由 caicai8478 The following are logistics solutions for kitchenware products on cross-border e-commerce platforms (Amazon, eBay, AliExpress), covering transportation modes, cost optimization, risk avoidance and platform compliance requirements:
- Characteristics and challenges of kitchenware logistics
Product characteristics
Various materials: metal (easy to rust), ceramics (fragile), silicone (small volume), etc., requiring targeted packaging.
Large weight difference: knives (heavy goods), tableware (light goods), affecting freight calculation.
Compliance requirements: Some countries prohibit the import of bladed knives (such as Canada), and restrictions must be checked in advance.
Core challenges
High breakage rate (especially glass/ceramic products).
High proportion of transportation costs (heavy goods or large volume).
Complex customs clearance (food contact products require FDA, LFGB and other certifications).
- Logistics model selection
- Small/lightweight kitchenware (tableware, silicone tools)
Option 1: Platform-owned logistics
Amazon FBA: Suitable for high-traffic SKUs, providing Prime delivery advantages, but requires labeling and high warehousing costs.
eBay Global Shipping / AliExpress Worry-free Logistics: The platform is responsible for the cross-border segment and simplifies operations.
Option 2: Postal/dedicated parcel
China Post Parcel (E-Post): Low unit price, suitable for less than 2kg, 15-30 days.
Dedicated parcel (such as Yanwen, Yuntu): 7-15 days for European and American lines, including tracking information, freight ￥20-50/kg.
- Heavy/large kitchenware (cast iron pot, food processor)
Option 1: Sea freight + overseas warehouse
First-leg sea freight: Full container (FCL) or bulk cargo (LCL) to European and American overseas warehouses, cost ￥3-8/kg.
Last-mile delivery: overseas warehouses connect to local express delivery (UPS/FedEx) or truck delivery, and large items have lower freight costs.
Option 2: Amazon FBA large-item plan
If a single item exceeds 23kg or the long side is greater than 120cm, the FBA large-item service must be used, but the storage fee is higher.
- High-value/fragile items (high-end knives, ceramic tableware)
Solution: air transport + customized packaging
Air transport priority: DHL/UPS door to door, 3-5 days to Europe and the United States, freight ￥60-120/kg.
Shatterproof packaging: foam box + bubble column, increase 5%-10% packaging cost but reduce return rate.
- Cost optimization strategy
Combined delivery
Light and heavy goods are mixed, balancing volume weight and actual weight (formula: length × width × height (cm)/5000).
Tariff planning
US: kitchenware tariff is about 0-8% (HS code 7323/7324), EU needs to pay VAT, and can borrow deferred customs clearance.
Inventory management
The overseas warehouse inventory is adjusted according to the sales cycle to avoid long-term storage fees caused by unsalable goods (such as Amazon FBA charges $6.9/cubic foot for more than 365 days).
IV. Risk avoidance and compliance
Certification requirements
US: FDA certification (food contact), CPSC certification (electrical appliances).
EU: LFGB (Germany), CE mark (electrical appliances).
Prohibited list
Amazon FBA prohibits the shipment of bladed knives (need to be converted to MFN self-delivery), eBay restricts alcohol spray kitchenware.
Return processing
Overseas warehouses collect returns and re-list after secondary quality inspection (cost about $2-5/piece).
- Comparison of platform logistics differences
Platform Recommended logistics method Key points
Amazon FBA is the main method, and large items go to FBA Heavy labeling must comply with FBA standards to avoid warehouse division
eBay overseas warehouse + local delivery (increase GMV) Tracking number must be provided, otherwise it will affect the rating
AliExpress Worry-free Logistics or Cainiao Special Line Russian routes need to use “AliExpress Worry-free Priority” - Recommended execution steps
Phase testing: try different channels (such as FBA vs overseas warehouses) in small batches and compare ROI.
Data monitoring: track logistics timeliness, damage rate, and reasons for returns (such as the proportion of packaging problems).
Long-term cooperation: sign an agreement price with the freight forwarder (such as $800/cubic meter for sea transportation) to lock in peak season warehouses.
Through the above solutions, the logistics cost, timeliness and safety of kitchenware products can be balanced. It is recommended to dynamically adjust the strategy according to the actual SKU characteristics.