Name the importer before booking
Putting a fulfillment-center address on the shipment does not establish who is importing the goods. Amazon says it will not act as importer of record for FBA inventory. The seller needs to establish the appropriate importer arrangement and meet the relevant import requirements.
Identify the seller, exporter, importer of record, customs broker and delivery recipient by their correct legal names. If the supplier says “we handle everything,” ask for the specific arrangement and its documents before relying on that assurance.
Make sure the shipment can be accepted
Amazon also says it does not take responsibility for import duties, taxes or shipping charges on FBA inventory. Shipments with charges due can be refused. Check the current Seller Central requirements for the store and logistics service you are using.
Before dispatch, assemble the commercial invoice, packing list, product compliance documents, broker instructions, importer details and delivery plan. Check the quantities and descriptions against the actual shipment.
Give the broker a contact who can answer a product or valuation question while the cargo is moving. Agree who will confirm customs release and the inland handover rather than waiting until the fulfillment center expects the delivery.
Follow the inventory through receiving
Customs release, carrier delivery and fulfillment-center receiving are separate milestones. A proof of delivery should not automatically close the purchasing record while the inventory remains unreconciled.
Compare the quantities ordered, shipped, received and available for sale. Use the saleable quantity when reviewing the final unit cost.
Keep acquisition and import costs separate from marketplace selling and fulfillment fees in the cost model. Both belong in the business’s margin analysis, but the scope of each needs to be clear.