Product Packaging and Shipment Label requirements for Amazon FBA

When selling on Amazon, you have to follow the instructions about packaging otherwise. For an easy and smooth packaging process, you need to have a basic understanding of Amazon packaging requirements.

1.  What is Amazon FBA?

Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) is a service where Amazon will take care of storing, packing and shipping the products, handling customer support and returns. Amazon FBA is a great way for new and seasoned online entrepreneurs to sell their products to their customers.

When sellers sign up for FBA, will first need to pack and ship the products in bulk to one of Amazon warehouse for storage.

Finding information about warehouses near me read: How to Find Amazon Warehouses near Me?

2. Types of approved Amazon FBA packaging

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Amazon may refuse, return, or repackage any product delivered to an Amazon warehouse with inadequate or non-compliant packaging or labelling.

Amazon is quite particular about the material of packaging. It has certain rules and regulations for the packaging of products.

Amazon prefers the following boxes rather than a random box for packaging:

1. Regular slotted carton (RSC)
2. Edge Crush Test-32 (ECT-32)
3. 200 lb./sq. Inch Burst Strength (200-BH)
4. B flute

Other than boxes you can use air pillows, poly bags, stretch wraps, form sheets, and bubble wraps for packaging.

Do you know about the dos and don’ts of Amazon packaging? What about your knowledge regarding labeling products, bar codes, and technical terms like FNSKU?

1. Dos and Don’ts about Amazon packaging

Do you know what you should avoid and what you should embrace when dealing with Amazon packaging? If no, then the following point will be very useful for you.

2. The general labeling requirements for Amazon packaging

Amazon asks its sellers to fulfill some general labeling requirements. For example, each unit of loose products must be within a single, secure package. For units that are sets must be marked as sets on their packaging, and so on.

Failing to meet these requirements can put you at a loss. You might get asked for extra charges for fixing the labeling. Your inventory might get returned to you in some cases.

When you're ready to apply barcodes to your products, make sure that you do the following:

• -Put the correct barcode on each item
• -Cover all other visible barcodes except for any serial number barcodes or Transparency authentication codes
• -Place the barcode on the outside of any prep materials and make sure it is scannable
• -Do not place the barcode on a curve or corner of the package
• -Ensure that each item in a case pack has an Amazon barcode, and any barcodes on the case have been removed
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3. Material approved for Amazon packaging

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The material of packaging has primary importance in Amazon packaging. Amazon has set some rules and regulations about the packaging of products. So, you should look for the material approved by Amazon for packaging.

You can buy different kinds of packaging material from Amazon for pack your products, including boxes, air pillows, poly bags, stretch wraps, form sheets, and bubble wraps. All these things can be bought directly from Amazon or find them at other stations.

4. Amazon packaging checklist

A checklist helps you to manage complex tasks smoothly. While dealing with the Amazon packaging requirements, you can refer to the following points as a checklist to mark your progress.

• -Pack right products
• -Find accurate material for packaging
• -Proper packing by wrapping each product separately and neatly
• -Correct labeling and removing old labels if reusing the packaging
• -Add visible barcodes for tracking purposes
• -Properly recheck before shipping
• -Add clear delivery/return address
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5. Shipment Label Requirements of Amazon FBA packaging

Once you decide what you are shipping to Amazon and determine the appropriate shipping method and carrier to use, it is time for labelling.

Each box and pallet you ship to an Amazon fulfillment center, including one or more units sent in a manufacturer box, must be properly identified with a unique box ID (see example below) and pallet label. Follow these guidelines for labeling your boxes:

• -Print the full set of labels. Because each label is unique, don't photocopy, reuse, or modify labels for use on additional boxes.
• -Labels support a measurement of 3 1/3 x 4 inches. If you have a thermal printer, you now have the option to print directly on a 4 x 6 inches format by selecting thermal printing paper in the box and pallet label printing options.
• -Don't place labels on a seam or opening on the box because they will be damaged when the box is opened.
• -Place both the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) box ID label and the carrier label (UPS, FedEx, or other SPD carrier) on a flat surface of the box so the barcodes don’t fold over the edges or corners.
• -Both labels must remain uncovered so they are scannable and readable.
• -Each box in the shipment must have its own FBA box ID label printed from your shipment workflow.
• -Each pallet you send requires four pallet labels, one on the top center of each side.
• -If you’re shipping multiple case packs in a larger box, apply the FBA box ID label to the larger box. You don’t need to apply labels to the individual case packs.

