Packaging Requirements for Amazon FBA, What you Need to Know!

Overview of Basic Packaging Requirements for Amazon FBA

Selling on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) requires adherence to specific packaging requirements to ensure products arrive safely and are handled efficiently. It can seem complicated for those just starting out in e-commerce, but also to those with little, or no experience when it comes to packaging.

While it is exciting to be venturing out and open up a new sales channel, it’s importing to understand the climb you have in front of you. Failing to adhere to Amazon's packaging guidelines for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can lead to several penalties and negative consequences for you as a seller.

The good news is that selling on Amazon has become such a common practice that most packaging companies should be well aware of the requirements. And of course we recommend you hire sherpa, but if you plan to go it alone, the following should help point you in the right directions as well as give you heads up to what might happen should you find yourself off the beaten path.

We’ll start with the basic requirements, and then follow it up with an awareness of the penalties and repercussions.

The basic packaging requirements for Amazon FBA:

1. General Packaging Guidelines

• Packaging Materials: Use sturdy, six-sided boxes made of standard corrugated cardboard. Avoid using flimsy or damaged boxes.

• Weight and Size Limits: Ensure that the weight and dimensions of your package comply with Amazon’s guidelines. Typically, packages should not exceed 50 lbs (22.7 kg). Overweight items (over 50 lbs) should be clearly marked as "Team Lift."

• Package Sealing: Securely seal packages using tape that is at least 2 inches wide. Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape if needed to ensure it can support the weight of the contents. You’ll get the most strength out of a water activated tape.

2. Product Preparation Requirements

• Poly Bags: If your product is placed in a poly bag, the bag must be transparent, have a suffocation warning label, and be at least 1.5 mil thick. Poly bags with openings larger than 5 inches must have a suffocation warning printed or attached.

• Bubble Wrap: Use bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Wrap items individually and ensure they are secured within the box to prevent movement during transit.

• Taping: Tape poly bags and bubble wrap securely to prevent them from opening during transit.

3. Item Labeling Requirements

• FNSKU Labels: Each item must have an FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label that is scannable and unique to Amazon. The FNSKU label must be placed on the outside of each item’s packaging. If you item does not have a barcode, you must print and apply an Amazon barcode.

• Label Placement: Place labels on a flat surface of the package. Avoid placing labels over corners, seams, or on rounded surfaces.

• Visibility: Ensure that barcodes are easily scannable and not obstructed by any packaging materials or damage.

4. Specific Packaging Types

• Case-Packed Products: If shipping multiple units of the same product, they can be shipped in a single box. Ensure all units have matching barcodes and that the case has a label indicating the number of units inside.

• Expiration Dates: Products with expiration dates must have the dates clearly visible on the outer packaging. Use the format MM-DD-YYYY or similar.

5. Packaging Products

• Dunnage: Amazon approved dunnage includes foam, air pillows, bubble wrap, or full sheets of paper. Ensure product is properly secured using one of these forms of voidfill.

• Bundling: Do not ship loose products. Each item must be contained within a single, secure package.

• Multi-Packs: For multi-pack items, secure the pack together with packaging material or shrink wrap to prevent separation during handling.

6. Special Packaging Requirements

• Sharp Items: Cover sharp edges and points with protective packaging to prevent injury and damage.

• Liquids: Ensure liquids are securely sealed and packaged to prevent leakage. Double-seal the containers and place them in poly bags or use leak-proof packaging.

• Powders and Granules: Package powders and granules in sealed containers to prevent spills. Use double packaging if necessary.

7. Shipment Preparation

• Shipment Labels: Each box will have two labels. A unique shipping label as well as an FBA Box ID which tells amazon what’s in the box as we as identifies you as the seller. Ensure that labels are affixed securely and are easily readable. Each packaging will have two labels

• Label Placement: Labels should be no closer than a 1/4” form the edge of the box and should not be placed over seams, corners, or edges.

• Pallet Requirements: If shipping large quantities, ensure pallets are stackable, shrink-wrapped, and labeled with the appropriate shipment details.

8. Prohibited Packaging Materials

• Materials to Avoid: Do not use packing peanuts, shredded paper, or other loose fill materials. These can create handling issues and may cause products to shift within the box.

• Prohibited Items: Ensure that your packaging does not contain any hazardous or restricted materials.

The primary penalties for not adhering:

1. Rejection of Shipment

• Refusal at the Fulfillment Center: Amazon may refuse to accept improperly packaged shipments upon arrival at their fulfillment centers. This means your products will be sent back to you, leading to additional shipping costs and delays.

2. Chargebacks and Fees

• Non-Compliance Fees: Amazon may charge non-compliance fees for shipments that do not meet their packaging requirements. These fees are intended to cover the additional handling and processing required to make the items compliant.

• Labeling and Prep Fees: If your items are not properly labeled or prepped, Amazon may label and prepare the items for you and charge fees for this service. These fees can add up quickly and reduce your profit margins.

3. Delays in Inventory Availability

• Delayed Check-In: Non-compliant shipments may face delays in being checked into Amazon’s inventory. This can result in stock shortages, lost sales opportunities, and a negative impact on your seller metrics.

4. Damage to Inventory

• Increased Risk of Damage: Improperly packaged items are more likely to be damaged during transit or while being handled at the fulfillment center. Damaged inventory can lead to returns, refunds, and dissatisfied customers, harming your seller reputation.

5. Removal Orders

• Forced Removal: Amazon may require you to create a removal order for non-compliant inventory. You will need to pay for the shipping costs to have the items returned to you or disposed of by Amazon.

6. Suspension of Seller Account

• Account Suspension: Repeated violations of Amazon’s packaging guidelines can lead to more severe penalties, including the suspension of your seller account. This means you would be unable to sell on Amazon until the issues are resolved and your account is reinstated.

7. Negative Impact on Seller Metrics

• Poor Performance Metrics: Non-compliance with packaging guidelines can negatively impact your performance metrics, such as order defect rate (ODR) and late shipment rate (LSR). Poor metrics can reduce your chances of winning the Buy Box and affect your overall seller ranking.

8. Customer Dissatisfaction

• Negative Reviews and Feedback: Improper packaging can lead to damaged goods and unhappy customers, resulting in negative reviews and feedback. This can tarnish your brand’s reputation and deter potential buyers.

9. Additional Handling and Processing Time

• Increased Processing Time: Non-compliant shipments require additional handling and processing time by Amazon staff. This can slow down the time it takes for your inventory to become available for sale.

Tips for Avoiding Penalties

To avoid these penalties, it’s essential to:

• Hire a Professional:

  • Hiring a professional is worth every penny and will save you a significant amount of time, while ensuring you have a successful journey ahead. The Packaging Sherpa is eager to be your guide..

• Familiarize Yourself with Guidelines:

  • Thoroughly review and understand Amazon’s FBA packaging requirements.

• Proper Training:

  • Ensure that you and your staff are well-trained on how to properly package and label items according to Amazon’s standards.

• Quality Control:

  • Implement strict quality control measures to ensure that all shipments meet Amazon’s requirements before they are sent to the fulfillment center.

• Regular Audits:

  • Conduct regular audits of your packaging processes to identify and rectify any issues promptly.

By adhering to these basic packaging requirements, sellers can ensure their products are properly prepared for Amazon FBA, minimizing the risk of damage, delays, and non-compliance issues. Proper packaging not only protects the products but also enhances the overall customer experience, reflecting positively on the seller’s brand.