Amazon offers two main fulfillment options: Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM). FBM gives you more control over packaging and shipping, as you handle everything yourself. However, FBA takes the weight off your shoulders by managing storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service, allowing you to focus on scaling your business with less operational complexity.
While both options have their benefits, FBA is a popular choice for sellers looking for simplicity and scalability. However, even though Amazon handles packaging and shipping to customers, you still need to follow strict packaging guidelines when sending your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers to ensure smooth processing.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through Amazon’s key FBA packaging requirements, cost-effective strategies for preparing your products for shipment to Amazon's warehouses, and how packaging can also become a tool for building your brand. We’ll also explore sustainable packaging options and how technology can streamline compliance for FBA sellers.
Understanding Amazon's Packaging Guidelines
Amazon's FBA program is designed to make the fulfillment process as smooth and efficient as possible. However, this efficiency can only be achieved if sellers adhere to strict packaging guidelines that ensure products are properly prepared for storage, shipping, and order fulfillment.
Key areas of Amazon's packaging requirements include:
1. Barcode requirements:
Each product needs a scannable barcode (UPC, FNSKU, etc.) that is placed correctly. This barcode helps Amazon identify and track your products as they move through the fulfillment process.
2. Product packaging:
Products must be securely packaged, whether individually or in sets, and materials such as poly bags, boxes, and bubble wrap must meet specific criteria.
3. Box and shipment specifications:
The dimensions and weight of the boxes, as well as the packaging materials used to cushion the products, are highly regulated. Proper labeling is also essential to prevent delays or mishandling.
Technical Specifications and Tools for Amazon FBA Packaging Compliance
Amazon FBA packaging requirements involve choosing the right materials, maintaining sustainability, and meeting Amazon’s specific technical standards. In this section, we’ll explore key technical specifications and tools that can simplify the FBA packaging process for you.
1. Understanding Amazon’s technical packaging requirements
It’s crucial to ensure the accurate weight and dimensions for all boxes and pallets to avoid additional fees, shipment blocking, or refusal at the fulfillment center. Amazon’s FBA packaging requirements are very specific:
Package size and dimensions
Proper packaging dimensions are essential to ensure your inventory reaches Amazon's fulfillment centers safely and efficiently. Accurate packaging not only protects your stock during transit but also helps optimize the processing of your items once they arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
For standard-size items
- Boxes must be no smaller than 5.9” x 3.9” x 0.9” and no larger than 25” on any side
- The weight must be between 0.33 lb and 50.7 lb
For oversized items
- Box sizes can exceed 25”, but no side should be longer than 29”
- The weight may exceed 50.7 lb but must not surpass 66.1 lb
- Oversized boxes may exceed 25” if the items themselves are longer than this, but excessive box size relative to the product may result in shipping restrictions, additional fees, or refusal at the fulfillment center
- Any box exceeding 33 lb must display “Team Lift” or “Heavy Package” labels on the top and sides (5 labels in total)
Image Source: Shippo blog
Package durability
All packaging must be sturdy enough to survive the rough handling during Amazon's shipping process. Ensure your boxes are made of rigid materials that can endure the 3-foot drop test and not lose their structural integrity. Amazon also recommends using 200# test or stronger corrugated cardboard for most FBA products.
Polybag specifications
For products that need polybags, there are clear specifications for Amazon. The polybags must be transparent, with a suffocation warning label for bags over 5” in size. The bags must be sealed, and they must fit snugly around the product without excessive space.
Labeling compliance
Proper labeling is critical to FBA packaging compliance. Each unit must be clearly labeled with a unique FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit). This is essential for Amazon’s inventory tracking and management systems. Additionally, labels should be clear, scannable, and affixed to the product packaging in such a way that they remain intact throughout the shipping and fulfillment process.
Insights from the Amazon Seller Community
While researching packaging and labeling best practices, we came across an insightful discussion in the Amazon seller forum. Based on the experience shared by seasoned sellers, here are two key takeaways for FBA:
1. Use FNSKU, even if you’re the only seller:
It's strongly recommended to use the FNSKU barcode rather than your UPC. This ensures that your products are properly tracked by Amazon, and in case another seller joins your listing, you can easily identify which inventory is yours.
Image Source: Quora
2. Avoid multiple labeling:
When labeling your products, make sure only one barcode (either the FNSKU or UPC) is visible on the packaging. Multiple visible codes can cause scanning errors and result in your products being marked as stranded inventory.