6. What FNSKU and Barcode means?

FNSKU – “fulfillment network stock keeping unit” is a label. It aids the robots and employees to manage the searching, picking, packing, and shipping of products.

FNSKU code is unique for every inventory. It corresponds to one product only. It is scannable and very useful when dealing with large number of products.

While barcodes are scannable codes that are used to track the products. FNSKU is used over the barcode.

After labeling, the most important thing about Amazon packaging requirements is a barcode. Barcodes reduce the chances of mixing up of stock and hence loss.

Follow these general requirements when shipping units to fulfillment centers. Amazon may refuse, return, or repackage any product delivered to a fulfillment center with inadequate or non-compliant packaging at your expense. Amazon may add specific requirements to a product due to damages and damage-related returns.

• -Any FNSKU you use on a unit must be unique and must correspond to one unique product.
• -Each unit must have an exterior scannable barcode or label (which includes a scannable barcode and the corresponding human-readable numbers) that is easily accessible.
• -Remove, cover, or render unscannable any existing scannable barcodes on the outside of shipping boxes.

Certain products have other specific requirements. The following points will help you as a checklist when you deal with Amazon packaging requirements.

1. Packaging individual products

Each unit must be contained within a single, secure package:

• -The individual package needs to be labeled with the correct and unique barcode.
• -The package having different items has to be labeled with the same SKU. If you are selling a group of things, then all of them must be packaged together.
• -The barcodes printed with LaserJet printers will not fade away quickly.
• -If you are selling a sensitive, sharp product that is subjected to be damaged by an external force, then protect it with bubble wrap or use the regular cardboard boxes.
• -Place the product in the bag and seal it, if the bag is not self-adhesive, use tape to ensure that the bag does open or separate from the product.
• -The barcode and label on the unit must be scannable without opening or unwrapping.
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2. Products sold as set

Provide a unique ASIN for the set if the individual units in the set already have an ASIN. For bundled sets, the barcodes on the individual units must not face outward or the barcodes must be covered. 

• -Products that are sets, such as a set of four, unique cups that are sold as one unit, must be marked as sets on their packaging. Add a label to the unit that clearly states that the products are to be received and sold as a single unit. For example, "Sold as set," "Ready to ship," or "This is a set. Do not separate."
• -The barcode and label on the unit must be scannable without opening or unwrapping.

3. Products sold as box units

The conditions necessary for the items box are;

• -The box units Must be six-sided.
• -Must have openings or a lid that will not easily open on its own. If the box can easily open on its own, use tape, glue, or staples to keep it closed.
• -Must not collapse when medium pressure is applied to any of the sides.
• -If the boxed unit has perforated sides or openings, the product must pass a 3-foot drop test, consisting of one drop on each side, and one drop on a corner. If the product does not pass the drop test, it must be placed in a poly bag with a suffocation warning.
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4. Poly-bagged units

Poly bags used to protect units must meet the following requirements:

• Poly bags with a 5-inch opening or larger (measured when flat) must have a suffocation warning, either printed on the bag or attached as a label. Failure to apply a suffocation warning may lead to the items being re-bagged.

Example warning:

Warning: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this bag away from babies and children. Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriages, or playpens. This bag is not a toy.

The warning should be printed or placed in a prominent location and in a legible font size for the size of the bag.

