Packaging Requirements for Amazon FBA

Understanding packaging requirements for Amazon FBA can be intimidating, knowing that getting it wrong can result in lost shipments, delayed scan-ins, and fees to fix things.

I’ve seen everything from $250,000 worth of inventory getting lost to unsellable inventory sitting in Amazon FBA fulfillment centers racking up fees while mistakes get sorted out.

That’s why I put together this in-depth guide of packaging requirements for Amazon FBA whether you’re an Amazon Seller Central seller using Amazon FBA, FBA Small and Light, or selling Amazon B2B.

Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements

Packaging Material:

Use high-quality and protective packaging materials to safeguard your products during transportation and storage. This includes materials like:

• Bubble wrap
• Air pillows
• Foam
• & any other protective materials that can prevent damage.

The right packaging materials are key to protecting your product’s integrity.

Expiry Dates:

Products with expiry dates, such as food items or cosmetics, must have these dates clearly visible on the packaging. Properly labeled expiry dates ensure transparency and safety for customers.

Liquid and Gel Products:

If you’re selling liquid or gel products, the packaging must be leak-proof and adequately sealed to prevent spills or damage to other items during storage and transit.

Perishable Products:

Perishable items must be clearly labeled and packaged to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Meeting these requirements is essential to ensure customer satisfaction and safety.

Transparency:

Amazon often requires transparent packaging for certain products to allow for easy inspection. This transparency is necessary to maintain compliance and ensure product quality.

Suffocation Warning Labels:

If your product packaging poses a suffocation risk to children, it’s imperative to include a warning label. This label helps ensure product safety and compliance with safety regulations.

Fragile Items:

For fragile items, such as glass or delicate electronics, extra care is needed in packaging. Use ample padding, cushioning, and appropriate packaging materials to protect the items from breakage during handling and transit.

Amazon FBA Prep Requirements

Certain products may have specific prep requirements mandated by Amazon, such as removing batteries, adding expiration dates, or applying stickers. It’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your products meet Amazon’s safety and quality standards.

Food, Beverage, or Products Packaged with Food or Beverage

Examples: Flour, sugar, dried fruit
Supplies required: Scannable apply barcode*
Prep required: Perishable items are not allowed. Non-perishable items must be lot-controlled and more than 90 days from the expiration date at the time of receipt by Amazon. Products within 50 days of the expiration date will be disposed of at the fulfilment centre.

Meltable or Otherwise Temperature-Sensitive Products

Examples: Chocolate, paraffin
Supplies required: Scannable apply barcode*
Prep required: Temperature-sensitive products must be able to withstand temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the product’s shelf life. Products requiring refrigeration are not allowed. Meltable products are accepted between October 1 and April 30 only.

*Poly Bag and Scannable Barcode Requirements

Poly bags must be at least 1.5 mil. Poly bags with openings greater than 5″ must have a visible suffocation warning. All barcodes must be scannable without opening or unwrapping the packaged item

Hazardous Materials:

If your products are classified as hazardous materials, you must adhere to additional regulations. This includes proper labeling, documentation, and meeting the safety standards for handling and shipping hazardous products.

Another item to consider for FBA packaging requirements is the barcode.

Amazon FBA Product Barcode Requirements

Amazon has its own barcodes, specifically the FNSKU barcode. You’ll need to apply FNSKU barcodes to all products that don’t use the manufacturer’s barcode.

There are a few ways to go about this:

• You can print and label the barcodes on each unit during the FBA shipment creation process.
• Alternatively, you can ask your supplier to print the barcode on your product packaging.
• And if you prefer, Amazon can label your products for a fee.

In cases where your product doesn’t have a manufacturer barcode, you can request a GTIN Exemption in Seller Central. This way, all your products will use the Amazon barcode instead.

I recommend using the Amazon barcode for a few reasons. It simplifies inventory tracking and ensures that your products aren’t mixed up with another seller’s inventory. It’s also worth noting that every product listed on Amazon will have its unique FNSKU, even if you initially use the manufacturer’s barcode.

Amazon FBA Inbound Shipping Requirements

Box Dimensions:

If you’re using boxes for packaging, it’s essential to ensure they are the right size to accommodate your products without excessive space or overstuffing. Using oversized boxes can lead to additional charges, while overfilled boxes can result in damaged products during transit.

Amazon US FBA Single Box Size Requirements:

I wanted to clarify Amazon’s box size requirements for our FBA shipments. Basically, each box we send in can’t be longer than 25.00 inches (63.50 cm) on any side.

Important Exception: Boxes can exceed 25.00 inches in length ONLY if there’s a single item inside that is longer than 25.00 inches.

Sending oversized cartons to Amazon’s FBA warehouse, whether it’s on purpose or not, could potentially lead to Amazon restricting our future shipments to FBA fulfillment centers.

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Amazon US FBA Single Box Weight Requirements:

The main rule is that the total weight of a single box should not go beyond 50.00 lbs (22.50 kg).

Exceptions:

• If a single item > 50 lbs: Attach a Team Lift label.
• If a single item > 100 lbs: Attach a Mechanical Lift label.
• Jewelry/Timepieces: Box cannot exceed 40.00 lbs.

Overboxing:

For bundled products, such as multiple units of the same item, an overbox may be necessary to protect individual units during handling and shipping. It is essential that the overbox also adheres to Amazon’s packaging guidelines to maintain product integrity.

Palletization:

When sending a significant quantity of products, palletization can improve efficiency. There are specific guidelines for pallet dimensions and labeling, which are crucial to ensure smooth handling and storage in Amazon’s warehouses.

General Palletization Requirements:

• Pallet Type: GMA Grade B or higher wood pallets (40″ x 48″) with 4-way access.
• Max Height: 72 inches (single stacked).
• Max Weight: 1,500 lbs (680.4 kg) per pallet.
• Grocery Items: Must use GMA Grade A pallets.
• Plastic Pallets: Not accepted.

Compliance with Amazon FBA Prep Centers:

If you’re using an Amazon Prep Center, it’s crucial to communicate your packaging requirements and ensure that the center follows Amazon’s guidelines accurately. Proper coordination with the prep center is essential to maintain packaging standards.

As a consultant for Amazon I can tell you that a failure to get this right could result in inventory not getting scanned in, resulting in reserved inventory status in FBA & more.

Amazon FBA Shipment Label Requirements

Once you’ve properly boxed your units, the next step is to label the shipping boxes and send them off to Amazon. But before we get to that, there’s a crucial decision to make regarding the shipping method and carrier.

• SPDs (Small Parcel Deliveries): These are for items packed individually in boxes, with each shipping box individually labeled for delivery. SPDs are typically used for smaller shipments and are sent through carriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, or local postal services.
• LTL/LFL (Less Than Truckload/Full Truckload): This shipping method combines individual boxes on pallets for delivery.

Once you’ve decided which method best suits your shipment, you’ll be all set to label your boxes and get them on their way to Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions