Amazon FBA Prep and Packaging Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide

Selling on Amazon FBA can be a game-changer for your business, but to succeed, it's crucial to understand and adhere to Amazon’s strict prep and packaging requirements. Whether you're new to Amazon FBA or an experienced seller, getting your products prepared correctly can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Missing or incorrectly followed prep guidelines can delay shipments, lead to penalties, or even prevent your products from being listed.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through Amazon FBA’s prep and packaging requirements, explaining everything you need to know to ensure your products are ready for the FBA fulfillment centers. From labeling to packaging materials and shipment guidelines, we’ll dive into the details that matter most to sellers. We’ll also share expert tips, real-life examples, and some stats to help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure your products are FBA-ready.

What Are Amazon FBA Prep and Packaging Requirements?

Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements are a set of guidelines that sellers must follow to ensure that their products are properly prepared and packaged for storage and shipment at Amazon’s fulfillment centers. These guidelines cover everything from labeling and packaging materials to shipment labeling and product condition. Properly following these requirements is essential for ensuring your products are eligible for Amazon’s Prime program, avoiding delays, and reducing the chances of additional fees or penalties.

Why Are These Requirements Important?

Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements exist for several reasons:

• Operational Efficiency: Clear and consistent packaging allows Amazon’s fulfillment centers to quickly and efficiently process orders.
• Customer Experience: Properly prepared products help minimize the risk of returns, damage, or delayed shipments.
• Compliance: Adhering to Amazon’s requirements ensures you stay compliant with their policies and avoid penalties or additional charges.

In essence, these guidelines ensure that your products arrive at Amazon’s warehouses in the right condition, properly labeled, and ready to be shipped to customers. Failure to meet these standards can result in delays in your listings, added costs, or even inventory rejection, all of which can negatively impact your seller account and sales.

Amazon Prep Categories and Guidelines

When selling through Amazon FBA, your products must comply with specific prep and packaging categories based on the type of items you’re sending. These prep categories ensure that your items are handled correctly, packaged securely, and meet Amazon’s standards for quick processing and shipment. Below are the key Amazon FBA prep requirements that sellers need to follow.

Product Condition and Labeling

One of the first steps in Amazon’s prep category guidelines is ensuring your products are labeled correctly. Each product must have an FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) barcode for proper tracking. This is a requirement for all items being sold via Amazon FBA.

• Label Placement: The Amazon FBA prep requirements state that the barcode should be placed clearly on the product, avoiding any folds or areas that might obscure it during scanning. Labels must also be printed with high-quality ink to avoid smudging.

Required Packaging Standards

As part of Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements, certain products must be packaged in a specific way to ensure they are protected during transport and in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. This includes:

• Polybags: Many items, such as apparel or textiles, require packaging in clear polybags, which must be sealed securely with a suffocation warning label.
• Bubble Wrap & Shrink Wrap: Fragile items must be cushioned in bubble wrap or shrink-wrapped to prevent damage. Packaging must adhere to Amazon FBA prep and packaging guidelines for fragility.

Prep Category Types

Amazon categorizes items into specific prep types, depending on the level of care required for packaging:

• Standard Prep: General products that follow basic labeling and packaging standards.
• Labeling Prep: Items that require special labeling, like FNSKUs or specific barcode requirements.
• Hazardous Materials: Products such as batteries or chemicals that require special handling under the Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements for hazardous materials.

By understanding the different prep categories, you can ensure your products are prepared in line with Amazon’s FBA packaging and prep requirements and avoid penalties or delays in processing.

Specific Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements

Once you’ve got the basics of FBA prep down, it’s time to dive into Amazon’s specific packaging and prep requirements. Amazon has detailed guidelines to make sure your products meet both their shipping and safety standards. Whether you’re shipping Amazon FBA shipments or simply preparing products for storage, adhering to these standards is critical for avoiding mistakes and ensuring smooth fulfillment.