Print size of this warning should conform to the following table:

• -The thickness of the bag must be at least 1.5 mil (thousandth of an inch).
• -The poly bag must be transparent.
• -The poly bag must have a barcode (such as a UPC or EAN) or X00-label that is scannable through the bag or have an X00- or ASIN label on the outside of the bag.
• -Poly bags must be completely sealed.
• -The poly bag or shrink wrap must not protrude more than 3 inches past the dimensions of the product.
• -Adult products must be packaged using black, opaque poly bagging or shrink wrap

Note: Highly scented products (such as candles, incense, or bully sticks for dogs) must be sealed or bagged to prevent the absorption of the scent into other products.

5. Bubble wrapping

Products with bubble wrap must meet the following criteria:

• -Tightly wrapped and taped shut so the product cannot fall out
• -Labeled with a scannable barcode on the outside
• -Able to pass a 3-foot drop test on a hard surface without the contents breaking. A drop test consists of five drops:
  • -Flat on base
  • -Flat on top
  • -Flat on longest side
  • -Flat on shortest side
  • -On a corner

Bubble wrap may be required because the item is:

• -Fragile and could be easily damaged during transit
• -Heavy or dense and could damage other items during transit
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6. Over-boxing

We may require over-boxing when there are safety concerns about shipping and handling. Over-boxing involves placing a prepared or packaged product in a box for added protection, even if the product is already boxed. For products over 10 lb, use double-wall corrugated boxes for over-boxing.

• Over-boxing is required for the following types of products:
• -Sharp items that could puncture packaging materials
• -Fragile items that failed a 3-foot drop test after bubble wrap was applied or that could be damaged during shipping and handling
• -Hazardous liquids in glass containers over 4.2 oz
• -Vinyl records

7. Hangers for clothes

• -Mini-hangers for baby clothes are allowed.
• -Normal-size hangers must be removed.
• -The following items cannot be shipped on any kind of hanger: accessories, bras, hats, shorts, socks, hosiery, sweaters, swimwear, and underwear.
• -Some exceptional garments can be shipped like:
  • -The coat, blazers or suit jackets and suits
  • -The dresses with the price of more than $299.99 per item like pants, shirts, skirts, formal or evening wear or made up of leather, wool, and fur.
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8. Tape

Products with this requirement need additional taping beyond what might normally be used to seal a box or poly bag or secure bubble wrap around an item.

Extra taping may be required if the item:

• -Might fall out of its packaging if the container is not taped shut
• -Might leak if the lid is not taped in place
• -Is not fully sealed within the container
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9. Mattress packaging guidelines

By following FBA guidance on mattress packaging, you can help ensure that mattresses are not rejected at the fulfillment center.

Mattresses must be:

• -Packaged in corrugated boxes
• -Classified as mattresses when you set up new ASINs

10. Case-packed products

• -All products in a box must have matching SKU and condition and must have been packaged together by the manufacturer.
• -All boxes with the same product must contain equal quantities of that product in each box. For example, a case pack of 24 units must always contain 24 units.
• -The case pack limit is 150 units per case.
• -While receiving this type of shipment, the fulfillment center scans one unit from the box and the box is placed in inventory. There is no need to scan every unit because they are all the same.
• -In some cases, a manufacturer or distributor may package more than one case pack into a larger box. These larger boxes do not qualify as a case pack and must be separated at the appropriate case-pack level.

Note: For case-packed items, you must remove or cover any scannable barcode from the case. Only the units within the case can have scannable barcodes.

11. Expiration dates

Expiration dates must be displayed in the format MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. If the expiration date is printed in a different format, a sticker with the correct format must be applied, covering the original expiration date.

• -Expiration-dated products must include the expiration date on the outer box in 36-point or larger font and on the individual units. Lot numbers alone are insufficient.
• -Expiration-dated products that require additional preparation, such as poly-bagging or bubble wrap, must have labels with expiration dates applied to the outside of the product prep or packaging to ensure that the expiration date is accessible for Amazon associates during the check-in process.
• -Perishable items are not allowed.
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12. Marketing materials

Amazon will not accept marketing materials such as pre-priced labels, pamphlets, price tags, or other non-Amazon labels.

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For different units, you must package with feature products before Shipping to Amazon Warehouse.

1. Amazon packaging requirements for adult products

Adult products must be bagged for protection in black, opaque bags. The outside of the bag must have a scannable ASIN and a suffocation warning. This includes but is not limited to products that meet any of the following requirements:

• -Products that contain pictures of live, nude models
• -Packaging with obscene or profane messaging
• -Items that are themselves life‐like in nature but with no live‐model nudity shown
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Acceptable adult product packaging

• -​​​​​​​Tame, abstract products that are not life‐like in nature
• -Plain packaging without models
• -Plain packaging where models are not in suggestive or compromising positions
• -Packaging with no obscene text
• -Suggestive text but no profanity
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2. Amazon packaging requirements for apparel on hanger

The products that made of cloth or fabric and intended to be put on a hanger, like scarves, shirt, jackets must meet the following requirements:

• -Remove hanger, and then place product in a transparent poly bag to protect from damage or dust.
• -Products can also be shrink-wrapped.
• -Bag must have a suffocation warning.
• -Bag must be secured if not self-adhesive.
• -Barcode must be scannable.

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• 3. Amazon packaging requirements for baby products

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• Any product for children younger than age 4 that has an exposed surface greater than 1"x1" must be packaged so that it will not be damaged during receipt, stocking, shipment preparation, or shipment to the customer. Products for children under age 4 that are not contained in a sealed, six-sided package, or have an opening greater than 1"x1" must be shrink-wrapped or placed in a sealed poly bag.
• Permitted packaging materials:
  • -Poly bags
  • -Labels
  • -Suffocation stickers or markings

Examples of baby products packaging

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• 4. Amazon packaging requirements for glass ceramic breakable and fragile units

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• Failure to comply with FBA product preparation requirements, safety requirements, and product restrictions may result in the refusal of inventory at the Amazon fulfillment center, disposal or return of inventory, blocking of future shipments to the fulfillment center, or charging for preparation or for noncompliance at the fulfillment center.
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• Fragile Units like glass, china, picture frames, clocks, mirrors, bottles of olive oil should be packaged so they will not break and possibly create a safety hazard during storage, shipment preparation, or shipment to the customer. A fragile Unit must be packaged in either a six solid-sided box, or completely secured in bubble wrap, so the Unit is not exposed in any way.
• Permitted packaging materials for fragile and glass products:
  • -Boxes
  • -Dunnage
  • -Labels.
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• Packaging guidelines for Fragile and glass products:

Examples for glass products packing:

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• 5. Amazon packaging requirements for liquids

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• Liquids, pastes, gels, and creams are correct packaging to ensure they are protected from breaking or leaking throughout the fulfillment process. Liquids can cause damage during shipping and when stored. Securely pack liquids — including viscous products such as pastes, gels, and creams —to protect buyers, Amazon associates, and other products.
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  • -All liquid, paste, gel, and cream products must be able to withstand a 3-foot drop test -without the contents of the container leaking or spilling.
  • -If your product is a liquid, paste, gel, or cream and is regulated as dangerous good — such as perfume, certain bathroom cleaners, polish removers, and permanent ink — the following prep is required.

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• For liquid, paste, gel, and cream products that are not regulated as dangerous goods, the following prep is required. 

5. Amazon packaging requirements for batteries

Dry batteries must be properly packaged so they can be safely stored and prepared for shipment. Ensure that batteries are secured within the packaging to prevent battery terminals from coming into contact with metals (including other batteries). Batteries cannot be expired or damaged and, if sold in packs, expiration dates must be visible on the packaging.

Permitted packaging materials (rigid packaging):

• -Original manufacturer packaging
• -Boxes
• -Clamshell plastic

Prohibited packaging materials (except when used in addition to permitted rigid packaging):

• -Zipper-sealed bags
• -Shrink wrap

Packaging Guidelines for batteries

Rigid packaging for batteries

Rigid packaging for batteries is defined as one or more of the following:

• -Original manufacturer packaging of clamshell plastic or blister packs.
• -Repackaged batteries secured in boxes that have been taped or shrink-wrapped closed. Batteries must not be able to roll in the boxes, and the battery terminals must not touch.
• -Repackaged batteries secured in clamshell plastic that has been taped or shrink-wrapped closed. The battery terminals must not touch within the packaging.

6. Amazon packaging requirements for Plush Units

Package plush Units, such as stuffed toys, animals, and puppets, so they will not be damaged during receipt, stocking, shipment preparation, or shipment to the customer. Units must be placed in a sealed poly bag or shrink-wrapped.

7. Amazon packaging requirements for sharp units

Sharp units have a sharp or pointed edge that, when exposed, is a safety hazard for Amazon associates and customers who receive the units. Sharp units must be packaged or overboxed so that the sharp or pointed edge will not become exposed during receipt, stocking, shipment preparation, or delivery to the customer. 

Packaging guidelines for sharp units

Permitted packaging materials for sharp units:

• -Bubble wrap (unit cannot cut through)
• -Boxes (unit cannot cut through)
• -Dunnage
• -Labels

Examples of prepped Units

8. Amazon packaging requirements for apparel, fabric, and textiles

Cloth, fabric, and textiles can be damaged by dust or humidity. These products must be packaged so that they are not damaged during receipt, stocking, shipment preparation, or delivery to the customer. Place units in a sealed poly bag, shrink wrap, or box.

Packaging guidelines for apparel, fabric and textiles

Permitted packaging materials for apparel, fabric and textiles

• -Poly bags and shrink wrap
• -Labels
• -Cardboard footprints
• -Boxes

Examples of prepped units

9. Amazon packaging requirements for jewelry

Any jewelry unit that can be damaged by tearing, dirt, dust or liquid during the fulfillment process must be packaged following these guidelines. Jewelry must be packaged so that the unit cannot be damaged or cause unsafe conditions by having the material exposed during the fulfillment process.

Permitted packaging materials:

• -Poly Bags
• -Boxes
• -Labels

Pouches

• -Pouches must be packed individually in plastic bags with the barcode on the outside of the pouch to avoid damage from dust. Place a product description label on the side with the greatest surface area.
• -The bag should be appropriate for size of a pouch. Do not force a pouch into a bag that is too small or place it in a bag where it can easily shift around. The edges of large bags are more likely to get caught and tear exposing contents to dust or dirt.
• -Poly bags (minimum 1.5 mil.) with a 5" opening or larger must have a "suffocation warning." Example: "Plastic bags can be dangerous. To avoid danger of suffocation; keep this bag away from babies and children."
• -All poly bags must be transparent.
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Examples of pouches properly packaged one per bag with barcode inside the bag for protection against dust. The bags are slightly larger than the pouches.

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Example of pouch that is exposed, unprotected, and improperly packaged. The contents of the pouch are bagged, but the barcode is inside the pouch and cannot be scanned without removing it from the pouch.

Boxed Jewelry

• -Boxes made of material that is easily cleaned do not have to be bagged. Sleeves are sufficient protection from dust.
• -Boxes made of fabric-like material that is susceptible to dust or tearing must to be bagged or boxed individually with barcode displayed prominently.
• -Protective sleeve or bag should be only slightly larger than unit.
• -Box sleeves should be snug enough or secured in such a way that they will not slide off and the barcode must be visible with the sleeve in place.
• -Barcodes should be attached to box if possible; they can be attached to sleeves if secured properly.

This example shows a fabric-like box properly stored in a bag slightly larger than the box. This is properly packaged.

This example shows a box stored in a bag that is much larger than the unit and the label is not on the box. This bag is more likely to be punctured or torn and the barcode separated from the unit. This is improperly packaged.

This example shows a box poorly protected by a sleeve that is not secured enabling the box to slip out and become separated from the sleeve and the barcode. This is improperly packaged.

