Amazon Global Logistics & Supply Chain: Complete Guide

Blue30
2 days ago
11 min read

Getting products from a supplier overseas to an Amazon fulfilment centre can feel like one of the most complicated parts of running an FBA business. You have to think about freight, customs, import paperwork, shipping costs, delivery times and Amazon's requirements before your inventory can even become available for sale.

This is where Amazon Global Logistics can make the process easier.

Amazon Global Logistics, often referred to as AGL, is Amazon's international freight service designed to help FBA sellers move inventory from selected countries directly into Amazon's fulfilment network. For UK sellers sourcing products internationally, it can reduce the number of separate logistics providers involved in getting stock from the factory to Amazon.

However, shipping is only one part of the journey. Your products also need to arrive correctly prepared, labelled and packed for Amazon. This is where working with an experienced FBA prep partner can make a significant difference.

At Blue30, we help Amazon sellers prepare their inventory so it is ready for the next stage of the fulfilment process. In this guide, I will explain what Amazon Global Logistics is, how it works, how it fits into the FBA process and what UK sellers should consider before using it.

What Is Amazon Global Logistics?

Amazon Global Logistics is a freight transportation service provided by Amazon for eligible FBA sellers. It allows sellers to arrange international ocean freight through Amazon, with shipments moving from selected origin countries to Amazon fulfilment centres in destinations including the UK.

Amazon currently states that its UK service allows ocean cargo from China and Vietnam to be shipped directly to fulfilment centres in the UK, EU, US and Japan, subject to programme availability and FBA requirements.

The main idea is simple.

Instead of arranging every stage of international freight yourself, you can use Amazon's logistics network to manage important parts of the journey through Seller Central.

Depending on the shipment and service available, this can include activities such as:

Collection from your supplier
International ocean freight
Customs related processes
Transportation to the Amazon fulfilment network
Shipment tracking
Delivery into an Amazon fulfilment centre
Additional logistics services such as labelling and palletisation where available

For an Amazon seller, this can make international stock movement easier to manage.

It is important to understand, however, that Amazon Global Logistics is not the same thing as FBA prep.

AGL is primarily concerned with moving inventory through the supply chain. FBA prep is concerned with making sure your inventory is correctly prepared before it enters that

supply chain.

How Does Amazon Global Logistics Work?

The process generally begins with your supplier preparing your finished inventory.

For example, imagine you sell reusable kitchen storage containers on Amazon UK. Your manufacturer in China completes an order of 2,000 units.

The stock now needs to travel from the manufacturer to Amazon.

There are several stages involved.

First, the inventory needs to be prepared according to the requirements of the product

and the intended Amazon destination. Packaging, labels, cartons and shipment information need to be correct.

The shipment can then be booked through the available Amazon Global Logistics process in Seller Central.

Amazon describes the onboarding process as involving the creation of an AGL account, setting up a payment method, providing importer of record information and uploading the required documents. Once the account is ready, eligible sellers can book and track shipments through Seller Central.

This creates a more connected process between your inventory planning and Amazon shipment workflow.

Amazon Global Logistics and FBA Prep Are Not the Same Thing

This is one of the most important points for new Amazon sellers.

It is easy to assume that because Amazon is handling the logistics, everything relating to your inventory is automatically taken care of.

That is not necessarily the case.

Your stock still needs to meet the applicable Amazon requirements before it reaches the fulfilment centre.

FBA prep can include tasks such as:

Checking product condition
Applying required product labels
Applying FNSKU labels where applicable
Checking packaging
Polybagging where required
Applying warning labels where applicable
Bundling products
Preparing cartons
Checking carton information
Preparing products according to their category requirements
Carrying out quality checks before shipment

The exact preparation required depends on the product, packaging, category and Amazon requirements applying to the shipment.

This is why logistics and FBA preparation should be treated as two connected but separate parts of your supply chain.