Packaging Dimensions and Size Limits

Understanding the Amazon FBA weight limit and packaging restrictions is crucial for effective shipping. Here’s what you need to know:

• Max Weight per Unit: Amazon’s FBA packaging and prep requirements specify that products cannot exceed 50 lbs per unit unless they meet special conditions. For products heavier than 50 lbs, you may need to pack them in separate boxes to meet the limit.
• Size Limits: Amazon enforces strict limits on packaging dimensions, with the maximum box size being 25” x 25” x 30”. For Amazon FBA shipments, be sure to pack your items within these dimensional restrictions to avoid incurring oversized fees.

Packaging Material

The material used for packaging also plays an important role in ensuring your items meet Amazon’s prep category Amazon standards. Some key points to keep in mind:

• Corrugated Boxes: Amazon requires that items be shipped in strong, double-walled corrugated boxes that can handle the weight and protect the contents during transit.
• Sealing: Proper sealing is necessary. Use high-quality packing tape to ensure the boxes stay intact during transit.
• Polybags and Labels: Items that require polybags must be sealed tightly with the proper suffocation warning label, which is part of the Amazon prep category Amazon guidelines.

Sealing & Protection Standards

When packing fragile or delicate products, Amazon’s FBA packaging and prep requirements mandate extra care:

• Bubble Wrap: Ensure fragile products are wrapped in protective bubble wrap or other cushioning materials.
• Fragile Labels: Consider adding "fragile" labels to your packaging to alert Amazon warehouse staff to handle with care.
• Packaging for Liquids or Hazardous Materials: If shipping liquids or hazardous materials, make sure to follow the specific packaging rules under Amazon FBA prep requirements for hazardous items.

By following these specific packaging requirements, you can ensure that your products are safely transported to Amazon’s warehouses, minimizing the risk of damage and increasing your chances of smooth processing and fulfillment.

FBA Shipment Requirements

Once your products are prepped and packaged according to Amazon’s FBA prep and packaging requirements, it’s time to ship them to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. The Amazon FBA shipment requirements cover everything from labeling your shipments to choosing the right carrier. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your shipment meets all the necessary guidelines.

Shipment Labeling & Tracking

Each shipment you send to Amazon needs to be properly labeled to ensure the products are processed correctly. Here’s a breakdown of Amazon FBA shipment requirements:

• Shipment Labels: You’ll need to generate a shipment plan through Amazon Seller Central. Once you’ve created the plan, you’ll receive shipment labels that you must attach to each box. These labels should be large, clear, and placed on the top of each box for easy scanning.
• Tracking Information: Amazon requires that you provide tracking information for every shipment. This helps Amazon keep track of where your inventory is and ensures that the fulfillment process goes smoothly. Not providing this info could delay the receipt of your products.

Shipping Cartons & Boxes

When preparing your shipment, you’ll need to follow the Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements for shipping cartons and boxes. Here are the key guidelines:

• Max Weight per Carton: While individual units can weigh up to 50 lbs, the total weight per shipping carton must be under 150 lbs. If your products are heavy or bulky, consider splitting them into multiple boxes to avoid exceeding the weight limit.
• Box Sizes: Each box must meet Amazon’s dimensional requirements. Boxes that are too large or too small could incur additional fees. Make sure to follow the size limits carefully to avoid any unexpected costs.
• Multi-Box Shipments: If you’re sending multiple boxes as part of one shipment, each box needs to be labeled separately with the shipment ID and tracking number. This ensures that Amazon can properly scan and identify each part of your shipment.

Amazon FBA Shipment Plan

Creating a shipment plan through Amazon Seller Central is one of the most important steps in the process. In the shipment plan, you’ll define the products you’re sending, their quantities, and the fulfillment center you’ll be shipping them to. Once the plan is created, Amazon will provide you with detailed instructions on where and how to send your inventory.

By following these Amazon FBA shipment requirements, you’ll ensure that your products are received and processed quickly, helping you meet your delivery targets and avoid unnecessary delays.

