Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

John Lermi
Sep 22, 2024
5 min read

If you’re using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, one of the most important aspects of ensuring smooth operations is understanding and complying with Amazon’s packaging requirements. Proper packaging not only protects your products during transit but also ensures Amazon processes your inventory efficiently. Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays, fees, or rejected shipments.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Amazon FBA packaging requirements, from individual product preparation to labeling, carton requirements, and shipping.

Why Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements Matter

Amazon receives millions of products from sellers every day, and to maintain a streamlined process, the company has strict packaging guidelines. These guidelines ensure that:

Products are protected from damage.
Products can be easily scanned and tracked in the fulfillment centers.
Fulfillment efficiency is maintained, reducing delays and extra fees.

By adhering to these guidelines, sellers can avoid disruptions in their FBA processes and ensure a positive experience for customers.

Individual Product Packaging Requirements

Every product you send to Amazon FBA must be prepped and packaged according to Amazon’s specific guidelines. Here are the key requirements:

Poly Bag Requirements

If your product requires additional protection or is loose, using a poly bag is often required. However, the poly bags themselves must meet certain specifications:

Thickness: The poly bag must be at least 1.5 mil thick.
Transparency: If the bag is larger than 5” x 5”, it must have a suffocation warning. This can be printed on the bag or included as a label.
Closure: Bags must be completely sealed and must not protrude beyond the product.
Barcode Visibility: The product’s barcode (UPC, EAN, FNSKU) must be visible or scannable through the bag. If not, the barcode must be applied outside of the bag.

Bubble Wrap and Cushioning

For fragile items, Amazon requires the use of bubble wrap or other protective materials to prevent damage during handling and transit. Items like glass or ceramics should be fully encased in bubble wrap and placed in a carton that minimizes movement.

Secure Wrapping: Make sure the bubble wrap fully protects the item, with no exposed edges.
Fragile Label: Amazon does not require fragile stickers, but appropriate packaging is essential for fragile items.

Boxed Products

If your product is boxed, the box must be sturdy enough to protect the product through shipping and handling. Amazon’s requirements for boxed products include:

Sealed Closure: The box must be securely sealed with adhesive tape.
Drop Test: The product must be able to pass a 3-foot drop test on all sides without breaking or damaging the contents.

Expiration Dates

If your product has an expiration date, you must ensure that the date is clearly labeled on the packaging. The expiration date must be in MM-DD-YYYY format and easily visible on both the individual product and the outer carton.

Labeling Requirements for Amazon FBA

Proper labeling is crucial to ensure that Amazon can track and manage your inventory. Here are the main labeling guidelines you must follow:

Barcode Labeling

Every item you send to Amazon must have a scannable barcode. You can use either a Manufacturer Barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN) or an Amazon Barcode (FNSKU). If your product doesn’t already have a barcode, Amazon will generate an FNSKU for you to print and apply.

• Location: The barcode must be placed on a flat surface and be easily scannable.

• Multiple Barcodes: If your product has multiple barcodes (e.g., a UPC and an FNSKU), make sure only one barcode is visible to avoid confusion during scanning.

Poly Bag Labeling

If you’re using poly bags, the suffocation warning must be visible. In addition, the barcode must be visible through the bag or printed on a label outside the bag.

Carton Labeling

Each carton you send to Amazon must have an Amazon-provided shipping label. This label contains important information such as the carton’s destination and content. Ensure that the label is:

Placed flat on a carton side.
Not obstructed by tape or packaging materials.
Not placed over any carton edges or seams.
Not wrinkled or damaged.

Carton Requirements for Shipping to Amazon FBA

The cartons you use to ship products to Amazon must meet specific size and weight requirements:

Carton Size

Maximum Dimensions: Each carton should not exceed 25 inches on any side unless your product is oversized.
Oversized Items: If you’re shipping oversized items, ensure the carton is appropriately sized and can withstand the additional handling.

Carton Weight

Standard Carton Weight: Cartons should not exceed 50 pounds. If a carton exceeds this weight, it must be labeled “Team Lift” or “Heavy Weight.”
Special Handling Items: If your carton contains a single unit that weighs over 50 pounds, it must also be labeled accordingly.

Pallet Requirements

If you’re shipping larger quantities, you may need to send your products on pallets. Amazon has specific requirements for palletizing shipments:

Standard Pallet Size: 40 inches x 48 inches (GMA standard B grade).
Maximum Height: Including the pallet, shipments should not exceed 72 inches in height.
Weight Limit: Each pallet must not exceed 1,500 lbs.
Shrink Wrapping: All pallets must be securely shrink-wrapped to ensure the load remains stable during transport.

Common Packaging Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your products are processed efficiently by Amazon, avoid these common packaging mistakes:

Improper Label Placement: Ensure all barcodes and shipping labels are placed flat and not covered by tape or other materials.
Non-Compliance with Poly Bag Requirements: Using poly bags that are too thin or lack suffocation warnings can lead to rejected shipments.
Overweight Cartons: Cartons exceeding 50 lbs. without proper labeling can be rejected or delayed.

How PINAKL FBA Simplifies Packaging and Shipping

At PINAKL FBA, we understand how complex and time-consuming it can be to meet Amazon’s strict packaging requirements. We offer comprehensive fulfillment services to ensure your products are packaged, labeled, and shipped according to Amazon’s exact specifications. Whether you need help with poly bagging, labeling, or managing large shipments, our team can handle it all.

Let us take the headache out of FBA packaging so you can focus on growing your business.

Conclusion

Understanding and following Amazon FBA packaging requirements is crucial for ensuring that your products are accepted into Amazon’s fulfillment centers without delays or additional costs. By adhering to Amazon’s guidelines for product preparation, labeling, and shipping, you can streamline your FBA operations and avoid unnecessary headaches.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to help manage your FBA packaging and shipping, PINAKL FBA is here to help.

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