Amazon FBA Shipment Requirements: A Complete Guide for Sellers

Using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service can significantly streamline your logistics by outsourcing storage, shipping, and customer service to Amazon. However, to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays or penalties, it’s essential to follow Amazon’s strict shipment requirements.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key Amazon FBA shipment requirements, from preparing and labeling your products to packaging and shipping your inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers.

Why Following Amazon FBA Shipment Requirements Is Crucial

Amazon handles millions of shipments daily, and to keep operations efficient, they enforce strict guidelines for how inventory should be prepared and shipped to their fulfillment centers. Failure to comply with these rules can result in:

• Rejected or delayed shipments.

• Additional fees for unplanned services.

• Negative impacts on your seller account and fulfillment timelines.

Following the correct shipment process ensures your products are accepted and available for sale as quickly as possible.

Key Amazon FBA Shipment Requirements

Product Preparation

Amazon has specific guidelines for how products should be prepared before they are sent to fulfillment centers. This includes proper labeling, protective packaging, and bundling.

• Labeling: Every item sent to Amazon must have a scannable barcode. You can use either the manufacturer barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN) or Amazon’s FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit). If you choose to use the FNSKU, you must apply the label to each unit, ensuring the barcode is visible and scannable.

• Packaging: Products must be packaged securely to prevent damage during transit. Fragile items may require bubble wrap or polybags, while liquids must be double-sealed to prevent leaks. Electronics and sharp items require protective materials like bubble wrap or secure enclosures.

• Bundling and Multipacks: If you’re selling products as bundles or multipacks, they must be packaged together as a single unit. The bundle must have a single scannable barcode.

Labeling Requirements

Once your products are prepped, you need to ensure your cartons and pallets are properly labeled to meet Amazon’s shipment requirements.

• Shipping Labels: Every box or pallet must have a unique shipping label generated from Amazon’s Seller Central system. This label contains key details like the fulfillment center address and your shipment ID.

• Placement: The label should be placed flat on the largest side of the carton, avoiding edges or seams. Ensure the barcode on the label is not obstructed or covered by tape, and that it is easily scannable.

• Pallet Labels: If you are shipping on pallets, each pallet must also have its own pallet label. Place one label on each side of the pallet for easy visibility during receiving.

Carton and Pallet Requirements

To ensure safe and efficient handling, Amazon has specific size, weight, and palletizing requirements for cartons and pallets:

• Carton Size: Each carton should not exceed 25 inches on any side, and oversized cartons may require special handling.

• Carton Weight: Cartons should not exceed 50 lbs. If a carton weighs more than 50 lbs., it must be labeled as “Team Lift” or “Heavy Weight.” Cartons containing a single oversized unit (e.g., furniture or large appliances) may exceed this limit but must be properly labeled.

• Pallet Size: Pallets should measure 40” x 48” and not exceed 72 inches in height. Each pallet should weigh no more than 1,500 lbs. Ensure that pallets are shrink-wrapped securely to prevent shifting during transport.

Shipping Methods

Once your products are prepared and labeled, you can arrange for shipping to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon allows two main options:

• Amazon-Partnered Carriers: Amazon offers discounted rates through its partnered carrier network. This option can save on shipping costs and simplifies tracking. If you choose this method, the shipping labels are generated in Seller Central and you’ll be billed through Amazon’s system.

• Self-Arranged Shipping: If you prefer to use your own shipping carrier, you are responsible for managing all aspects of the shipment, including transportation, tracking, and delivery to the fulfillment center.

Inventory and Shipment Tracking

Once your shipment is on its way, it’s important to track its progress in Seller Central to ensure it reaches Amazon’s fulfillment center without issues. Amazon provides real-time tracking updates and confirms when your inventory is received and processed.

• Tracking Shipments: Amazon provides tracking numbers for shipments sent via Amazon-partnered carriers. If you used your own carrier, ensure they provide tracking updates to monitor the shipment’s progress.

• Inventory Availability: Once the shipment is received, Amazon will check in and process the items. This can take several days. Once processed, your products will be available for sale.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Amazon FBA shipment requirements may seem straightforward, many sellers run into issues that cause delays or additional fees. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect Labeling: Ensure all products and cartons are properly labeled with Amazon-approved barcodes and shipping labels.

• Overweight Cartons: Cartons exceeding the 50-lb limit must be properly labeled. Failing to label heavy boxes can result in delays or fines.

• Improper Packaging: Ensure that fragile items are well protected, liquid items are double-sealed, and all products are prepared according to Amazon’s guidelines.

• Shipping Multiple Orders in One Box: If you’re shipping multiple orders to different fulfillment centers, ensure each shipment is packaged separately and labeled correctly.

How PINAKL FBA Can Help Simplify the Process

Navigating Amazon FBA’s shipment requirements can be time-consuming and complex, especially for growing businesses. At PINAKL FBA, we offer complete fulfillment services to ensure your shipments are packaged, labeled, and shipped according to Amazon’s exact requirements.

Here’s how we can help:

• Product Preparation and Labeling: We ensure that all your products are labeled correctly with FNSKU or manufacturer barcodes, following Amazon’s packaging guidelines.

• Shipping Expertise: Whether you’re using Amazon-partnered carriers or arranging your own shipping, we manage the logistics for you, ensuring that your products arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers without issues.

• Inventory Management: We track your shipments and manage your inventory to ensure your products are available for sale as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Complying with Amazon FBA’s shipment requirements is essential for ensuring your inventory is accepted and processed efficiently by Amazon’s fulfillment centers. From proper labeling and packaging to understanding carton and weight limits, following these guidelines helps avoid delays, fines, and rejections.

If you’re looking for a reliable fulfillment partner to handle your Amazon FBA shipments, contact PINAKL FBA today for expert fulfillment services tailored to your business.