Amazon FBA Packaging Rules And Guidelines For Sellers

Feeling overwhelmed by Amazon’s strict rules? The way you package your products can make or break your FBA business. Megaficus shows you the essential Amazon FBA packaging requirements that ensure your items arrive safely, comply with Amazon guidelines, and delight your customers.

Why Is Standard Packaging On Amazon Important?

Standard packaging on Amazon delivers several key benefits for sellers:

• Enhanced customer experience: Clear, sturdy, and attractive packaging improves the unboxing experience, encourages positive reviews, and builds a strong brand reputation that fosters customer trust.
• Reduced damage and returns: Proper protection minimizes transit damage, leading to fewer product returns and customer complaints.
• Cost efficiency: Optimized packaging reduces material use, shipping weight, and overall operational expenses.

Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements

To ensure smooth processing and safe delivery, sellers must follow Amazon FBA packaging requirements carefully.

General Packaging Requirements

To ensure safe and efficient shipping, Megafucus recommends following the general packaging requirements carefully for all products.

Basic Packaging

All products sent to Amazon fulfillment centers must be securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. For example, books should be placed in a box, and cosmetics should be sealed in a protective bag. 

Bubble Wrap & Poly Bags

Individual items can be further protected using bubble wrap or poly bag, specifically:

• Bubble Wrap: Items must be tightly wrapped and able to survive a 3-foot drop test without damage.
• Poly Bags: Must meet minimum thickness standards, be fully sealed, and carry a suffocation warning for bags larger than five inches.

Expiration Dates

Products with best-by or expiration dates must use the format MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. If a label is replaced, the new label must completely cover the original. Furthermore, items in poly bags or bubble wrap must display the expiration date externally so Amazon staff can identify them upon receipt.

Overboxing

Oversized, heavy, or fragile products may require an extra outer box, called overboxing. For instance, a 12-pound fragile electronic device should be placed inside a sturdy double-walled box to avoid damage during transit. 

Sets & Multi-Piece Items

Products sold as sets or multiple pieces require clear labeling. Specifically, each set must display “Sold as set” or “Do not separate” to keep parts together. However, multi-piece items that need assembly, like furniture, are not accepted.

Amazon FBA Product Barcode Requirements

Proper barcode labeling ensures your products are tracked accurately and processed quickly at Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Below are the three main barcode types and how to use them correctly.

Manufacturer Barcodes (UPC, EAN, ISBN, JAN)

Amazon often relies on the manufacturer’s barcode (such as UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN) to identify and track products. This is the default option unless you choose to relabel your items.

Here are the key points to understand about manufacturer barcodes to give you a clear picture:

• Every product and variation (such as size or color) must carry a scannable barcode.
• If multiple sellers use the same manufacturer barcode, Amazon may fulfill orders from whichever inventory is closest to the buyer, helping speed up delivery.
• Products without eligible manufacturer barcodes must switch to an Amazon-assigned barcode (FNSKU).

Amazon Barcodes (FNSKU)

If your products do not have a manufacturer barcode, Amazon requires an FNSKU label. This barcode is unique to your product and links it directly to your seller account.

There are several ways you can apply FNSKU barcodes to your items:

• Ask your manufacturer to print the barcode directly on the packaging.
• Pay Amazon a labeling fee to apply the barcodes for you.
• Print and attach the labels yourself during the FBA shipment process.

To ensure compliance, Megaficus highlights the most important details to keep in mind:

• All barcodes must remain visible and scannable upon arrival at the fulfillment center.
• Do not cover FNSKU labels with tape, other stickers, or packaging.
• Sellers in the Amazon Brand Registry may apply for a GTIN exemption if their products do not already have a manufacturer barcode.
• Manufacturers or brand owners who prefer to embed barcodes in the packaging can use a GS1 standard UPC barcode.

Transparency Codes

If you are a brand owner, you can also use Amazon’s Transparency program to add unique authenticity codes to your products. These codes, marked with a “T” logo, help you prevent counterfeiting and reassure buyers that they are receiving genuine items.

Amazon FBA Label Requirements

Amazon requires specific labels for every shipment and product to ensure accurate tracking and quick processing at their fulfillment centers. Below, Megaficus breaks down the main label types and their rules.

Amazon FBA Shipment ID Label

This label is generated when you create a shipment plan in Seller Central and is used to identify each box in your shipment.

• Minimum size 3.33 x 4 inches (8.4 x 10.2 cm).
• Must be printed in black ink on a white background.
• Apply to a flat, unobstructed surface (not on seams or corners).
• Place two labels per box, ideally on different sides for safety.

FNSKU Product Label

Every individual unit shipped to Amazon must carry an FNSKU barcode so Amazon can link it to your seller account.

• Minimum size 1 x 2 inches (2.5 x 5 cm).
• Must completely cover any other barcode (UPC, EAN, ISBN) to prevent scanning errors.
• For items in poly bags or bubble wrap, apply the label on the outer packaging.
• Brand owners can request a GTIN exemption if their product lacks a manufacturer barcode.

Carrier Shipping Label

If you’re not using Amazon’s partnered carrier program, you’ll also need the carrier’s shipping label (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). This label is applied alongside the Shipment ID label to route the package through the carrier’s network.

Pallet Label (If Applicable)

For palletized shipments, each pallet must display four identical pallet labels.

• Placement: On all four sides of the pallet.
• Position: At least 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the bottom edge.
• Scannability: Must remain clear and readable even after pallet wrapping.

Amazon FBA Inbound Shipping Requirements

When your products are ready to be shipped to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, you must follow inbound shipping rules to ensure smooth receiving and avoid delays or penalties.