At Blue30, our role is to help sellers get their inventory prepared correctly before it moves into the Amazon fulfilment process.

Why FBA Sellers Use Amazon Global Logistics

There are several reasons an Amazon seller may consider Amazon Global Logistics.

1. It can simplify international freight

International shipping can involve manufacturers, freight forwarders, customs agents, transport companies and Amazon.

Using a service integrated with Amazon can reduce some of the administration involved in coordinating these different stages.

For sellers who are already managing product research, listings, advertising, customer service and inventory, reducing unnecessary logistics administration can be valuable.

2. It connects with Seller Central

One of the biggest advantages is the connection with the Amazon selling ecosystem.

Amazon states that eligible sellers can book their shipment through the Send or Replenish Inventory workflow and track the shipment to the fulfilment centre.

Having logistics activity connected to the platform you already use for FBA can make shipment management easier.

3. Ocean freight can be useful for larger shipments

If you are moving significant quantities of inventory, ocean freight can often be more appropriate than air freight.

The right method depends on factors such as:

Product volume
Product weight
Required delivery date
Inventory levels
Selling speed
Freight pricing
Seasonal demand

A seller preparing for the Christmas selling period, for example, needs to think about inventory much earlier than a seller with steady year round demand.

4. It can reduce the number of logistics providers you need to coordinate

A traditional international shipment can involve several parties.

Your supplier may arrange factory collection. A freight forwarder may manage international transport. Another company may deal with customs. A transport provider may then move the goods to the final destination.

AGL is designed to bring more of this process together.

That does not mean every responsibility disappears, but it can make the overall process easier to manage.

Amazon Global Logistics for UK Sellers

For UK sellers, international importing comes with additional considerations.

If you are bringing commercial goods into Great Britain from outside the UK, you need to make sure your business is properly prepared for importing.

GOV.UK states that businesses importing goods into England, Scotland or Wales generally need a GB EORI number. Northern Ireland has different requirements depending on the movement of goods.

You also need to understand the commodity code for your products because this is used to determine the applicable customs treatment, including duty and VAT considerations. GOV.UK provides the Trade Tariff service for checking commodity codes, duty and VAT rates.

This is important because the cost of importing stock is not simply the supplier's product price plus shipping.

Your landed cost can involve:

Product cost
International freight
Customs Duty where applicable
Import VAT
Customs related charges
Preparation costs
Storage
Amazon fulfilment fees
Other logistics expenses

Understanding the complete landed cost helps you determine whether a product is actually profitable.

Do You Need an EORI Number?

If you are importing commercially into Great Britain, an EORI number is an important part of your customs setup.

GOV.UK explains that an EORI number may be required when goods are moved between Great Britain and other countries, including the EU.

The exact requirements can depend on your business structure and the movement of your goods, so sellers should check the current HMRC guidance rather than assuming that every seller has identical requirements.

You should also establish who is responsible for the customs declaration and import process.

GOV.UK notes that businesses can appoint a transporter or customs agent to deal with customs declarations.

This is particularly important when working with an international supplier.

What About VAT and Customs Duty?

Import VAT and Customs Duty are separate considerations from your Amazon selling fees.

The amount you may owe depends on factors including the goods, their value, origin and applicable customs classification.

GOV.UK explains that import VAT can apply to goods entering Great Britain from outside the UK, while Customs Duty depends on the relevant circumstances and commodity code.

This is one reason sellers should avoid calculating profitability using only the product purchase price.

For example, suppose you purchase a product for £8 per unit and sell it for £29.99 on Amazon.

At first glance, the margin may appear attractive.

But you still need to account for freight, preparation, import costs, Amazon selling fees, fulfilment costs, storage, advertising and other operating expenses.

A product that looks profitable on the product sourcing spreadsheet may have a very different margin once the complete landed cost has been calculated.

Where Does Blue30 Fit Into the Process?

This is where the distinction between logistics and FBA prep becomes especially important.

