Overview

A recent Helium 10 discussion highlighted the most common errors Amazon sellers encounter when sourcing and importing products from overseas. These mistakes—ranging from mis‑classifying goods to ignoring currency swings—can shrink profit margins, stall shipments, and push launch dates back. Sellers who master the preventive steps can keep costs predictable and keep products moving to market on schedule.

Key Points

• Incorrect HS code declaration — A kitchen‑tool brand listed a silicone spatula under a generic “household goods” code, triggering an unexpected duty that added two weeks to customs clearance.
• Insufficient supplier vetting — Relying on a single email thread, a retailer discovered after the first container arrived that the fabric quality varied, forcing a costly re‑order and a delayed restock.
• Unclear incoterms — A vendor assumed “FOB” covered freight to the U.S. port, only to receive a surprise freight‑forwarder invoice that ate 12 % of the projected margin.
• Skipping third‑party sample testing — A health‑supplement seller omitted lab certification, resulting in a customs hold that postponed the product launch by more than 30 days.
• Non‑compliant packaging — Ignoring Amazon’s carton weight limits caused a shipment to be rejected at the fulfillment center, leading to repacking fees and additional storage charges.
• Currency‑exchange risk — A seller locked a unit price in euros but paid in a volatile local currency, ending up with a hidden cost that reduced the expected profit per unit by $0.45.

How the Import Process Works

1. Create a detailed spec sheet — List every dimension, material, weight, and compliance requirement; for example, a silicone spatula spec includes a 220 °C heat‑resistance rating and FDA‑food‑grade certification.
2. Identify and audit suppliers — Search platforms such as Alibaba, request references, and conduct video factory tours; a brand might interview three manufacturers, compare their quality‑control reports, and choose the one with a documented ISO 9001 process.