Amazon FBA Weight Limitations

Understanding Amazon FBA weight limits is crucial for ensuring your products are compliant with Amazon’s policies and that your shipments arrive at fulfillment centers without issues. Amazon has specific weight restrictions for units, cartons, and shipments, and exceeding these limits can lead to additional fees or rejection of your products. Here’s what you need to know about Amazon FBA weight limits.

Max Weight per Unit

For most products, Amazon allows a max weight per unit of 50 lbs. However, certain categories and special handling products may have different rules. For example:

• Heavy Products: If your product exceeds 50 lbs, it may be subject to higher fees, or you may need to ship it in multiple packages to stay under the weight limit.
• Oversized Items: If the weight and dimensions of a product exceed the standard size limits, it may fall into the oversized category, which means you’ll incur higher storage fees. Oversized items also require special handling during both the inbound and outbound shipping process.

Packing Heavy Items

When it comes to packing heavier products, Amazon has additional FBA packaging and prep requirements to ensure that the items are safe for transport and storage:

• Use of Multiple Boxes: If your product exceeds the 50 lb limit, Amazon suggests splitting it into multiple boxes, each under 50 lbs, to ensure the product can be safely handled by fulfillment center workers.
• Strength of Boxes: For heavier items, you may need to use double-walled boxes for added strength. Amazon also recommends that heavy items be packed with extra padding to prevent any damage during storage or shipment.

Shipping Heavy Products

If your product is over 50 lbs but still within the oversized category, you’ll need to make sure that the packaging is properly reinforced, and the box is labeled clearly with the correct Amazon FBA shipment requirements for oversized goods. Proper labeling is critical to ensure your items are handled correctly.

By understanding and adhering to the Amazon FBA weight limits and FBA packaging requirements, you can avoid costly penalties, ensure your products are processed quickly, and improve the overall efficiency of your shipments to Amazon.

The "Send to Amazon" Process Workflow

The process of sending inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers is broadly classified into the following:

Creating new products vs replenishing existing Products

There are two ways to create a shipment to Amazon FBA. The first one is ‘Send to Amazon’. This is for new products or products that are not currently in stock at Amazon's fulfillment centers. The second is ‘Send/replenish inventory’, this is for seller products that are already in stock at Amazon's fulfillment centers but need to be replenished.

Creating a shipping plan

Next, use the Amazon Seller Central platform to create a shipping plan, specifying details like pick-up location, individual or case-packed items, how many boxes, how many units per box, the dimensions of the boxes, and the package weight, etc. 

Prepping products

Prep your FBA inventory for shipping based on Amazon's guidelines, such as polybagging or bubble-wrapping, to ensure they arrive at the order fulfillment center in the desired condition.

Packaging

Sellers package items according to Amazon's FBA packaging requirements, including box size, weight limits, and proper warehouse labeling. Here, compliance is crucial to prevent inventory rejection.

Labeling

Each unit must be labeled with a scannable barcode, FNSKU number, item name, and condition. Sellers must follow labeling guidelines stated by Amazon to avoid any fines in the form of added fees. 

Shipping

In the final stage of shipping products to Amazon fulfillment centers, sellers can choose either an Amazon-partnered carrier or a non-partner carrier. When opting for a non-partner carrier, you must submit the tracking code of the shipment. 

Factors determining the Amazon prep and pack process

Several factors influence the prep and pack process for Amazon FBA shipments. These factors can be broadly categorized into three main areas:

Product characteristics

1. Product size: The size of the product directly impacts the packaging requirements. Smaller products may be individually packed, while larger products may require case-packed shipping.
2. Product weight: Heavier products may require more robust packaging to prevent damage during ecommerce shipping process. The weight also affects the shipping method, with smaller and lighter products typically shipped as small parcel delivery and larger and heavier products shipped as LTL or FTL.
3. Fragility: Fragile products require special handling and packaging in warehouse to prevent damage. This may include using bubble wrap or other protective materials.
   

