Foreign sellers shipping from China to FBA often ask the same questions: Do I need a local company? Can a broker handle importer of record? Is DDP enough? Who pays duty and tax? These questions matter because Amazon is not the importer for your inventory, and unclear customs responsibility can cause refusal, extra charges, or delay.
DDP can be useful, but it should not be treated as a magic word. Buyers need to understand exactly who clears the goods, who pays duties, what documents are prepared, and what proof will be available after import.
Ask who is importer of record
The importer of record is the party responsible for import declarations, duties, compliance, and customs records. If the forwarder or supplier says they handle everything, ask for the structure in writing. A vague answer creates risk later.
Our internal guide on importer of record confusion in DDP shipping covers the key questions. DDPexpert’s freight forwarder from China guide explains how freight partners should be compared beyond price.
Customs questions before booking
- Is the shipment DDP, DAP, FOB, or another term?
- Who is the importer of record?
- Are duty, tax, clearance, and final delivery included?
- What HS code and declared value will be used?
- Will the buyer receive customs entry proof or duty records?
- What happens if customs asks for certificates or product details?
Compare forwarder quote with documents
A cheap quote can become expensive if it excludes duty, uses unclear product descriptions, or depends on weak paperwork. Before pickup, match the quote to the commercial invoice, packing list, carton data, labels, and destination requirements.
Use our internal shipment document pack checklist before goods leave the factory. For complete import planning, DDPexpert’s China sourcing and shipping workflow connects supplier terms with customs documents.
Final recommendation
Foreign sellers can ship from China to FBA, but they should not rely on casual DDP promises. Confirm IOR, duties, documents, labels, and delivery requirements before approving pickup.
