Decide Your Routing Strategy
- •Direct-to-FBA (DAP/DDP) – Supplier labels cartons with Amazon FBA codes, Spotyard delivers straight into MEL1, BNE1, SYD6 etc.
- •Via Australian 3PL – Bulk ship to a local warehouse, re-carton and drip-feed to FBA during restocks.
- •Hybrid – Airfreight hero SKUs, sea freight the balance.
FBA Prep Cheat Sheet
| Requirement | Amazon Rule | China Side Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Carton labels | 2 identical scannable labels per carton | Supplier prints from Seller Central PDF |
| Carton limits | <23kg (15kg recommended) & <63.5cm side length | Split master cartons at origin |
| Pallets | CHEP or Loscam only inside AU FCs | Request pallet swap on delivery docket |
| Booking | Carrier Central appointment | Spotyard linehaul team books once goods clear customs |
Cost Components to Budget For
- Origin handling – FBA-specific labelling, carton inspections, polybagging.
- International freight – Choose sea FCL for stable replenishment, sea LCL for mixed SKUs, or air for hero launches.
- Australian customs/GST – Use your ABN and ensure HS codes align with Amazon listing data.
- Destination delivery – Tail-lift or forklift unloading at FCs; after-hours slots cost extra.
Sample Scenario (Beauty SKU, 4 CBM / 550 kg)
| Mode | Transit | Total Landed Freight (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea LCL + destination delivery | 26-30 days | $2,450-$2,850 |
| Air freight + courier | 7-9 days | $3,900-$4,400 |
Includes booking fees, ICS clearance, FBA tail-lift slot, and pallet swap where required.
Compliance Checklist for Amazon Australia
- •Ingredient or battery disclosures must match ACCC and NICNAS/TGA rules.
- •Provide Certificates of Conformity (RCM, EMC, WELS) before inbound if Amazon requests it.
- •Lodge carton dimensions exactly; incorrect data causes FC refusal and redelivery fees.
- •Build a safety stock of 4-6 weeks domestically to buffer FC receiving delays.
Operational Tips
- Sync with Amazon restock limits – use Spotyard’s warehouse visibility to drip-feed within thresholds.
- Create multi-channel labelling – allow the same cartons to service Shopify orders if Amazon pauses inbound.
- Track receiving KPIs – log appointment ID, dock time, and discrepancy notes to dispute shortages quickly.
Plan an FBA Shipment | Shipping Calculator
How Spotyard Helps
Spotyard Logistics runs dedicated China → Australia sea, air, and express programs. Importers get:
- •Weekly capacity on major lanes with negotiated carrier rates
- •Managed customs clearance with ABF/DAFF coordination
- •Live milestone tracking, demurrage alerts, and delivery scheduling