Case Packed vs Individual Packed

Case-packed shipping is more efficient for large quantities of identical products. This is because it reduces the need for individual labeling and handling.

However, individual packing is the right option if you are sending out products of different categories and types.

Small Parcel vs LTL/FTL Shipment

Small Parcel Shipments are typically less than 150 pounds and fit within Amazon's standard box dimensions. LTL and FTL shipments are larger and heavier, requiring pallet packaging and specialized transportation. 

Another factor is cost, where small parcel shipments are generally more cost-effective for smaller shipments, while LTL and FTL are more economical for larger shipments.

Amazon partner carrier vs non-partner carrier

The final step in sending your product to FBA is choosing between Amazon-partnered carriers and non-partner carriers. FBA-partnered carriers offer potential cost savings through discounted rates and integration benefits within the Amazon system. Sellers must update the shipment tracking ID in Seller Central if they choose non-partner carriers.

Product Prepping for Amazon FBA

In Amazon FBA, meticulous product prepping is essential. This process involves ensuring that each unit adheres to Amazon's specific packaging and labeling requirements. 

What is the prepping process?

The prepping process for Amazon FBA entails getting products ready for storage and shipment within Amazon's fulfillment network. By having an efficient prepping process in place, you can ensure that items are adequately protected, labeled, and compliant with Amazon's guidelines to facilitate smooth and efficient processing.

Prepping for different types of products

The Amazon FBA prep varies for different product types, and if the packaging does not comply with the requirements, they are either sent back to the seller or repacked by Amazon, and a fee is levied for each item.

Sharp and pointed

Sharp and pointed items like scissors, tools, and metal raw materials must be wrapped in bubble wrap or placed inside a box to cover all exposed edges and the barcode applied.  

Fragile or glass objects

Fragile or glass objects such as frames, clocks, mirrors, and liquids in glass bottles or jars must be wrapped in bubble wrap or placed inside a box. Also, the prepped item must withstand a 3-foot drop onto a hard surface without breaking. The barcode applied must be scannable without opening or unwrapping the packaged item. 

Liquids (not in glass)

For liquids in plastic bottles holding more than 16 oz without a double seal, either apply a second seal or place the container in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag to prevent leakage. The barcode must be scannable without opening or unwrapping the packaged item. 

Apparel, fabric, plush, and textile

Place the item in a transparent bag with a suffocation warning and seal the bag. Ensure the barcode is scannable without opening or unwrapping the bag.

Sold as set

Products that are sold as set, for example, a package containing six tubes of toothbrush sold as one unit, must bear clear markings on their packaging indicating that they are sets. Attach a label to each unit explicitly stating that the products are intended to be received and sold as a single unit. Examples of suitable labels include "Sold as set," "Ready to ship," or "This is a set. Do not separate."

Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) Labels 

Another critical prepping step in FBA is sticking FNSKU labels. These are unique identifiers that link products to the Amazon seller account. FNSKU labels are crucial for accurate inventory management and order processing within the Amazon fulfillment system. This unique label can help differentiate your product from other sellers’ products. 

The FNSKU labels must be affixed to a flat surface of each individual unit, ensuring they are scannable and easily accessible for efficient tracking. Amazon FBA states that sellers must use FNSKU labels that are at least 1 inch by 2 inches for optimal visibility and scanning accuracy.

FBA packaging requirements for Small Parcel Delivery (SPD)

Amazon accepts two types of deliveries based on the size of a shipment: Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) and Less Than Truckload/Full Truck Load (LTL/FTL). In SPD, individual boxes/packages of products (case packed or individual packed) are sent to the Amazon warehouse. SPD has a limit of 200 items when using a partner carrier. It is a popular choice among sellers because the prepping, packing, and labeling processes are much simpler in this method.  