10. Amazon packaging requirements for Small Products

Any product whose largest side is less than 2-1/8" (the width of a credit card) needs to be packaged in a poly bag with the barcode on the outside of the bag to prevent the Unit from being misplaced or lost. This will also protect the unit from damage by tearing, dirt, dust or liquid during the fulfillment process. Some products may not be large enough to accommodate a label, and bagging the unit will allow the barcode to be fully scannable without wrapping over the edges of the product.

Permitted packaging materials:

• -Labels
• -Poly bags

Packaging guidelines

11. Amazon packaging requirements for Plexiglas products

All items shipped to an Amazon fulfillment center that are made of or packaged in plexiglas require a label at least 2"x3" that states that the product is plexiglas.

These labels help distinguish plexiglas products from products that are made of glass, which require special packaging and handling.

12. Amazon packaging requirements for Mattress

By following FBA guidance on mattress packaging, you can help ensure that mattresses are not rejected at the fulfillment center.

Mattresses must be:

• -Packaged in corrugated boxes
• -Classified as mattresses when you set up new ASINs

1. What material should never be used for Amazon packaging?

Knowing what Amazon prefers and allows is not enough. You should know what material you should never use for packaging. Not complying with the instructions of Amazon will lead to the return of stock and hence, a loss in your business.

According to the Amazon website, the materials that should be avoided while dealing with Amazon packaging requirements are:

• ● Form strips
• ● Shredded paper
• ● Styrofoam
• ● Crinkle wrap

2. What box sizes are allowed in Amazon packaging?

The most commonly used mode of packaging Amazon products is boxes. While dealing with the boxes you must keep in mind that Amazon prefers the following types of boxes.

1. Regular slotted carton (RSC)
2. Edge Crush Test-32 (ECT-32)
3. 200 lb./sq. Inch Burst Strength (200-BH)
4. B flute

The information provided about prohibited and allowed material is taken directly from Amazon’s website, so that you can get accurate information.

3. Is the correct packaging of products sold on Amazon important?

The correct packaging of products is very important for you if you are using Amazon. Unfortunately, the sellers think these are unnecessary complications induced by Amazon. While in actuality Amazon has its reasons for the strict rulings.

Poor packaging causes damage to the goods and thus damages the reputation of the seller’s business. Over-packaging causes waste and hence affects the environment.

If you do not attach proper labels your inventory can get mixed up and lost. So, keeping in mind all these things one can tell why Amazon shows strictness regarding packaging.

Not complying with the instructions of Amazon and ignoring the rules and regulations of Amazon packaging requirements can put you at loss. You may face the following penalties for such acts.

• ● You may get asked to pay a non-compliance fin
• ● Your inventory might get returned.
• ● You might get blocked for future shipping to the Amazon fulfillment center.
• ● Improper labeling may lead to the disposal of your inventory by marking it as unsellable.

4. How can I buy Amazon packaging supplies compatible with the FBA requirements?

As Amazon allows only a specific set of materials for packaging so, you should keep an eye on what to buy and what to avoid. The packaging material that meets the requirements of Amazon is available at many places.

You can even contact Amazon to buy the exact material. This will be the best deal as Amazon will provide you the material they allow, and you can save yourself from extra efforts.

What so ever Amazon packaging requirements-related service you use: you must first check the guidelines.

5. Does Amazon provide packaging material to the sellers?

Yes, Amazon provides the packaging material to the sellers. You can get poly bags, stretch wraps, boxes, bubble packs, etc. You can also get the packaging material from the 3rd party or Amazon packaging service providers.

Amazon caters to over 300 million active customers spread in over 180 countries. With only over 1.9 million active sellers worldwide, this vast market provides sellers a great opportunity for lucrative growth.

Selling on Amazon? You must comply with FBA product preparation requirements, safety requirements, and product restrictions as well as Amazon packaging requirement. Get in touch with us to learn the packaging requirements for Amazon FBA.