Box Content Information

When creating a shipment in Seller Central, you must provide detailed box content information, including the exact items inside each carton (SKU or ASIN), the quantity of each item, the item condition (new, used, or refurbished), unit identifiers such as FNSKU, UPC, or EAN codes, and any special handling notes for fragile or perishable products. 

By doing so, Amazon can accurately scan, receive, and store your inventory. Otherwise, missing or inaccurate content information may lead to additional fees or delayed processing.

Carton Specifications

Amazon sets strict limits on box size, weight, and unit capacity depending on the shipping method used:

• Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) Shipments:
  • Maximum box dimensions: 25 inches on any side.
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs per carton.
  • Maximum unit capacity: 200 units per carton.
• Non-Partnered Carrier Shipments:
  • Maximum box dimensions: 25 inches on any side.
  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs per carton.
  • Maximum unit capacity: 500 units per carton.

Packaging and Cushioning

All cartons must be sturdy, fully sealed, and capable of protecting contents during transit. Amazon specifies acceptable and prohibited materials:

• Acceptable materials: Bubble wrap, kraft paper, air pillows, polyethylene foam sheets.
• Prohibited materials: Packing peanuts, foam pieces, shredded paper, thermocol chips, styrofoam.

Products must have at least 2 inches of cushioning between contents and the interior walls of the box. Reused boxes are permitted only if all old labels, tape, and markings are removed.

How To Make Your Product Packaging Unique And Eye-Catching

Designing unique and eye-catching packaging helps your product grab attention and encourages customers to make a purchase.

Keep Packaging Simple And Convenient

Simple packaging helps customers quickly identify your product and open it easily. So, you can use a clear layout with one main product image and a brief description instead of overloading the box with multiple graphics. Additionally, choose easy-open designs like magnetic closures or pull-out trays so customers can access the item immediately. 

Visual elements also matter. Sellers can use readable fonts like Helvetica, Lato, or Open Sans and soft, pleasant colors such as pastel blue, light beige, or soft mint green to create a visually appealing and comfortable viewing experience.

Understand Your Target Audience

Knowing who will buy your product guides your design choices. Products for children might benefit from bright colors and playful illustrations, while adult-focused items could use minimalist designs with elegant fonts. 

For example, if you sell skincare products targeting professional women, you should choose sophisticated packaging with matte finishes, soft pastel colors, and clean typography. By doing so, this design approach aligns with their preference for elegance and simplicity, making your product more appealing on the shelf.

Include Customized Product Inserts

You can include a thank-you note, clear usage instructions, or a small card that highlights the product’s key features. For instance, when selling wireless earbuds, you could include a simple card showing tips for pairing devices, adjusting fit, or extending battery life.. By providing this helpful information, customers can feel more connected to your brand without you directly asking for reviews.

Use Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly packaging appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and can reduce shipping costs. Materials like recyclable cardboard, reusable containers, glass bottles, or organic fabrics are effective choices. 

For example, if you’re selling coffee or tea products, you can use compostable bags with a prominent “100% recyclable” label on the packaging. Doing so demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and attracts customers who prioritize eco-friendly brands.

Several Packaging Mistakes for FBA Sellers and How To Fix Them

Avoiding common packaging mistakes can save time, reduce costs, and ensure your FBA products reach customers safely.

Inaccurate Labeling

Many FBA sellers place labels incorrectly or use the wrong information, which can cause delays at Amazon’s fulfillment centers. For example, a barcode that does not match the product prevents proper scanning, and items with mismatched labels may even be rejected.

Moreover, missing secondary labels, such as expiration dates or safety warnings, can lead to compliance can lead to serious problems like inventory holds, shipment rejections, or extra fees from Amazon.

To prevent these problems, sellers should carefully check that every label matches the product inside and is placed according to Amazon’s guidelines. Additionally, verifying all required secondary labels ensures that items pass the fulfillment center checks without delays.

Inadequate Packaging Materials

Using weak or insufficient packaging is a common issue. For instance, sending a glass bottle in a thin cardboard box without padding can lead to breakage during transit, resulting in damaged products, unhappy customers, and refund requests.

Sellers should choose sturdy boxes and protective materials, such as bubble wrap, foam inserts, or paper padding. Furthermore, fragile items should be cushioned and secured so that they cannot move inside the box, which reduces the risk of damage and improves customer satisfaction.

Excessive Packaging

Some sellers overpack their items. While using enough protection is necessary, excessive packaging increases costs and environmental impact. For example, wrapping a small item in multiple layers of large boxes and padding adds unnecessary weight and shipping fees.

To optimize packaging and shipping costs, sellers can use only the materials needed to keep the product safe. For instance, a single layer of bubble wrap or a few sheets of paper filler is often sufficient.

Wrong Box Dimensions

Boxes that are too small or too large can create problems. For example, a tight box may damage the product during handling, while a box that is too large can result in extra fees and slower processing.
All you need to do is measure your products carefully and select boxes that fit within Amazon’s size guidelines. Also, ensure that the box is neither too tight nor too loose. This can be referred to Amazon’s box dimension chart to confirm that your packaging complies with their requirements.

Inaccurate Or Partial Packaging Information

Some sellers provide incomplete or incorrect information about the packaging, such as wrong weight or missing dimensions, which can lead to non-compliance, processing delays, and potential fees.

Before shipment, sellers must verify all packaging information by checking that the box weight, dimensions, and contents match the data entered in Amazon’s system to prevent delays.

Moreover, cross-checking this information against Amazon’s packaging guidelines ensures smooth processing and avoids penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements