When it comes to selling products on Amazon, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the most important aspects of selling on Amazon is ensuring that your products are packaged correctly. One mistake in this process, and you can end up with Damaged, Lost or Refused Goods. TLDR; Lost money!
Amazon has strict guidelines for product packaging, and failure to comply with these guidelines can result in your products being rejected or even banned from the platform.
If you are using Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service, it is especially important to make sure that your products are packaged correctly. FBA allows you to store your products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and Amazon takes care of the shipping and handling of your products. However, in order to use FBA, you must follow Amazon’s packaging guidelines.
These guidelines ensure that your products are protected during shipping and that they arrive at their destination in good condition.
Amazon FBA Product Packaging Guidelines
When you’re selling products on Amazon using the FBA program, it’s essential to follow the product packaging guidelines to ensure that your products are delivered to customers in good condition. Here are the general and specific requirements for Amazon FBA product packaging.
General Requirements
- Use a six-sided box to pack your products. Avoid using envelopes or bags as they don’t provide enough protection during transportation.
- Use only approved packing materials such as packing peanuts, foam strips, crinkle wrap, shredded paper, or styrofoam to protect your products during transportation.
- Make sure that your products are packed tightly to prevent them from moving around inside the box.
- Use a heavyweight box to pack your products. The box should be able to withstand the weight of your products and the transportation process.
- Remove any existing labels or markings on the box to avoid confusion during transportation.
- Use only Amazon-approved shipping labels and packaging slips.
Specific Requirements
- Each product should have a unique SKU, barcode, UPC, FNSKU, or ASIN.
- The manufacturer barcode should be covered or removed to avoid confusion during transportation.
- Each product should have a unique ASIN to avoid confusion during transportation.
- Use only Amazon-approved packing materials to protect your products during transportation.
- The packing materials should be at least two inches thick to provide enough protection during transportation.
- Use a heavyweight box to pack your products. The box should be able to withstand the weight of your products and the transportation process.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your products are delivered to customers in good condition, which can lead to positive reviews and increased sales. Remember to check the Amazon seller central regularly for any updates to the packaging guidelines.
General Requirements
When it comes to shipping your products through Amazon FBA, it’s important to follow the general requirements for product packaging. These requirements help ensure that your products arrive at the fulfillment center in good condition, and that they can be quickly and easily processed for shipment to customers.
Packaging Materials
To meet Amazon’s packaging requirements, you’ll need to use approved packing materials. These include:
- Bubble wrap
- Paper
- Poly bags
- Cartons
Make sure that your packaging materials are transparent or have a scannable barcode so that the contents of the package can be easily identified. You should also use manufacturer barcodes when possible.
Packaging Design
When designing your packaging, keep in mind that it should be easy to open and close. Amazon recommends using cartons that can be opened without using a knife or box cutter. Your packaging should also be sturdy enough to protect your products during shipping, and it should not have any sharp edges or protrusions that could damage other products.
Labeling Requirements
All products shipped through Amazon FBA must be properly labeled. This includes:
- Suffocation warning labels, if applicable
- Scannable barcodes
- Return address labels
Make sure that your labels are clear and easy to read, and that they are placed on the outside of the packaging where they can be easily scanned. You should also make sure that your product barcodes match the barcodes on your packaging.
In addition to these requirements, make sure that your packages meet Amazon’s weight limit of 50 pounds. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your products are processed quickly and efficiently at the fulfillment center, and that they arrive at your customers’ doorsteps in good condition.
Specific Requirements
When it comes to Amazon FBA product packaging guidelines, there are specific requirements that you need to follow. These requirements include product-specific requirements, shipping and packaging requirements. Let’s take a closer look at each of these requirements.
Product-Specific Requirements
Each product that you send to Amazon’s fulfillment centers must meet specific requirements. These requirements include:
- Unique labeling: Each product must have a unique label that identifies the product. This can be a UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN barcode, or an Amazon-issued FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label.
- Condition: All products must be new and in the original packaging.
- Barcodes: All products must have scannable barcodes.
- Fees: Make sure you understand the fees associated with selling on Amazon and factor them into the cost of your product.
