Amazon launched a new program called FBA Export for third-party sellers to help them export products. The program is part of Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) and allows sellers to make media and certain other non-media products available for fulfillment in other countries.
Amazon had previously allowed sellers to export media items through its Multi Channel Fulfillment FBA service. Amazon spokesperson Ty Rogers said one of the key differences between the two programs was that the prior program had been limited to media items.
"We've expanded to now enable exports on a wide variety of products beyond media - including automotive, baby, clothing, consumer electronics, health and personal care, home and garden, industrial and scientific, jewelry, pet supplies, shoes, software, sporting goods, tools, toys, video games, and watches," Rogers said.
"We've also greatly expanded the shipping options available to customers for export, so they can get the products they purchase from sellers sooner," he said
Amazon's message to U.S. sellers explained, "This new service leverages our existing export processes, carrier relationships, technologies, and shipment volume to provide a fast, efficient, and cost effective solution, allowing all U.S. sellers to export a wide variety of products. Best of all, there is no additional fee for this service - all you need to do is sign up for your eligible products to be enabled."
Sellers can access a list of export eligible products from their FBA inventory by going to the Reports tab, selecting Inventory, and choosing the Exportable Inventory report. The company said only Standard-Size Units are eligible for FBA Export - Oversize Units cannot be exported.
EcommerceBytes broke the news this week that eBay is about to launch an export service of its own and has contracted with Pitney Bowes to oversee it. The program allows eBay sellers in the U.S. to make their items available to international buyers and ship such orders to a U.S. parcel processing facility operated by third-party logistics providers that forward the orders to international buyers.
Registered Amazon sellers can find more information about FBA Export in Seller Central.