I need some direct insights regarding customs clearance for shipments from China to Amazon FBA

Sell On Amazon Global Selling
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Hi everyone,

I need some direct insights regarding customs clearance for shipments from China to Amazon FBA:

​Business Entity: Given the current 2026 landscape (end of the $800 de minimis exemption), has a US-based LLC become mandatory to avoid customs issues, or is it still viable to operate as a Foreign Importer of Record?

​Customs Broker & IOR: Does your customs broker handle the entire IOR (Importer of Record) process for you, or do I need my own US-based structure/entity to sign for and legally clear the goods?

​Note: I am a non-US resident/foreign seller.

​Thanks in advance for the help!

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By choosing DDP shipping, you don’t need a US-based company. If needed, I can help you ship your goods from China to Amazon in the US.

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Hi there, good questions. I know a freight forwarder in Guangzhou who can handle China → US ocean freight for Amazon sellers (FCL/LCL). Not legal/tax advice, just what we usually see in practice:

  1. LLC vs foreign IOR: A US-based LLC is not always mandatory. Many non-US sellers still clear as a foreign importer/IOR, but it depends on the shipment type, product category, documentation, and the broker’s/warehouse’s requirements.

  2. Broker & IOR role: A customs broker can file entry and handle clearance, but the IOR is ultimately the legal party responsible for the import. In many cases the broker can work with a foreign IOR, but some scenarios require a US entity or a US agent structure — your broker should confirm based on your exact setup.

If you share (a) cargo type/HS code, (b) shipment mode (courier/air/ocean FCL/LCL), and (c) where you ship to (Amazon FC / 3PL), I can tell you what’s typically the smoothest way to structure it and what documents are commonly requested.

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It is recommended to use DDP shipping for customs clearance.

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So can I import without having an LLC?

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Yes, you can import it without LLC.

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Thanks

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You can use DDP for transportation. If you need my help, please feel free to contact me at any time

Email: [email protected]

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You are correct. Everyone talks about CTR, CVR, and ROAS, but far fewer people talk about one of the issues that can quietly damage an entire Amazon business: the freight forwarder.

I have seen sellers invest heavily in listing images, A+ content, and launch strategies, only for serious problems to arise at the shipment stage. In practice, this can look like tracking IDs not being provided until customs clearance is complete, Carrier Central not being updated, Amazon having no visibility of incoming shipments, label mismatches causing the wrong products to reach customers and increasing return rates, shipments being cancelled unexpectedly by Amazon, inventory remaining stuck in “Under Review” or “Research” for weeks, and listings going out of stock despite careful planning.

When these issues begin to happen, the real mistake becomes clear. The cheapest option was chosen for the one partner responsible for keeping the supply chain moving smoothly.

A good freight forwarder does far more than simply move boxes from one location to another. They provide updates at every stage, help identify potential issues before they become costly problems, and may even suggest packaging changes that reduce dimensional weight and lower both shipping and FBA costs. That is not just logistics support. That is a genuine business partner.

Freight forwarders should be treated as strategic partners, not just another cost to cut. The brands that scale successfully do not win on listings alone. They win on operations as well.

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Hi,you can find a freight forwarder from China ,and use the DDP service,you just need to sit tight and wait your goods.
I’m a freight forwarder from China.Feel free to contact me for more details,Whatsapp:+8619076103080,Thank you.