Amazon Global Logistics can help move your inventory through the international supply chain.

Blue30 can help you focus on the preparation side of that process.

Before inventory reaches Amazon, sellers need confidence that products have been prepared correctly. A mistake at this stage can create delays, additional costs or problems with inventory receiving.

An FBA prep partner can act as an additional quality control point between your supplier and Amazon.

For example, instead of simply asking a supplier to send thousands of units directly into the Amazon network, you can have inventory checked and prepared before it moves forward.

This can be particularly useful when:

Your supplier is overseas
You are importing large quantities
Your products require labels
Your products require additional packaging
You sell bundles
You have multiple SKUs
You are launching a new product
You want another quality control stage
You do not want to manage preparation yourself

A Practical Amazon FBA Workflow

A straightforward supply chain for an Amazon seller could look like this:

Step 1: Source the product

You find a supplier and agree on product specifications, packaging, quantities and pricing.

Step 2: Confirm Amazon requirements

Before production is completed, check the requirements that apply to the product.

Do not wait until the goods are already manufactured to discover that the packaging or labelling needs to be changed.

Step 3: Arrange FBA prep

Your inventory can be sent to a suitable FBA prep facility where the required preparation and checks can be completed.

At Blue30, this stage is focused on getting inventory ready for the next part of the Amazon process.

Step 4: Create your Amazon shipment

You create the appropriate shipment workflow in Seller Central and confirm the destination and inventory details.

Step 5: Arrange international freight

Eligible sellers can use Amazon Global Logistics for available international freight routes and services.

Step 6: Complete the import process

The appropriate customs and import requirements need to be addressed based on the shipment and destination.

Step 7: Track the shipment

AGL provides shipment tracking through the Amazon selling workflow for eligible shipments.

Step 8: Inventory arrives at Amazon

Once received and processed by Amazon, the inventory can become available for fulfilment according to Amazon's normal receiving process.

This workflow helps separate the responsibilities of product preparation, international transportation and Amazon fulfilment.

Common Mistakes Amazon Sellers Make

Even with a service such as Amazon Global Logistics, there are still mistakes that sellers should avoid.

Waiting until inventory is nearly sold out

International freight takes planning.

If you wait until your Amazon inventory is almost finished before arranging your next shipment, you may be forced to choose a more expensive or faster shipping method.

Inventory forecasting should therefore be part of your regular Amazon business management.

Ignoring preparation requirements

A logistics provider can transport your inventory, but transportation does not automatically mean your products are correctly prepared for FBA.

Preparation should be checked before the shipment leaves for Amazon.

Using incorrect customs information

Commodity codes, product descriptions, values and importer details matter.

Incorrect information can create customs problems and unexpected costs.

Forgetting UK import requirements

UK sellers need to understand their responsibilities when importing commercial goods.

GOV.UK advises businesses to establish the correct import process, commodity code and customs arrangements before bringing goods into the UK.

Focusing only on the freight price

The cheapest freight quote is not always the cheapest supply chain.

A seller should consider the total landed cost and the potential impact of delays, preparation errors, storage requirements and stockouts.

Amazon Global Logistics vs a Traditional Freight Forwarder

So, should you use AGL or a traditional freight forwarder?

There is no single answer for every Amazon seller.

Amazon Global Logistics may be attractive if you want a logistics solution closely connected to your FBA workflow and your shipment is eligible for the available service.

A traditional freight forwarder may offer a wider range of routes, transport methods and customised logistics solutions.

The right choice depends on your:

Shipping origin
Amazon destination
Shipment size
Product type
Required delivery date
Customs arrangements
Business structure
Inventory requirements
Overall landed cost

The important thing is to compare the complete service rather than looking at one freight price.

Is Amazon Global Logistics Right for Your Business?

AGL may be worth considering if you regularly import inventory into Amazon FBA and want a more connected way to manage international freight.

