For US-based Amazon FBA sellers, sourcing from China remains the dominant model. In 2026, three changes have reshaped the cost structure: (1) the end of de minimis (see article #03), (2) tightened hazmat rules for lithium battery products, and (3) the continued growth of Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) market share.
1. DDP vs DDU — which one to use. With the end of de minimis in 2025, more buyers are choosing DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) FCL into US ports and 3PL warehouses. WanLong offers DDP FCL pricing to LAX, LGB, and OAK on the West Coast, and to NYC/NNJ on the East Coast. For shipments under 15 CBM, our DDP LCL service consolidates 3–5 buyers per container to amortise customs broker fees.
2. Lithium battery hazmat — the 2026 rules. Amazon FBA has tightened enforcement on lithium battery products in 2026. All items containing lithium cells (power banks, smart jump ropes, electronic kitchen scales, AirTag-equipped collars) must have proper UN3480 / UN3481 hazmat documentation. Effective 1 January 2026, lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment that are offered for air transport must be at a reduced state of charge (typically 30%). For sea freight, the IMDG Code requires UN38.3 test reports, MSDS, and proper packaging under Packing Instructions PI 965–970. Many FBA SKUs now require Amazon's pre-approval for storage.
| UN number | Description | Common WanLong SKUs |
|---|---|---|
| UN3480 | Lithium ion batteries (standalone) | Power banks, replacement batteries |
| UN3481 | Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment | Smart jump ropes, wireless kitchen scales |
| UN3090 / UN3091 | Lithium metal (less common in 2026) | Coin cells in pet trackers |
3. AGL vs traditional freight forwarders. Amazon Global Logistics now handles an estimated ~40% of China-to-FBA ocean freight, with competitive rates and integrated FBA delivery. WanLong works with AGL on large accounts (15+ FCL/month) and with three preferred traditional NVOCCs on smaller volumes.
Volume guidance and break-even. The break-even between air and sea freight has shifted to about $1.50/unit landed value. Below that, sea FCL is most cost-efficient. Air is now reserved for true time-sensitive replenishment or for new product launches needing 7–10 day FBA receipt. A representative 40HQ FCL of fitness / pet / household goods from Shenzhen to LAX is currently $4,500–$5,500 (all-in DDP) plus ~$400 in Amazon FBA inbound fees, totalling ~5–7% of the cargo value at typical retail landed-value ratios.
Action items for buyers. (1) Audit the lithium content of every FBA-bound SKU. (2) For UN3481 items, request the UN38.3 test report and the MSDS before production. (3) For high-velocity SKUs under $5 retail, evaluate FBA-bound FCL versus domestic 3PL. (4) For AGL-eligible volumes, request AGL pricing as a benchmark against your current NVOCC.
Source: WanLong 2026 FBA buyer guide; Amazon AGL Q1 2026; IATA Lithium Battery Guidance Document 2026; IMDG Code 41-22
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