amazon Germany FBA guidelines 

• Label products correctly with FNSKU barcodes 

• Provide necessary commercial invoices and packing lists 

Step 3: Choose the Right Shipping Method 

Decide between air, sea, rail, or express shipping based on budget, urgency, and shipment size. 

Step 4: Handle Customs Clearance in Germany 

• Provide EORI number (required for EU imports) 

• Pay German import VAT (19%) and duties (if applicable) 

• Ensure all documents (like EUR.1 certificate for preferential tariffs) are ready 

Step 5: Deliver to Amazon FBA Warehouse in Germany 

Once cleared, goods are transported to Amazon fulfillment centers such as: 

• FRA1 (Frankfurt) 

• LEJ1 (Leipzig) 

• MUC1 (Munich) 

1. Consolidate Shipments – Combine multiple orders to save on freight costs. 

2. Use Duty Optimization Strategies – Check if your products qualify for preferential tariffs under China-EU trade agreements. 

3. Track Shipments in Real-Time – Work with a logistics provider offering shipment tracking. 

4. Plan Ahead for Peak Seasons – Avoid delays during Chinese holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year) or Amazon sales events. 

Successfully managing Amazon FBA shipments from China to Germany requires choosing the right shipping method, working with a trusted China to Europe freight forwarder, and ensuring compliance with German customs regulations. By optimizing logistics, sellers can reduce costs, improve delivery speed, and scale their cross-border e-commerce business efficiently. 

Need help with China to Germany FBA shipping? Contact Easy China Warehouse for seamless logistics solutions tailored for Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify sellers!