Whose importer-of-record number goes on the entry
Amazon, fulfillment centers included, will not act as importer of record (IOR) for any FBA shipment of any size or value. So for shipping to Amazon FBA into the US, the seller has to name an IOR other than Amazon. Amazon’s Delivering imports to Amazon page says the IOR field on the customs entry form can’t be left empty, and an empty field may get the shipment refused and returned.
The seller also carries the cost. Amazon’s import and export guidance says the shipper or FBA seller should pay all applicable duty and taxes and clear customs before delivery to the fulfillment center. Showing Amazon as the declarant or IOR on the customs documents is not allowed.
A customs bond may be required as well, as security for the duties, taxes and fees owed to the government.
Booking: your own forwarder or Amazon Global Logistics
For shipping to Amazon FBA from Asia, a seller with goods in mainland China, Hong Kong or Vietnam can book through Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), Amazon’s own door-to-door program, or hire a forwarder of their own.
China cargo goes by ocean or air to the Amazon network in the US, UK, EU and Japan. Vietnam cargo goes by ocean to the US. Ocean service is Standard or Fast. FCL means a whole container, typically 20 ft or 40 ft; with LCL the cargo shares a container with other shippers’ goods.
AGL pricing covers pickup at origin, the export declaration, freight, customs clearance at destination and delivery to the fulfillment center or warehouse. Booking and tracking happen in Seller Central. Before the first shipment Amazon wants FBA enrolment, a payment method, IOR details and documents, and for the US it also requires a customs bond on behalf of the IOR.
A seller who goes with a forwarder instead can check live ocean spot rates from Asia by carrier before asking for quotes.
The ISF is due 24 hours before the cargo is loaded
The Importer Security Filing (ISF, also called 10+2) applies to import cargo arriving in the United States by vessel, according to CBP’s ISF page. CBP says failure to comply could result in monetary penalties, increased inspections and delay of cargo.
The filer is the ISF importer, meaning the party causing the goods to arrive at a US port by vessel. Unless the cargo is foreign cargo remaining on board, that is the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee, or an agent such as a licensed customs broker. The federal regulation on the filing allows an authorized agent to submit it. Seller, buyer, IOR number and consignee numbers must reach CBP no later than 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard the vessel at the foreign port. Manufacturer or supplier, ship-to party, country of origin and commodity HTSUS number have the same cut-off. Container stuffing location and consolidator are the exception, due as early as possible and no later than 24 hours before arrival in a US port.
A late, inaccurate or incomplete ISF brings a claim for liquidated damages of $5,000 per ISF. CBP wrote in the 2008 final rule that mitigation is decided case by case and “will be the exception and not the rule.”
Deadlines and pallet limits from Amazon Seller Central help pages, 19 CFR 149.2 and the 2008 CBP final rule.
Which barcode applies depends on the seller’s status
Amazon ended commingling for inventory shipped on or after 31 March 2026, according to its announcement in the Seller Forums, and the manufacturer barcode page sets the barcode rule by seller type. Each item sent to an FBA fulfillment center needs a barcode: a manufacturer barcode (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN) or an Amazon barcode, which is an FNSKU label starting with X. Brand owners with the Brand Representative selling role in Amazon Brand Registry no longer need Amazon barcode stickers on products that already carry a manufacturer barcode. Resellers have to use Amazon barcodes even when the product carries a manufacturer barcode, and so does any product not eligible for one.
Amazon’s pallet rules for the delivery to the fulfillment center
Seller requirements for LTL, FTL and FCL deliveries is the Amazon page for this step. It covers LTL and FTL deliveries and offers help guides to download for ocean FCL deliveries. Partnered carrier shipments not delivered by small package carriers must be loaded on pallets.
Amazon staff’s summary of the delivery requirements in the Seller Forums sets the pallets at 40 x 48 inch, 4-way access wood, and plastic, cardboard or particle board are out. One pallet holds units of one shipment ID only. Total pallet weight stays at or under 1,500 lb. FBA pallet labels go on all four sides, outside the stretch wrap, and the wrap is clear. In a container the overall height of the pallets must leave 6 inches between the top of the stack and the roof, and at least 3 inches must separate the pallets.
The carrier schedules the delivery appointment through Carrier Central, so it pays to track the container and know the discharge date before that appointment is booked.
Frequently asked questions
Can Amazon be the importer of record for FBA shipments?
No. Amazon will not act as importer of record for any FBA shipment, and naming Amazon as IOR or declarant can get the shipment refused.
When is the ISF due?
Most ISF elements must reach CBP at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the vessel at the foreign port. Stuffing location and consolidator can follow, but no later than 24 hours before US arrival.
What pallets does Amazon accept?
40 x 48 inch four-way wooden pallets, up to 1,500 lb, one shipment ID per pallet, labels on all four sides outside clear stretch wrap.