It can be particularly interesting for sellers who are already using Amazon Seller Central and want to reduce the number of separate systems involved in their supply chain.

However, it is not a replacement for proper inventory planning, customs compliance or FBA preparation.

Think of it as one part of a larger supply chain.

Your supplier manufactures the product.

Your prep partner prepares and checks the inventory.

Amazon Global Logistics can transport eligible shipments internationally.

Customs processes the import.

Amazon receives and fulfils the inventory.

Each stage has a different purpose.

How to Prepare Before Booking Amazon Global Logistics

Before arranging your shipment, I recommend checking the following:

Your product information is accurate
Your Amazon listing is ready
Your inventory quantities are correct
Your product labels are correct
Your cartons are prepared correctly
Your shipment information is accurate
Your importer details are ready
Your EORI requirements have been checked
Your commodity code has been confirmed
Your estimated landed cost has been calculated
Your inventory forecast supports the shipment timing
Your products have passed your required quality checks

Taking care of these details before booking can help prevent avoidable problems later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Global Logistics

What is Amazon Global Logistics?

Amazon Global Logistics is Amazon's international freight service for eligible FBA sellers.

It provides an integrated way to arrange certain international shipments from selected origin countries into Amazon's fulfilment network. Amazon currently lists ocean freight services from China and Vietnam to destinations including the UK.

Can Amazon Global Logistics ship directly to Amazon FBA?

Yes, Amazon states that eligible sellers can book shipments directly to Amazon fulfilment centres through the available AGL workflow.

Does Amazon Global Logistics replace FBA prep?

No. Freight transportation and FBA preparation are different parts of the supply chain.

Products still need to meet the applicable preparation and labelling requirements before entering the Amazon fulfilment network.

Can UK sellers use Amazon Global Logistics?

Amazon currently offers Amazon Global Logistics services for eligible FBA sellers shipping certain ocean freight into the UK. Availability can depend on origin, destination, shipment type and programme requirements.

Do I need an EORI number?

Businesses importing goods into Great Britain may need a GB EORI number. The exact requirements depend on the business and movement of goods, so UK sellers should check current HMRC guidance.

Is Amazon Global Logistics cheaper than a freight forwarder?

There is no universal answer. Pricing depends on the shipment, route, volume, service and other costs. Sellers should compare the complete landed cost and service level rather than comparing one freight rate.

Can I use an FBA prep company with Amazon Global Logistics?

Yes, preparation and international freight can be separate stages of the same supply chain. Using an FBA prep partner before the freight stage can help ensure inventory is prepared correctly before it moves into the Amazon fulfilment network.

Final Thoughts on Amazon Global Logistics

Amazon Global Logistics can simplify an important part of selling on Amazon by bringing international freight closer to the Seller Central workflow.

For UK sellers importing inventory, however, successful logistics involves more than simply booking a shipment.

You need to think about FBA preparation, inventory planning, customs, EORI requirements, commodity codes, VAT, duty, landed costs and Amazon's receiving requirements.

That is why I see Amazon Global Logistics as one part of a much bigger process rather than the complete solution.

The strongest supply chain is one where every stage is planned before the inventory starts moving.

At Blue30, we help Amazon sellers with FBA prep so their inventory is properly prepared for the next stage of its journey. Whether you are launching your first product or managing regular shipments across multiple SKUs, having a reliable preparation process can make your Amazon operation easier to manage and scale.

If you are looking for a reliable FBA prep partner in the UK, Blue30 can help you get your inventory ready for Amazon and keep your fulfilment process organised from the start.

Before booking your next shipment, make sure your preparation, documentation and logistics plan are all working together. Amazon Global Logistics can help with the transportation side, while the right FBA prep process can help make sure your inventory is ready to enter the Amazon fulfilment network in the first place.

Information about Amazon Global Logistics, UK importing and customs requirements can change. Always check the latest Amazon Seller Central and GOV.UK guidance for requirements applicable to your specific shipment.