China sourcing for Amazon is the process of finding a Chinese manufacturer, verifying product quality, and moving the goods from the factory floor to an FBA warehouse in the US or Europe. In practice it runs through four stages: supplier research (via platforms like 1688 or Alibaba), sampling, production with pre-shipment quality control, and shipping under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms to avoid customs surprises. A standard sourcing project takes 6 to 10 weeks from first contact to inventory received at the warehouse.
Sourcing is not "message a supplier on Alibaba and wait for a box." It is a structured process with specific steps:
Most Western sellers only know Alibaba, but it isn't the only platform, and often not the cheapest one. 1688.com is China's domestic wholesale marketplace, generally with lower prices but entirely in Chinese and built for local buyers. Alibaba remains useful for export-oriented suppliers, with an English interface and verification tools (Verified Supplier, Trade Assurance). Trade shows like the Canton Fair (April and October) and the Yiwu commodity market remain useful complementary channels for vetting a supplier in person.
A product imported from China for sale in the US or EU must meet the relevant regulations regardless of sales channel. The most commonly required documents are:
Confirming these documents before production starts, not after, avoids discovering a compliance gap once the container is already at sea.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| MOQ for a generic product | 300 - 1,000 units |
| Sampling time | 7 - 15 days |
| Production time | 25 - 45 days |
| Sea freight (China to US/EU) | 25 - 40 days |
| Air freight | 7 - 10 days |
| Pre-shipment inspection | 150 - 350 USD per inspection |
The recurring problems are always the same: skipping the physical sample and trusting photos alone, not setting an AQL inspection standard, pricing in FOB terms without factoring in duties and freight (watching margins evaporate at customs), and relying on a single supplier with no backup plan. Working in DDP instead of FOB or EXW shifts customs risk onto the supplier or sourcing agent, which simplifies life considerably for an Amazon seller.
A sourcing agent like Sourcewithme negotiates with the factory, monitors production, runs pre-shipment quality control, and organizes DDP logistics into your destination country, cutting down the time a seller would otherwise spend coordinating multiple suppliers and translations. If you want to go deeper on inspections before shipment, see the complete pre-shipment quality control checklist.
If you want to know whether your product is a good fit for China sourcing and what costs to expect, request a free feasibility study on the contact page.
FAQ
For most generic products, the MOQ (minimum order quantity) sits between 300 and 1,000 units, though it depends on product complexity and the supplier. Some factories accept a lower MOQ for a first test order in exchange for a higher unit price.
On average it takes 6 to 10 weeks: 1-2 weeks for samples, 4-6 weeks for production, and 1-6 weeks for shipping depending on whether you choose sea or air freight. Shipping under DDP terms simplifies the final stage by avoiding unexpected customs delays.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the supplier or sourcing agent handles duties, taxes, and customs clearance, delivering the goods ready for pickup at destination. For an Amazon seller this means a fixed, predictable landed cost with no customs surprises eating into margin.
No, CE marking is only mandatory for specific regulated categories in the EU, such as electronics, toys, and products with electrical or mechanical components. It's still good practice to confirm which regulations apply to your specific category before starting production.
KEEP READING
A complete pre-shipment quality control checklist: when to inspect, AQL standards, critical/major/minor defects, and real-world costs.
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