Individual packed vs case-packed

While setting up a shipment in the Amazon Seller Central account, sellers will be asked for the packing type they will be using – case-packed or individual products. So, in case-packed products, the shipment boxes must contain identical items with the same SKUs and in the same condition. Whereas, if the products in the box are different from each other or have different SKU numbers, they fall under individual packed. 

While creating a shipment plan for case-packed products, sellers need to specify the number of cases of each SKU they will send. Amazon will then generate a shipment ID label for you to attach to each box.

For individually packed products, sellers will specify the number of items of each SKU they send. Amazon will then generate an FNSKU label for each item. You must attach the FNSKU label to each item before you ship it to Amazon. 

Weight, dimension, and other requirements

Boxes containing multiple standard-size items must not exceed 25" on any side. Also, boxes containing multiple items must weigh less than or equal to 50 lbs. (boxes containing a single item may exceed 50 lbs.) Additionally, boxes containing a single oversized item weighing more than 50 lbs must have “Team Lift” safety labels on the top and sides of the box.

Boxes containing a single oversized item that weighs more than 100 lbs. have “Mechanical Lift” safety labels on the top and sides of the box.
Sellers can use approved dunnage, including foam, air pillows, bubble wrap, or full sheets of paper as protective material within the boxes.

FBA packaging requirements LTL and Full Truck Load (FTL)  

Less Than Truckload/Full Truckload (LTL/FTL) shipment combines individual boxes on pallets for delivery. The pallets that are sent to Amazon FBA must adhere to the requirements to avoid a return of inventory. The most important requirement is the type of pallet you use. Amazon requires pallet material to be wooden and will reject plastic pallets and must be GMA standard Grade B or higher.

Here are the pallet weight and dimension requirements:  

• Amazon FBA standard pallet width: 40 inches by 48 inches (100cm x 120cm)
• Amazon FBA pallet height limit: not more than 72 inches or 182.5 cm for a single pallet (together with the pallet itself). And for double-stacked pallets, the maximum height is 100 inches or 254cm.
• Amazon FBA pallet weight limit: 1,500 Ibs or 680.4kg

While palletizing, ensure the pallets are stackable and must have a uniform flat top. Place the heaviest boxes on the bottom of the pallet first and create a more stable base. This will also ensure the lighter products from getting crushed.

Once you are done staking up the boxes, seal the pallet with transparent wrapping material – this will allow Amazon to scan the barcodes easily. Also, to prevent the boxes from sliding, wrap pallets multiple times. It becomes crucial when you are using the PIPO method.

FBA labeling requirements

Labeling is one of the crucial steps while sending your FBA product to Amazon fulfillment centers. Before we delve into the labeling process, here’s a list of definitions sellers must be familiar with: 

Box label: It is a label that is attached to the outside of boxes that are shipped to Amazon's fulfillment centers. The label contains information on SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), FNSKU (Fulfillment Network SKU), quantity, box number, shipment ID, etc. 

Pallet label: In Amazon FBA, a pallet label is affixed to the exterior of a pallet and contains crucial shipment details such as the shipment ID, Amazon-assigned pallet ID, destination fulfillment center, handling instructions, and barcodes for automated tracking. 

Shipping label: It is the label that sellers affix to the outside of each package that they ship to Amazon's fulfillment network. It contains information such as the Seller name, "Ship to" address (the fulfillment center address that Fulfillment by Amazon provided to you), and "Ship from" address.

Labeling for small parcel shipments

Small parcels have two labels per box: one FBA box ID label and one shipping (automatically generated if you choose the Amazon-partnered carrier). Place small parcel labels on the side no less than 1⁄4" from the edge of the box. Ensure you do not place small parcel labels over seams, edges, or corners.

The ideal label size for small parcel shipments in Amazon FBA is 4 inches x 6 inches (10.2 cm x 15.2 cm). However, Amazon allows for slightly larger or smaller labels within a reasonable range. Amazon also recommends using thermal or laser printers, and sellers must avoid inkjets, as they are more susceptible to smearing or fading.

