Amazon FBA India Sourcing: The Complete 2025 Compliance Guide
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Sourcing from India for Amazon FBA is one of the most lucrative opportunities for ecommerce sellers today. It's also one of the most complex.

In 2025, navigating the web of regulations from both Indian customs and Amazon's ever-changing policies is critical. Failure to comply doesn't just mean delays—it can mean seized inventory, destroyed products, and a suspended Amazon account.

After successfully shipping over 300 FBA-bound consignments from India, we've created this comprehensive compliance guide to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Why India Sourcing + Amazon FBA is Powerful

India's Advantages:
• 30-50% lower manufacturing costs vs. China
• Diverse product capabilities (textiles, wellness, home goods, electronics)
• English-speaking workforce
• Growing quality standards
• Government export incentives

Amazon FBA's Advantages:
• Prime eligibility (faster shipping = more sales)
• Amazon handles fulfillment (you focus on growth)
• Multi-channel fulfillment options
• Scalable infrastructure
• Customer trust

Combined: You get low-cost, high-quality products delivered to customers fast through Amazon's trusted network.

But: The compliance requirements are significant. Let's break them down.

Part 1: Indian Export Compliance

1.1 IEC (Import Export Code)

What it is: A 10-digit code issued by India's DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) required for all export transactions.

Who needs it: Your Indian supplier/manufacturer

Why it matters: Without an IEC, your supplier cannot legally export goods from India.

What to verify:
• Ask your supplier for their IEC number
• Verify it's active at https://dgft.gov.in
• Ensure it matches the name on export documents

Red flag: If your supplier doesn't have an IEC or is reluctant to share it, find a new supplier.

1.2 GST (Goods and Services Tax) Compliance

What it is: India's value-added tax system

Why it matters for exports: Exports from India are zero-rated for GST, but proper documentation is required to claim refunds.

What to verify:
• Supplier has valid GSTIN (GST Identification Number)
• Export invoices show "GST @ 0%" or "IGST @ 0%"
• Shipping Bill references GST invoice

Common mistake: Suppliers charging GST on export invoices (you shouldn't pay Indian GST on exports)

1.3 Product-Specific Certifications

Depending on your product category, additional Indian certifications may be required:

Food Products:
• FSSAI License (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
• Required for all food, supplements, and beverages
• Verify license number and validity

Organic Products:
• NPOP Certification (National Programme for Organic Production)
• Required if claiming "organic" status
• Equivalent to USDA Organic

Electronics:
• BIS Certification (Bureau of Indian Standards)
• Mandatory for many electronic products
• Verify product is on BIS-certified list

Textiles:
• AEPC Registration (Apparel Export Promotion Council)
• Required for garment exports
• Ensures quality standards

Ayurvedic/Herbal Products:
• Ayush License (Ministry of Ayush)
• Required for traditional medicine products
• Verify manufacturing facility license

Part 2: US Import Compliance

2.1 US Customs Requirements

Customs Bond:
• Required for all commercial imports over $2,500
• Single Entry Bond (one shipment) or Continuous Bond (multiple shipments)
• Cost: $50-100 (single) or $250-500/year (continuous)

Customs Broker:
• Highly recommended for first-time importers
• Handles customs clearance paperwork
• Ensures compliance with regulations
• Cost: $100-300 per shipment

Entry Documentation:
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Customs Bond
• Entry Summary (Form 7501)

2.2 FDA Requirements (Food, Supplements, Cosmetics)

If you're importing food, dietary supplements, or cosmetics, FDA compliance is critical.

Prior Notice:
• Required for all food shipments
• Must be filed with FDA before arrival
• Includes product details, manufacturer info, arrival time

FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program):
• Required for food importers
• Must verify foreign supplier meets US safety standards
• Maintain records of verification activities

FDA Registration:
• Food facilities must register with FDA
• Your Indian manufacturer needs FDA registration
• Verify registration at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/registrationlisting/

Labeling Requirements:
• Nutrition Facts panel (specific format)
• Ingredient list (descending order by weight)
• Allergen declarations
• Net quantity statement
• Manufacturer/distributor info

Supplement-Specific:
• "Supplement Facts" panel (not "Nutrition Facts")
• Disclaimer: "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA..."
• No disease treatment claims

Part 3: Amazon FBA Requirements

3.1 Product Labeling

FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit):
• Unique barcode for each product
• Generated in Amazon Seller Central
• Must be on every unit

Label Specifications:
• 1" x 2" minimum size
• Scannable from 6 inches away
• White background, black print
• Covers any existing barcodes

Placement:
• Flat surface (not on seams)
• Not covering product information
• Visible without opening packaging

3.2 Packaging Requirements

Poly Bagging:
Required if:
• Product has loose parts
• Fabric/plush items
• Sharp edges
• Opening larger than 5 inches

