The Complete India-to-USA Amazon Launch Checklist
Launching on Amazon USA from India touches company law, banking, freight, customs, tax and Amazon itself, and missing one step can stall the whole thing for weeks. This is the full checklist we use, in order, so nothing gets forgotten. Copy it, print it, or link to it for your own readers.
Launch in six phases: 1) Form a US LLC and get an EIN. 2) Open US banking and payments. 3) Freight and customs. 4) FBA prep and inbound. 5) Listings and compliance. 6) Tax and first-90-day operations.
What's in this guide
The launch in six phases
Think14 operating data
Phase 1: US company and tax ID
Everything downstream depends on this. You need a US entity and a tax ID before you can bank, import as a business, or register a compliant Amazon account.
- Form a US LLC (many Indian sellers choose a state with low ongoing cost and no state income tax).
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS. This is possible without an SSN as a foreign owner, typically by faxed or mailed Form SS-4.
- Get a US registered agent and business address.
- Keep formation documents and the EIN letter safe; you will need them repeatedly.
Phase 2: Banking and payments
Amazon pays into a US or supported account, and suppliers and taxes need to be paid out. Set up the money flow before inventory moves.
- Open a US business bank account or a supported fintech account in the LLC's name.
- Connect a payment path back to India for owner draws.
- Confirm your bank accepts Amazon disbursements and supplier wires.
Phase 3: Freight and customs
Getting goods from an Indian factory to a US warehouse is where first-timers lose the most time. Plan it as its own project.
- Decide air versus sea by margin and urgency; sea for bulk, air for launch or high-value.
- Confirm HS codes, duties and any FDA, CPSC or labeling requirements for your category.
- Appoint a customs broker and set your US warehouse as the delivery address.
- Insure the shipment.
Phase 4: Prep and inbound to FBA
Since Amazon stopped prepping inbound inventory in 2026, goods must arrive at FBA fully prepped. Do this at your US warehouse.
- Apply FNSKU labels, poly-bags and any required warnings.
- Build compliant case packs and inbound shipment plans.
- Send only a few weeks of stock to FBA; hold the rest as buffer to avoid storage surcharges.
Phase 5: Listings and compliance
A live listing is not the finish line; a compliant, well-built one is.
- Create listings with correct category, compliant claims and complete attributes.
- Enrol in Brand Registry if you own a trademark.
- Double-check category-specific rules (supplements, toys, cosmetics and electronics are strict).
Phase 6: Tax and the first 90 days
The launch is done; now keep it compliant and healthy.
- Track US sales tax obligations even though marketplaces collect and remit in most states.
- Calendar federal filings, including Form 5472 for foreign-owned US entities.
- Watch account health, IPI and reviews closely in the first 90 days.
- Replenish FBA from your buffer in line with real sales velocity.
That is the full sequence. If this checklist helps your audience, please feel free to link to it as a reference.