The Ultimate Seller Guide To Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements
Thinking about using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to sell on the Amazon marketplace?
Awesome! But before you box up your products and ship them off, there’s a crucial step: understanding Amazon’s FBA packaging requirements.
In this blog post, we will discuss all the key Amazon FBA packaging requirements to ensure your products arrive safely at Amazon’s fulfillment centers, ready to be shipped out to eager customers.
Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements
Numerous packaging rules and requirements must be considered. Below, we’ll break down the key aspects to ensure your products have a smooth journey to Amazon’s fulfillment centers and, ultimately, to satisfied customers.
1. Amazon FBA Product Barcode Requirements
Numerous packaging rules and requirements must be considered. Below, we’ll break down the key aspects to ensure your products have a smooth journey to Amazon’s fulfillment centers and, ultimately, to satisfied customers.
a. Barcodes from Manufacturers
Amazon will automatically use the existing manufacturer barcode (such as a UPC barcode) on your product unless you specify otherwise.
This barcode allows Amazon to identify your product and potentially fulfill orders from the inventory closest to the buyer if multiple sellers offer the same product.
Every product or variant (like different sizes or colors) needs a scannable barcode, typically the manufacturer’s, unless it’s exempt or you’ve chosen to use an Amazon barcode instead.
b. Barcodes from Amazon (FNSKU)
Products that don’t have a manufacturer barcode need an FNSKU barcode applied.
- You have three options for applying the FNSKU barcode:
- Have your manufacturer print it on the packaging.
- Pay Amazon to label your products.
- Print and apply the labels yourself during the creation of the FBA shipment.
If your product qualifies for a GTIN exemption from Seller Central because it doesn’t have a manufacturer barcode, the Amazon barcode will be used on all your items.
Important Points to Remember:
- Regardless of whether you use a manufacturer barcode or an Amazon barcode, ensure all labels are clear and readable upon arrival at the fulfillment center. Don’t obscure the barcode with other labels or packaging.
- Brand owners enrolled in the Amazon Brand Registry can apply for a GTIN exemption if their brand-new product lacks a manufacturer barcode.
- Manufacturers or brand owners who want to print barcodes directly on their packaging can use a GS1 standard UPC barcode.Whet
How the FNSKU Barcode Is Printed
When making a shipment plan in Seller Central and selecting “Who labels as a merchant,” you’ll be given the option to print the FNSKU labels yourself.
Alternatively, you can find the FNSKU on the product’s control inventory page and print labels by selecting “Print item labels” from the drop-down menu. The labels will be generated as a PDF that you can email to your supplier for printing on your products.
2. Amazon FBA Label and Inbound Shipping Requirements
Here are some inbound shipping guidelines you need to adhere to once you have all of your products ready to ship to Amazon fulfillment center.
a. Labels and Paperwork:
There can be some confusion about labels for FBA shipments. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Amazon FBA Shipment ID Label: This unique barcode label, generated by Amazon when you create a shipment plan, identifies your shipment and tells Amazon where to send each box. You can print these labels yourself and send them to your supplier or have Amazon send them directly to the shipping address.
- Carrier Label (Optional): If you’re not using Amazon’s partnered carrier program (more on that below), you’ll need to schedule a shipment with a carrier like UPS, FedEx, or DHL and use their labels.
b. Amazon's Partnered Carrier Program (SPD):
Amazon’s partnered carrier program is a great option for new sellers or those shipping smaller shipments. It offers discounted rates and eliminates the hassle of scheduling your own pick-up. Amazon will bill you for the shipping costs as inbound transportation charges on your seller account.
c. Boxing Up Your Products:
- Box Requirements: Use sturdy, new, or like-new boxes at least 6 x 4 x 1 inch in size. Boxes cannot exceed 25 inches on any side and must weigh less than 50 pounds in total. Avoid using oversized boxes, Gaylord boxes, display boxes, point-of-sale containers, or anything that can’t be securely sealed.