- Expiration dates: Products with expiration dates must have a minimum of 90 days until expiration at the time of receipt by Amazon.
- Jewelry: Jewelry must be packaged in a transparent bag or box with a label that includes the word “jewelry.”
- Manufacturer barcodes: If the product has a manufacturer barcode, cover it with an Amazon barcode label.
- Sold as set: If your product is sold as a set, make sure it is packaged together and labeled as such.
Shipping and Packaging Requirements
When it comes to shipping and packaging your products, there are several requirements that you need to follow. These requirements include:
- Amazon packaging requirements: All products must be packaged according to Amazon’s packaging and prep requirements.
- Packing materials: Use packing materials such as packing peanuts, foam strips, crinkle wrap, shredded paper, or styrofoam to protect your products during shipping.
- Loose products: If your product is loose, place it in a bag or wrap it in bubble wrap before placing it in a box.
- Boxed units: If your product is boxed, place it in a six-sided box with functional and intact flaps.
- Specific requirements: Make sure you follow any specific requirements for your product category, such as packaging options for baby products or reach requirements for glass products.
- FBA packaging checklist: Use Amazon’s FBA packaging checklist to ensure you have met all the requirements for your shipment.
- Scannable barcode: Make sure your shipping label has a scannable barcode that includes the shipment ID and the Amazon fulfillment center address.
- Shrink wrap: Do not shrink wrap, strap, tape, or bind boxes together.
- FBA shipment: Make sure your shipment is properly labeled as an FBA shipment.
- SKUs: Make sure your SKUs match the product information in your inventory.
- Cases: If you are sending multiple units of a product, make sure they are packed in cases.
- Fabric: If your product is made of fabric, make sure it is clean and free of any debris.
- Batteries: If your product contains batteries, make sure they are properly packaged and labeled.
- Textiles: If your product is a textile, make sure it is clean and free of any debris.
- Plexiglas: If your product contains plexiglas, make sure it is properly packaged and labeled.
- Adult products: If your product is an adult product, make sure it is properly packaged and labeled.
- Marketing and content: Make sure your packaging includes all required marketing and content information.
- SFP: If you are fulfilling orders through Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP), make sure you follow all SFP requirements.
By following these specific requirements, you can ensure that your products are properly packaged and shipped to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. This will help you provide a cost-effective and efficient service to your customers, while also reducing the risk of returns and customer service issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the packaging requirements for Amazon FBA shipments?
Amazon has strict packaging requirements for FBA shipments to ensure that products arrive at their destination safely and in good condition. You must prepare your units according to Amazon’s packaging and prep requirements, which include using appropriate packing materials, labeling, and packing options.
Does Amazon provide packing materials for FBA shipments?
No, Amazon does not provide packing materials for FBA shipments. You are responsible for sourcing and providing your own packing materials, such as boxes, poly bags, and packing tape.
What are the rules for Amazon FBA cartons?
Amazon has specific requirements for FBA cartons, including size, weight, and labeling. The maximum weight for a single carton is 50 pounds, and the maximum size is 25 x 20 x 14 inches. Each carton must be labeled with a unique FNSKU barcode and include a suffocation warning label if necessary.
Can any box be used to ship to Amazon FBA?
No, not any box can be used to ship to Amazon FBA. You must use a new, sturdy, and corrugated box that can withstand the weight of the product and the shipping process. The box must also be free of markings, labels, or stickers that are not related to the shipment.
What are the Amazon FBA poly bag requirements?
Amazon allows certain products to be packaged in poly bags, but there are specific requirements that must be followed. Poly bags must be clear, with a thickness of at least 1.5 mils, and have a suffocation warning label if necessary. Products must fit snugly in the poly bag, and the bag must be sealed with a secure, tamper-evident closure.
What materials are allowed for Amazon FBA product packaging?
Amazon allows a variety of materials for FBA product packaging, including bubble wrap, air pillows, packing paper, and foam inserts. However, you must ensure that the packaging materials are clean, free of debris, and do not interfere with the product’s functionality or safety.
