FC Processing vs. FC Transfers: The Difference Between Them

Have you ever been confused by the two statuses "FC Processing" and "FC Transfers" in your Amazon Seller Central inventory reports? They both involve the movement of inventory, but the underlying logic and impact on your business are very different. Understanding the difference between the two is key to efficient inventory management and optimizing FBA fees.

In this guide, we will analyze the differences between these two Amazon fulfillment processes and explore the benefits of each. We will also explain how Chinadivision's international order fulfillment services can help you streamline your Amazon operations.

What are FC Processing and FC Transfers on Amazon?

1. Fulfillment Center Processing (FC Processing)

Fulfillment center processing refers to the steps Amazon takes to prepare orders for shipment after they arrive at a fulfillment center (FC). 

This includes:

Receiving and inventory check-in—verifying inventory quantity and condition (receiving, unpacking, scanning, and putting new incoming shipments on the shelves).

Storing and organizing—locating items in the warehouse for efficient picking.

Order picking and packing—selecting products and preparing them for shipment.

Shipping label application—assigning tracking numbers and preparing for last-mile delivery.

Processing time: 

Typically 5–7 business days, but may be longer depending on inventory volume, product type, or Amazon's internal processes.

Key benefits of FC processing:

Faster order fulfillment—Amazon's optimized workflow speeds up shipping.

Reduced shipping errors—Automated systems minimize errors during picking and packing.

Prime eligibility—Properly processed orders qualify for Amazon Prime benefits.

Core fulfillment guarantees: Efficient and accurate processing is fundamental to successful order fulfillment and directly impacts your revenue and customer feedback. Inventory Health Management: Timely returns processing (also part of Processing) helps you quickly understand the status of damaged inventory and make decisions about removal or disposal.

2. Fulfillment Center Transfers (FC Transfers)

FC transfers occur when Amazon moves inventory between fulfillment centers to balance inventory levels, increase delivery speeds, or address seasonal demand. 

This can happen:

When inventory is low in a certain region.

To position products closer to high-demand areas.

Before major sales events (e.g., Prime Day, Black Friday).

Transit Time: 

Typically 1–5 days, during which time items may appear as "Reserved" but remain available for purchase.

Key Benefits of Fulfillment Center Transfers:

Increased Delivery Speed ​​– Reduces shipping times by strategically reallocating inventory.

Inventory Optimization – Prevents stock-outs by reallocating inventory. By distributing inventory across warehouses, stock outages or issues at a single warehouse can prevent the entire inventory from being disrupted.

Cost Efficiency – Avoids expedited shipping fees by placing inventory closer to customers. This process is typically triggered automatically by Amazon's "Smart Transfer" system. It aims to disperse your inventory to warehouses in different locations closer to potential customers, enabling faster delivery (for example, same-day or next-day delivery).

Frequently Asked Questions About FC Handling and FC Transfer

Does FC Transfer incur additional fees?

Yes, Amazon charges a forwarding fee for each unit transferred between fulfillment centers. However, this fee is generally offset by lower shipping costs and improved customer satisfaction.

Can I control where Amazon transfers my inventory?

No. Amazon's algorithms automatically determine forwarding locations based on demand forecasts. However, you can set inventory placement preferences in Seller Central to influence delivery.

For international orders, should I use FC Handling or FC Transfer?

For international direct-to-consumer (DTC) orders, FC Handling is required for Prime eligibility. However, for B2B bulk shipments, FC Transfer may not be necessary—you might consider working with a global logistics partner like Chinadivision to streamline cross-border logistics.

How can Chinadivision enhance your Amazon fulfillment strategy?

While Amazon's FC processing and FC transfer capabilities are powerful, they also have limitations, especially for international sellers managing multiple marketplaces. Here's how Chinadivision's global fulfillment services can help:

Faster international shipping – Reduce delivery times with strategically located warehouses around the world.

Cost-effective inventory management – ​​Store products closer to customers and avoid Amazon's shipping fees.

Multi-channel fulfillment – ​​Seamlessly manage orders from Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and more.

24/7 customer support – Get expert help with customs, returns, and logistics challenges.

Ready to optimize your Amazon fulfillment?

Whether you need help with FC processing, FC transfer, or international fulfillment, Chinadivision has the expertise and infrastructure to support your B2B or e-commerce business.

Understanding the difference between FC processing and FC transfers is a critical step for every Amazon seller to optimize inventory management. By partnering with Chinadivision, a professional fulfillment service provider, you can not only avoid common problems in Amazon's processes, but also improve customer satisfaction and sales performance.