Poly Bag Specs:
• 1.5 mil thickness minimum
• Suffocation warning (if bag opening ≥ 5 inches)
• Barcode scannable through bag

Bubble Wrap:
• For fragile items
• Must not obscure labels
• Secure with tape (no loose wrap)

Box Requirements:
• Six-sided, rigid boxes
• Max weight: 50 lbs (single item) or 25 lbs (multi-item)
• Max dimensions: 25" x any side
• Sturdy enough to protect contents

Part 4: End-to-End Process Timeline

Here's a realistic timeline for India to Amazon FBA:

Weeks 1-2: Production
• Manufacturing in India
• Quality control inspections
• Packaging and labeling

Week 3: Export Preparation
• Export documentation
• Customs clearance (India)
• Loading for shipment

Weeks 4-6: Transit (Ocean Freight)
• India port to US port
• Typical routes: Mumbai → Los Angeles (18-22 days)
• Or: Chennai → New York (25-30 days)

Week 7: US Customs Clearance
• Customs broker files entry
• FDA/USDA review (if applicable)
• Duty payment
• Release from customs

Week 8: Delivery to FBA
• Trucking to Amazon warehouse
• Amazon receiving process
• Inventory goes live

Total: 8-10 weeks (ocean freight)
Alternative: 2-3 weeks (air freight, but 3-5x more expensive)

Part 5: Pro Tips from 300+ Shipments

After managing hundreds of India-to-FBA shipments, here are our hard-won lessons:

Tip #1: Use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Terms
Instead of FOB (Free on Board), negotiate DDP with your supplier or logistics partner.
Why: One price covers everything from factory to FBA warehouse. No surprise fees.

Tip #2: Split Shipments Strategically
If Amazon assigns multiple destination warehouses, consider:
• Sending only to one warehouse (inventory placement fee)
• Or splitting shipment (may delay some inventory going live)
Trade-off: Placement fee ($0.30-0.40/unit) vs. delayed availability

Tip #3: Use Amazon Partnered Carrier
Amazon's partnered carriers (UPS, FedEx) offer:
• Discounted rates
• Automatic tracking integration
• Faster receiving

Tip #4: Prep in India When Possible
Amazon FBA prep fees are expensive:
• Labeling: $0.55/unit
• Poly bagging: $0.80/unit
• Bubble wrap: $1.00/unit
Better: Have your Indian supplier do prep before shipping. Much cheaper.

Tip #5: Plan for Seasonality
Amazon FBA warehouses get slammed during Q4 (holiday season).
Result: Slower receiving times, storage limits, higher fees
Solution: Ship early (arrive by September for holiday sales)

Tip #6: Maintain Safety Stock
Never let your FBA inventory hit zero.
Why: Kills your Amazon ranking, loses Buy Box, hard to recover momentum
Rule of thumb: Reorder when you hit 60 days of inventory remaining.

Tip #7: Use 3PL for Backup
Consider using a 3PL (third-party logistics) warehouse in the US as a buffer:
• Store excess inventory
• Replenish FBA as needed
• Avoid long-term storage fees at Amazon

Part 6: Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist for every India-to-FBA shipment:

India Export:
☐ Supplier has valid IEC
☐ GST compliance verified
☐ Product-specific certifications obtained (FSSAI, BIS, etc.)
☐ Export documents prepared (invoice, packing list, shipping bill)
☐ Correct HS Code used

US Import:
☐ Customs bond in place
☐ Customs broker engaged
☐ FDA Prior Notice filed (if food/supplement)
☐ Correct HS Code classification
☐ Duties and fees calculated

Amazon FBA:
☐ FNSKU labels printed and applied
☐ Poly bagging/bubble wrap completed (if required)
☐ Box labels printed and applied
☐ Shipment created in Seller Central
☐ Carrier selected and labels printed
☐ Tracking numbers entered

Quality Control:
☐ Pre-shipment inspection completed
☐ Product photos documented
☐ Sample units retained for reference

Final Thoughts

India sourcing for Amazon FBA is incredibly profitable—if you do it right.

The compliance requirements are real, but they're not insurmountable. With proper planning, documentation, and partners, you can build a thriving FBA business sourced from India.

Key Takeaways:

1. Compliance is non-negotiable - Cutting corners costs more in the long run
2. Partner with experts - Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and sourcing partners save time and money
3. Plan ahead - 8-10 week timelines mean you need to think months in advance
4. Calculate total landed cost - Product cost is just the starting point
5. Prep in India - Cheaper and more efficient than Amazon FBA prep services

We've successfully shipped over 300 FBA-bound consignments from India. This guide is your essential roadmap to ensuring your products move from factory to FBA warehouse seamlessly and without costly surprises.

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