- Packing for Safety: Proper packaging is crucial to ensure your products arrive at Amazon’s facilities undamaged. Use high-quality packing tape to seal all seams and edges securely. Fragile items should be carefully wrapped and cushioned with materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
c. Carton Specifications:
Your boxes’ size and weight limitations will depend on whether you use Amazon’s partnered carrier program (SPD) or a different carrier.
- SPD Shipments: Boxes cannot exceed 25 inches on any side, weigh more than 50 pounds, and can hold a maximum of 200 units per carton.
- Non-Partnered Carrier Shipments: Boxes cannot exceed 25 inches on any side, weigh more than 50 pounds, and hold a maximum of 500 units per carton.
3. General Amazon Packaging Requirements for FBA
a. Essential prerequisites
All products transported to Amazon’s fulfillment facilities need to be packaged securely. This means everything, including loose or individual objects like gadgets, books, and makeup, must be contained in a box, bag, or other container.
b. Poly Bags & Bubble Wrap
Individual articles might be packaged in plastic bags or wrapped with bubble wrap to offer further protection. The following rules are applicable:
Items with bubble wrap should be securely wrapped to survive drops without breaking.
Poly bags need to be completely sealed and adhere to minimum thickness requirements. Labels warning of suffocation must be placed on poly bags larger than five inches.
Barcodes must be affixed to the outside or remain visibly scannable through poly bags.
c. Dates of Expiration
The dates on items with best-by or expiration dates must be entered in the format MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. Any modifications must have a label placed over the original date in the correct format.
Products that require further preparation, such as poly bags or bubble wrap, must have their expiration dates visible on the outside package to identify them upon receipt.
d. Over-Packing
Amazon may request “overboxing,” or packing a product within a second outer box, for exceptionally large or heavy products. This also holds for incredibly delicate objects that fail drop testing.
Sturdy double-walled cardboard must be used in overboxes for heavy objects weighing over 50 pounds.
e. Sets & Piece-More Items
If a product is offered in sets or has several parts that make up a single item, more precautions must be taken. Every set has to include a label that makes it obvious it shouldn’t be broken apart, such as “Sold as set” or “Do not separate.” This guarantees that the parts stay connected.
Amazon does not accept things that come in several pieces and need to be assembled, like furniture. Every unit must be prepared and packed for shipment to clients.
f. Products That Are Restricted
Recall that Amazon forbids the storage of some extremely dangerous, combustible, or perishable items in its fulfillment facilities. Before sending big orders, make sure to review Amazon’s list of prohibited items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Amazon FBA Packaging
Several typical mistakes sellers make when it comes to FBA packing might result in non-compliance or processing delays at Amazon’s fulfillment facilities. These are some of the most typical errors to stay away from.
#1 Inaccurate Labelling
Processing delays and non-compliance can also result from incorrect labeling, which is another frequent error. Ensure that the FBA label and any additional necessary labels are accurately applied to your items following Amazon’s specifications.
#2 Inadequate Materials for Packaging
One of merchants’ most frequent errors is using inadequate packaging materials. As a result, product damage during shipping may occur, which might lead to unhappy customers, refunds, and decreased sales. To avoid this, make sure you utilize appropriate packaging materials to safeguard your items during transit.
#3 Excessive Packaging
Overpackaging can be an issue, even though utilizing enough packing materials to preserve your items is crucial. An excessive amount of packaging can be expensive and bad for the environment. To safeguard your items without overpackaging, employ the right amount of packing materials.
#4 Wrong Dimensions for the Box
Another typical error is using the wrong box dimensions. Boxes that are too small or too big may incur additional costs or cause processing delays since Amazon has strict guidelines on box size. To prevent these problems, ensure the boxes you use comply with Amazon’s specifications.
#5 Inaccurate or Partial Packaging Information
Finally, non-compliance and processing delays may result from erroneous or insufficient package information. To prevent such problems, ensure all packing information, including box weight and dimensions, is correct and comprehensive.
Amazon FBA Packaging Checklist
Ensuring your products are properly packaged for Amazon FBA fulfillment is crucial for a smooth customer experience. This checklist will guide you through the essential steps for preparing your inventory.
- Boxes and Bags:
- Use rigid, new, and six-sided boxes (Regular Slotted Carton – RSC) with B flute construction for durability.
