Whether you sell electronics, home goods, automotive accessories, or private-label products, choosing the right shipping method from China to Amazon Germany (Amazon DE) is essential. It can help you maintain stable inventory levels and keep your logistics costs under control.
This tutorial breaks down everything Amazon Germany sellers need to know, including shipping methods, transit times, costs, customs rules, and FBA warehouse requirements. With this information, you can build a reliable and efficient supply chain from China to Germany.
Table of Contents:
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- Understanding Amazon FBA Germany (FBA DE)
- Shipping options from China to Amazon FBA Germany
- Should you ship directly to FBA DE or use a Prep Center?
- Amazon FBA Germany requirements you must follow
- Customs clearance for Amazon FBA Germany
- Tips for German Amazon sellers to reduce logistics costs
- Why work with Airsupply for FBA Germany shipping
Understanding Amazon FBA Germany (FBA DE)
Amazon FBA Germany operates multiple fulfillment centers across the country, including FRA1, HAM2, DUS2, and LEJ1. These warehouses receive goods, store inventory, and manage last-mile delivery throughout the EU.
German sellers typically import products from China because it offers:
- low production cost
- customization options
- mass-manufacturing capability
- stable supply chain
To maintain Prime-level delivery performance, you need to optimize your supply chain from China.
Shipping options from China to Amazon FBA Germany
You can send goods directly to Amazon or send them to a prep center in Germany first. Here are the four most common routes, each of which has various advantages depending on budget, urgency, and cargo type:
1. Air Freight (Fastest for FBA replenishment)
Transit time: 5–9 days
Best for:
- high-value goods
- SKUs with strong sales velocity
- restocking before peak seasons
- electronics (with battery approvals)
Air freight offers direct flights to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne.
2. Sea Freight (Cheapest for Bulk Shipments)
Transit time: 30–40 days (port to FBA)
Options include:
- FCL (full container) is cheaper for large volumes
- LCL (shared container) is suitable for smaller loads
- special containers
- dangerous goods shipments
Best for:
- heavy goods
- bulk inventory
- industry machinery
- furniture, home appliances, accessories
Sea freight remains the most cost-effective method for large shipments.
3. Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
Transit time: 3–7 days
Good for:
- samples
- small cartons
- lightweight products
- small Amazon restock shipments
Couriers handle customs clearance automatically, making this the simplest option.
Note: Products containing lithium batteries require strict documentation, including UN38.3 and MSDS.
4. China–Europe Rail Freight (Balanced solution)
Transit time: 18–25 days
Rail freight provides a balance between cost and time. It’s often used by sellers who want:
- faster delivery than sea
- cheaper rates than air
However, remember that snow and severe winter weather can significantly impact shipping times.
Don’t know which shipping option works best for your Amazon Germany inventory needs? Contact us for a tailored recommendation based on your product type, sales volume, and delivery timeline.
Should you ship directly to FBA DE or use a Prep Center?
1. Direct shipping to FBA DE
Pros:
- fastest inbound
- lower handling cost
- fewer middle steps
Cons:
- strict Amazon requirements
- The FBA center will reject the shipment if the labels or packaging are incorrect
This option is suitable for sellers who already understand Amazon’s compliance and packaging rules.
2. Ship to a prep center (Best for beginners or complex SKUs)
Advantages of using a German prep center:
- checks product quality
- applies FNSKU labels
- replaces damaged packaging
- bundles or kits proof ducts
- palletizes cargo according to Amazon requirements
- schedules Amazon delivery appointments
Using a prep center helps avoid FBA refusals, repacking fees, and unexpected delays.
Amazon FBA Germany requirements you must follow
1. FNSKU labeling
Every unit must have:
- a scannable FNSKU
- correct ASIN
- matching barcode
- hidden manufacturer UPC/EAN
Remember to place labels clearly and avoid putting them on curved surfaces.
2. Carton requirements
Amazon requires:
- max 23kg per carton (unless “heavy” label attached)
- strong 5-layer cartons
- no mixed SKUs (for most shipments)
- clear shipping label with correct FBA address
3. Palletizing rules (If pallets are required)
- Pallet size: EUR pallet (120×80 cm) or standard
- Max height: 180 cm
- Print pallet labels on all sides
- No damaged pallets
4. Prohibited items
Some restricted items need special approval:
- lithium batteries
- hazardous materials
- food items
- cosmetics
- children’s products
- electronics without CE/EMC documents
Your freight forwarder should check these compliance before the goods leave China.
Customs clearance for Amazon FBA Germany
1. Required documents when shipping from China to Germany
- commercial invoice
- packing list
- HS codes
- Bill of lading/air waybill
- CE certificate (if applicable)
- EORI number (You need a valid EORI number to act as the importer of record)
2. Import duties & VAT
- Germany import VAT = 19%
- Duties = vary by HS code (0–14%)
3. Importer of Record (IOR)
If you don’t want to act as the importer yourself (common for non-EU sellers), you can choose one of the following options:
- DDP shipping
- a third-party IOR service
- or select ASLG for a complete end-to-end solution
As an ASLG member, we provide seamless customs clearance services and handle all import procedures for your shipments.
Tips for German Amazon sellers to reduce logistics costs
- Ship in bulk (save on sea freight)
- Reduce carton size to avoid volumetric weight
- Combine SKUs in FCL shipping
- Use DDP if unfamiliar with customs
- Confirm the Amazon FBA appointment early
- Use a freight forwarder experienced with Amazon sellers
These tips help maintain profit margins, especially when selling competitive products.
How ASLG supports your FBA Germany shipping
Airsupply offers full logistics solutions for Amazon sellers, including:
- China warehouse consolidation
- FBA labeling and prep service
- Air/Sea/Rail freight to Germany
- DDP shipping to FBA DE
- Battery & electronics handling
- Customs clearance support
- Real-time tracking
We help sellers ship smoothly from Chinese suppliers to Amazon warehouses across Germany.
Final thoughts
Whether you choose direct delivery to FBA or prefer using a prep center, working with an experienced freight forwarder gives you a smoother logistics process. A reliable partner also helps you achieve faster delivery, lower risks, and better cost control.
If you need a tailored quote for Amazon FBA Germany or a fast shipping plan, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
