By Tony Li    Photo：CANVA

When you run an Amazon seller business and use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services, your products are typically stored in Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service. However, sometimes due to excess inventory, poor sales, or other reasons, you may decide to return your products from Amazon’s FBA warehouse. There are several ways to handle the return:

1. Ship to Local Address (Then arrange to ship to another destination you want)
2. Dispose
3. Liquidate

If you want to return products from Amazon’s warehouse to your own country and have a third-party logistics provider (3PL) handle it, you should choose the first option. This article explains the process in more detail:

1. Confirm and Create a Return Request

In Seller Central, you need to review your FBA inventory status and decide which products need to be returned. You can then create a return request, specifying the products and their return destinations. These return destinations are typically addresses you provide, which could be your own warehouse or a 3PL’s designated address.

• Go to Seller Central, select "Inventory" > "Manage FBA Inventory".
• Choose "Manage Returns" to select the products, quantities, and return method.
• Confirm your return address, which is the designated address for your 3PL.

Amazon will charge a standard processing fee. You can also arrange for the 3PL company to collect the items directly from the FBA warehouse(The 3PL company will charge you for the service as well). Alternatively, you can enter a personal address and arrange shipping yourself, though this part is not covered in this article.

2. Choose a Shipping Method

Once you’ve finalized your return arrangements and chosen a shipping method, the next step is to contact the third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The 3PL company will help you ship the products from the FBA warehouse back to your country or region.

• Provide return information: Provide the 3PL company with specific details about your Amazon return, including product lists, quantities, and the return address.
• Select a shipping route: Work with the 3PL company to determine the most suitable shipping method and ensure they can provide customs clearance and tracking services.
  • Air Freight: If you need the goods returned quickly, you can choose air freight, but it is typically more expensive.
  • Sea Freight: If the quantity is large and you’re not in a hurry, you can choose sea freight, which is relatively cheaper but has longer shipping times.

3. Arrange for Customs Clearance and Final Delivery

Once the goods arrive in your destination country, you may need to go through customs clearance. Typically, the 3PL company will handle this process and help you pay any necessary duties and shipping fees.

• Customs clearance: Ensure that your products meet the local customs regulations when importing. The 3PL company can assist with the customs procedures.
• Final delivery: After customs clearance, the products will be handed over to local courier or shipping companies for the final leg of delivery.
• Some 3PL companies offer tracking systems to monitor the status of the shipment until it reaches your destination. If the 3PL does not provide tracking, you can inquire with their representative to track your goods.

4. Rules for Export and Import Cases: Declaration Verification

If the goods are returned to the original manufacturing/export country, you can apply for verification and a reduction in import duties. For example, in Taiwan, refer to the Ministry of Finance's article for more details:

https://law-out.mof.gov.tw/LawContent.aspx?id=FL031078

Friendly Reminders:

• Plan Time and Costs: The shipping process will involve time and costs. Therefore, planning how to return the goods in advance will help save costs and increase efficiency.
• Duties and Regulations: Different countries have different regulations for importing goods, so understanding the import laws and duties in your destination country is very important.

Hope this article helps you successfully complete the return process and ship your goods back to your country via third-party logistics(3PL). If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to let us know!

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