- Ensure boxes have a minimum Edge Crush Test (ECT) of 32 and a burst strength of 200 lbs. per square inch.
- Opt for transparent polybags with a minimum thickness of 1.5 mil for appropriate items.
- Polybags exceeding 3 inches beyond product dimensions are not allowed.
- Use opaque black polybags for adult products.
- Labeling:
- Clearly display each product’s Amazon FBA label (FNSKU) on the outside of the box.
- Include a single address label with clear delivery and return information.
- Cover any preexisting labels or barcodes on the box.
- Ensure all labels are scannable and not folded or damaged.
- For multi-item products, include “Sold as Set” labeling on the packaging.
- Product Preparation:
- Individually wrap each item for protection during transport.
- Use approved packing materials like bubble wrap, kraft paper, air pillows, or foam sheeting.
- Fill any empty space within the box to prevent items from shifting.
- Securely fasten lids or closures to prevent accidental opening.
- Additional Considerations:
- Add expiration dates (MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY format) for relevant products.
- Include suffocation warnings on sealed polybags, especially for those containing small parts.
- Familiarize yourself with special packaging requirements for specific product categories (e.g., liquids, hazardous materials).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What shipping labels do I need for Amazon FBA products?
Each shipping boxes must have a box ID barcode sticker, and each product inside must have a scannable manufacturer barcode or an Amazon FNSKU barcode. Labels should be placed according to Amazon’s specific positioning guidelines and must not contain any special characters.
What kind of labels are needed for Amazon FBA products?
Depending on whether an item is offered singly, bundled/kitted, or case packaged, carefully adhere to Amazon’s category-specific packing and preparation rules.
Use the appropriate specialized packaging as needed for hazardous, liquid, or restricted materials. Unpackaged goods run the risk of being rejected or ruined.
Does Amazon supply packaging materials?
Each shipment box must have a box ID barcode sticker, and each product inside must have a scannable manufacturer barcode or an Amazon FNSKU barcode. Labels should be placed according to Amazon’s specific positioning guidelines and must not contain any special characters.
Can I use recycled boxes for my Amazon FBA shipments?
No, Amazon requires that all boxes used for FBA shipments be brand-new, robust, and undamaged. Recycled, previously used, or damaged boxes are not accepted as they may compromise the integrity of the shipment and lead to damage during transit.
Why is Amazon rejecting shipments from you?
Sellers suffer greatly when Amazon rejects their shipments. This won’t often occur, though, if you carefully follow Amazon’s shipping and packaging guidelines.
- Some of the most typical explanations for Amazon rejections are:
- Not using a shipping company authorized by Amazon, particularly in the USA.
- There is no shipment label attached to the package.
- The pallet is overweight, dangling over the edge, or both.
- The package was withdrawn or canceled.
- There is a delivery plan that is beyond 90 days old.
- The package arrives at an Amazon facility from abroad, but no customs or taxes have been paid.
What is the ideal package size for FBA?
There’s not a single “ideal” size for FBA packages, but rather a range to follow. Amazon outlines minimum and maximum dimensions:
- Minimum: At least 6 x 4 x 1 inches (length x width x height)
- Maximum: No more than 25 inches on any side (length, width, or height)
However, within this range, you’ll want to aim for the smallest box possible that can comfortably hold your product with proper cushioning materials. This minimizes dead space and reduces your storage and fulfillment fees.
What happens if my shipment does not meet Amazon's packaging requirements?
If your shipment does not meet Amazon’s packaging requirements, it may be rejected upon arrival at the fulfillment center. This can result in additional costs, delays, and potential damage to your items. Inconsistent or non-compliant packaging can also lead to your account being flagged for review.
What should I do if Amazon rejects my shipment?
If Amazon rejects your shipment, review the rejection reason provided by Amazon, rectify the issue, and ensure all future shipments comply with Amazon’s guidelines. Common reasons for rejection include using non-compliant packaging, missing shipment labels, overweight pallets, and overdue delivery plans. Addressing these issues promptly can help prevent further rejections and disruptions to your business.
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