When expanding into the Middle East, how can cross-border sellers navigate Amazon FBA appointment system in Saudi?
Saudi overseas warehouses serve not only as essential localized storage hubs, but also as critical transfer points between international shipping and Amazon FBA centers. By pre-stocking inventory in Saudi warehouses, sellers can flexibly manage Amazon's delivery time restrictions and avoid rescheduling delays due to transport issues.
Here are the core considerations for scheduling deliveries to Amazon Middle East FBA warehouses:
Strict Timing Rules & Public Holiday Scheduling
Amazon warehouses in the Middle East are closed every Friday, with no receiving operations. Plan shipments to avoid Fridays and local holidays.
Once goods arrive at the port, FBA delivery must be completed within 48 hours. If the scheduled appointment is missed, a new one must be booked (with an average wait time of 3–5 days). In this case, Saudi warehouses can act as buffer storage.
Choosing the Right Appointment Method
Self-scheduling: Sellers can submit carton lists, bill of lading numbers, and other required documents via email. Best suited for experienced sellers with stable logistics timelines.
Agent-scheduling: It is recommended to work with local Saudi freight forwarders, who are familiar with warehouse peak times (e.g., before 10 a.m. tends to be busiest) and can help secure optimal delivery slots.
Compliance with Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Amazon requires all cartons to have an FBA label (minimum size: 10cm x 10cm). Mixed shipments or LCL (Less than Container Load) configurations are strictly prohibited.
Saudi warehouses offer repackaging services to ensure shipments meet Amazon's moisture- and compression-resistance standards, reducing the risk of rejection at inbound.
Dynamic Capacity Monitoring & Delivery Planning
During peak seasons (e.g., Ramadan, White Friday), popular fulfillment centers in Jeddah and Riyadh often reach capacity. Use Saudi warehouses to stage inventory and split shipments.
Regularly monitor inventory capacity limits on Amazon Seller Central and coordinate deliveries through local warehouses for agile inventory management.
Ontask Express focuses on the Saudi special line, providing customers with efficient and reliable Saudi door to door logistics, with a focus on the Middle East region. With overseas warehouses in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a self-managed Chinese delivery team, we empower Chinese products to go global and benefit all humanity!