From FOB Manufacturing to Amazon FBA: The Supply Chain Transition Path for OEM/CM Businesses

08/10/2026

When moving from contract manufacturing to selling directly on Amazon in the U.S., Vietnamese OEM/CM businesses are not simply changing the delivery point. They also need to take greater control of international transportation, import procedures, packaging, and delivery data.

A smooth transition requires businesses to align their delivery terms, cargo specifications, and shipment data from the outset.

1. From FOB to DDP: Responsibilities Businesses Need to Prepare For

• FOB: The risk of loss or damage transfers from the seller to the buyer when the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the designated port of shipment. This does not mean the seller has no further obligations; remaining responsibilities are determined by the sales contract
• DDP for shipments to FBA fulfillment centers: Amazon requires inventory shipped to its fulfillment centers to be sent under DDP terms. Businesses need to clearly determine the Importer of Record (IOR), the customs clearance party, and how duties and taxes will be paid. Amazon does not act as the importer of record for FBA inventory

A capable freight forwarder can connect these requirements with international transportation and U.S. domestic delivery, creating an integrated logistics solution from the factory to the FBA fulfillment center. This provides a foundation for better risk control and greater visibility over delivery planning.

2. Standardizing Barcodes, Cartons and Pallets at the Factory

Inventory shipped to FBA fulfillment centers must comply with Amazon’s requirements for barcodes, packaging, and shipping labels. Preparing these requirements correctly before shipment helps reduce the risk of receiving issues or additional handling.

• Product barcodes: Determine the appropriate barcode type for each SKU before production and packing. From March 31, 2026, whether a manufacturer barcode or Amazon barcode is used depends on the seller’s role and the product’s barcode status. For SKUs that require an Amazon barcode/FNSKU, labels must be applied correctly and remain clearly scannable
• Cartons: Comply with the standard maximum carton size of 36 × 25 × 25 inches and 50 lb, except where specific oversize-item exceptions apply. Each carton should carry its own clearly visible and scannable FBA Box ID label
• Pallets: For palletized shipments, businesses need to prepare pallets in accordance with Amazon’s requirements for dimensions, weight, packaging, and shipment labels. Wooden pallets and wood packaging materials subject to U.S. import controls must comply with the applicable treatment and marking requirements under ISPM 15

3. Creating the Shipping Plan in Seller Central: Connecting Data with the Forwarder

• Accurate declaration: Information entered through the Send to Amazon workflow – including the actual ship-from address, SKU, quantity, weight, and dimensions – must fully match the data provided to the logistics provider
• Balancing placement costs: Compare placement fees with transportation costs to select an appropriate inbound placement option for each shipment
• Coordinated delivery: Provide the Shipment ID and relevant documents to the forwarder/carrier so delivery can be arranged according to Amazon’s requirements, particularly for LTL/FTL shipments handled through Carrier Central

Vantage Logistics – Connecting the Factory to U.S. Amazon Fulfillment

For OEM/CM businesses transitioning to direct sales on Amazon, Vantage Logistics provides an integrated logistics solution covering international transportation, import procedures, and U.S. delivery, connecting cargo preparation in Viet Nam with the designated fulfillment center.

• Factory preparation: Coordinate checks on packaging specifications, product labels, and pallets according to each shipment’s requirements, helping ensure cargo information is aligned before export
• International transportation and U.S. import: Arrange international transportation by sea, air, or other suitable modes; coordinate customs procedures and the IOR arrangement in the destination market under the DDP structure of each shipment
• U.S. logistics capabilities: Vantage Logistics is registered as an FMC OTI/NVOCC under No. 023190, supporting the connection between international transportation and its logistics and delivery network in the U.S
• Warehousing and FBA delivery: Vantage Logistics has a network of warehouses and fulfillment capabilities in the U.S., supporting storage, inventory management, and delivery to designated fulfillment centers, including FBA delivery services
• End-to-end shipment visibility: Connect shipment information among the business, forwarder/carrier, and relevant parties, tracking progress from the time cargo leaves the factory through final delivery in the U.S

Service scope, IOR arrangements, and the responsibilities of each party are determined based on the cargo characteristics, delivery terms, and requirements of each shipment.

Contact Vantage Logistics for tailored transport solutions and competitive quotations.

Please provide details on cargo type, market, origin, destination, and estimated timeline.

Send your shipment enquiry today and receive a tailored transport plan from the Vantage Logistics team.