How to Ship Oversized Products from China to the US
The 2026 Amazon Update
Shipping oversized products from China to the US now requires an earlier warehouse decision. Amazon Global Selling announced on July 11, 2026 that US Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD) would stop accepting new oversize products from July 31. The notice states that each unit must be smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches and lighter than 20 pounds for new US AWD inbound. A unit at or above any limit is not eligible.
Amazon directed affected large products to FBA. Existing oversize inventory in US AWD can continue replenishing FBA until depleted, and shipments created before July 31 remain accepted even if delivery occurs later. The announcement concerns US AWD warehouses; it does not suspend China to US shipping or establish identical rules for Canada, the UK, the EU or Australia.
Build the Shipping Route
Start with the packaged sellable unit. Record its dimensions and shipping weight, then record master-carton and pallet measurements separately. For large products, compare ocean freight, air freight, rail or multimodal options only after considering cubic utilization, damage risk and delivery requirements. Exact transit times vary by origin, destination, carrier and service.
A common route is factory to Chinese export warehouse, international line-haul, US port or airport, customs clearance, domestic transport and then FBA or a 3PL. The correct sequence depends on inventory ownership, customs arrangements and the chosen delivery term.
Choose a US Fulfillment Path
Direct FBA: Best considered when Amazon accepts the product and demand supports inventory in the FBA network. Follow the current Send to Amazon instructions for prep, labeling, carton data, placement and capacity.
US 3PL: Useful for reserve inventory, inspection, repacking, multi-channel orders or returns. It adds storage and domestic handling, so compare total cost rather than rent alone.
Hybrid: Keep a controlled amount at FBA and replenish from a 3PL. This can reduce the risk of sending all bulky inventory into Amazon at once, but it requires accurate demand planning.
Calculate the Landed Cost
Include factory packaging, China domestic transport, export handling, international freight, insurance if selected, customs and duties, port charges, drayage, US storage, domestic delivery, FBA fees, 3PL handling, returns and removal. Amazon’s public FBA guidance says fulfillment fees depend on size and weight tiers. Exact 2026 FBA oversize fees are not universal and vary by marketplace, category, dimensions, weight and current schedule.
Do not compare only the freight quote. A cheaper transport mode can be more expensive if it increases damage, storage time or missed-season risk. Run a slow-sales scenario as well as a normal-sales scenario.
Packaging and Compliance
Use protective packaging that can withstand international handling and domestic delivery. Confirm labels, carton data, product documents, country-of-origin information and destination-market compliance before dispatch. The current Seller Central packaging and inbound pages control; this article does not create a new packaging size, fee or customs rule.
Plan returns before launch. A US inspection, repair, resale, liquidation or disposal path can be more practical than returning every bulky item to China.
Action Checklist
- Measure each final packaged ASIN.
- Separate sortable and oversized inventory before booking cargo.
- Check current US FBA and AWD eligibility.
- Compare direct FBA, 3PL and hybrid scenarios.
- Confirm customs documents and the delivery term.
- Set a US return plan before production ships.