Labeling for LTL/FTL shipments

In the LTL/FTL, when you are sending pallets, each pallet must have four labels, with one placed in the top center of each side of the pallet. You can generate the pallet ID and shipping labels in Amazon Seller Central.

Key takeaways 

Here are some of the key takeaways from this blog that can help sellers be on top of their Amazon FBA prep and packaging game: 

• Adherence to Amazon's FBA prepping and packaging requirements is essential to avoid refusal, returns, and additional fees

• Create a detailed shipping plan on Amazon Seller Central

• Prep and package products based on Amazon's FBA guidelines

• Label each unit with a scannable barcode, FNSKU number, item name, and condition

• Be mindful of the different prepping requirements for various product types.

• In Amazon Seller Central, choose between case-packed or individual-packed shipments based on how you are sending your SKUs

FAQs on FBA Prep and Packaging Requirements

What is the difference between prep category Amazon and packaging requirements?

The prep category Amazon refers to how products are categorized based on the type of prep they require. Some items may only need standard labeling and packaging, while others might need special treatment, such as polybagging, bubble wrap, or hazardous material handling. On the other hand, Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements are the specific guidelines on how to package and label your products according to Amazon’s standards.

What are the packaging requirements for Amazon FBA?

Amazon FBA has strict packaging requirements to ensure the safety of your products during shipping and storage. Some key points include:

• Use strong, double-walled boxes for heavier items.
• Label each item with the correct FNSKU barcode.
• For products like apparel, use clear polybags with a suffocation warning label.
• Fragile products should be protected with bubble wrap or other cushioning materials.Make sure to follow these Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements to avoid fees or delays.

How do I create an Amazon FBA shipment plan?

To create an Amazon FBA shipment plan, go to your Seller Central account, navigate to the "Manage Inventory" section, and select the products you wish to send to Amazon. Follow the prompts to choose the quantity and destinations for your products. Amazon will then provide shipment labels, detailed packaging instructions, and the Amazon FBA shipment requirements you need to follow. This ensures that your products are sent to the correct fulfillment centers.

Are there any restrictions on the size of products I can send to Amazon FBA?

Yes, Amazon has size restrictions for products shipped to their fulfillment centers. The maximum size for any unit is 25” x 25” x 30”, and the maximum weight is 50 lbs per unit. If your product is larger than these limits, it may be classified as an oversized item, and you’ll need to follow special Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements for oversized products, which include higher storage fees.

Do I need to follow different prep requirements for different product types?

Yes, different product types may require different prep requirements. For example, products like clothing or textiles may need to be packed in clear polybags, while electronics may require extra cushioning and labeling to protect them during shipping. Understanding the specific prep category Amazon for each product type will help you follow the correct Amazon FBA prep requirements for each one.

What happens if I don’t follow Amazon’s FBA packaging and prep requirements?

Failure to follow Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements can lead to several issues, including:

• Delayed shipments.
• Additional fees for non-compliance.
• Rejection of your products by Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
• Reduced visibility or negative impacts on your seller account.To avoid these issues, make sure you understand and adhere to all Amazon FBA shipment requirements and prep guidelines.

Can I send products to multiple Amazon FBA fulfillment centers?

Yes, Amazon may ask you to send your products to multiple fulfillment centers based on the location of your customers. When you create a shipment plan, Amazon will provide you with the specific addresses for the Amazon FBA shipment requirements you must follow. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure your products are delivered to the correct locations.

How do I ensure my products meet Amazon FBA’s prep and packaging standards?

To ensure your products meet Amazon FBA packaging and prep requirements, carefully review Amazon’s guidelines in Seller Central before preparing your products. Make sure all products are properly labeled, packaged securely, and meet the required size and weight limits. If you're unsure about specific guidelines, you can use Amazon’s FBA prep category tools to identify the proper prep type for your products