Amazon SEND Expands to Let US Sellers Ship FBA Inventory Directly to Germany
Amazon SEND now adds a direct US‑to‑Germany lane, letting sellers ship pallets from a U.S. warehouse straight to a German fulfillment center via Amazon‑negotiated carriers. The service bundles pickup, customs clearance and real‑time tracking, and Amazon claims it can cut total transit time by up to 30 %.
Overview
Amazon has launched a new lane in its SEND (Simple Export for New Destinations) program that lets U.S. sellers ship FBA inventory straight to Amazon fulfillment centers in Germany. The service bundles carrier pickup, customs clearance and final delivery into a single workflow inside Seller Central, removing a major logistical hurdle for sellers eyeing European growth. Sellers who rely on Amazon’s European marketplace can now reach German buyers faster and with Prime‑eligible shipping.
Key Points
- Direct US‑to‑Germany lane — Inventory can be moved from a U.S. warehouse to a German fulfillment center without using a third‑party freight forwarder.
- Amazon‑negotiated carrier rates — Pre‑set freight costs are applied automatically, sparing sellers from hunting for international quotes.
- Door‑to‑door service — Partnered carriers collect pallets at the seller’s address or a nearby drop‑off point and deliver them straight to the German fulfillment site.
- Customs clearance handled — All import paperwork and duties are processed by the carrier, eliminating the need for a separate customs broker.
- Real‑time end‑to‑end tracking — Shipments can be followed from U.S. pickup through customs and onto the German fulfillment dock within Seller Central.
- Flexible pickup options — Sellers may schedule a carrier pickup at their facility or drop the shipment at a designated U.S. carrier hub, whichever fits their operation.
How Amazon SEND Works
- Create a Germany shipment — In Seller Central, select “Create a new shipment” and choose Germany as the destination; the SEND option appears automatically. For example, a seller of outdoor gear can start a 20‑pallet shipment to the Frankfurt fulfillment center with a single click.
- Select an Amazon‑partnered carrier — The system lists eligible carriers and displays the pre‑negotiated rate; the seller picks the preferred service window. A seller in Texas might choose a carrier that offers a three‑day transit window for a modest surcharge.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
The lane removes the need for separate freight forwarders and customs brokers, reducing administrative overhead and cost. Sellers can ship with pre‑set rates and see end‑to‑end status in Seller Central, accelerating inventory availability for Prime‑eligible German orders.
Key Takeaways
- Direct US‑to‑Germany SEND lane eliminates third‑party freight forwarders.
- Amazon‑negotiated carrier rates are applied automatically at checkout.
- Customs paperwork and duties are handled by the carrier, with auto‑generated commercial invoices and HS codes.
- Amazon states the new flow can reduce transit time by up to 30 % compared with the previous process.
Recommended Actions
- →In Seller Central, create a new shipment and select Germany as the destination to access the SEND option.
- →Schedule a carrier pickup or generate a drop‑off label via the SEND workflow, then confirm the pre‑negotiated freight fee.
- →Update your German VAT ID and ensure product compliance (e.g., CE marking) in the tax settings before the shipment arrives.
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