2. Tools to ensure Amazon FBA packaging compliance
Fortunately, there are several tools available that can help you ensure your packaging is fully compliant with Amazon’s strict requirements. These tools simplify the process, save you time, and help reduce the chances of costly mistakes.
Amazon FBA calculator
This tool allows you to estimate your FBA fees, including storage and shipping costs. Understanding these fees will help you make better decisions when selecting packaging materials that will minimize overall costs while remaining compliant with Amazon’s guidelines.
Barcode scanners and labeling software
Barcode scanners and labeling software, such as BarTender or ZebraDesigner, help you print and affix labels accurately. These tools can ensure that your FNSKU labels are properly placed and scannable. The right software can also allow for bulk label printing for large shipments, saving you time.
Packaging optimization software
Solutions like Packsize, EcoEnclose, or Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) by Amazon provide tools for creating customized boxes or packaging designs that minimize both waste and shipping costs.
Product weight and dimensions tools
Tools like ShipBob or ShipStation offer automated systems to measure and weigh products to ensure they meet Amazon’s standards before shipping them.
Full-service Amazon account management agencies
If you’re not confident in your ability to manage all the technical details of packaging, consider outsourcing the prep work to a third-party FBA prep service provider or full-service Amazon agencies. These agencies like SalesDuo specialize in ensuring compliance with Amazon’s FBA requirements, including packaging, labeling, and shipment management.
3. Creating a packaging compliance checklist
As you fine-tune your packaging strategy for FBA, it’s important to have a solid checklist to ensure that all requirements are met. Here’s a simple FBA packaging checklist that you can use to streamline your process:
Product packaging:
- Is the product properly sealed?
- Is the packaging strong enough to pass Amazon’s 3-foot drop test?
- Is the packaging free of excess space or filler material?
Labeling:
- Are FNSKU labels clearly visible and scannable?
- Are the correct product labels affixed to each unit?
- Have you checked that your product labels are positioned properly?
Dimensions and weight:
- Does the package meet Amazon’s weight and size limits?
- Have you measured the dimensions and weight of each package to ensure accuracy?
Special packaging:
- Are poly bags used, and do they meet Amazon’s size and suffocation warning requirements?
- Are your fragile products appropriately packaged with additional padding or protective materials?
Compliance with FBA requirements:
- Have you reviewed Amazon’s FBA packaging guidelines for updates?
- Are all items packaged according to Amazon’s latest requirements?
Cost-Effective Packaging Strategies for Amazon FBA Sellers
While compliance with Amazon's FBA packaging requirements is critical, it's equally important to ensure that your packaging strategy is cost-effective. For high-volume Amazon FBA sellers, packaging costs can add up quickly, especially when you're dealing with large inventories and frequent shipments to Amazon fulfillment centers.
Here are several ways to implement cost-effective FBA packaging strategies:
1. Optimize packaging materials for FBA compliance
Overly large boxes or excessive padding can significantly increase costs without adding value. To keep costs low while maintaining compliance, consider the following packaging materials:
- Compact, stackable packaging: Choose packaging that’s easy to stack and takes up less space in the fulfillment center. Opt for boxes that fit your product perfectly to reduce the need for filler materials. Smaller, lighter boxes or flexible packaging (like poly bags) are generally more cost-effective and easier to handle during shipping and storage.
- Bundled packaging: Bundle products that can be grouped together (like a set of kitchen tools or a bundle of pet care products). This reduces the number of shipments and packaging materials, cutting down on your shipping costs and storage fees. Plus, you only need to assign a single FNSKU (barcode) for the entire set.
- Poly bags and shrink wrap: For certain types of products like soft goods, poly bags and shrink wrap are a more cost-effective alternative to rigid boxes.
- Cushioning materials: While bubble wrap is commonly used, it can be expensive. Consider using air pillows or kraft paper as alternatives that provide protection at a lower cost. Air pillows are also lightweight, which helps reduce shipping fees.
2. Buy packaging materials in bulk
Buying packaging materials in bulk is a cost-effective strategy for high-volume FBA sellers. Suppliers often offer bulk discounts, allowing you to save money over time on larger purchases. To get the best deals, partner with suppliers who specialize in Amazon-compliant packaging, as they often offer pre-approved options designed specifically for FBA, saving you time and hassle in the long run.
3. Automate shipment preparation and packaging
Use automated tools to streamline shipment preparation and save both time and money. With automated tools, you can:
- Optimize box sizes for each shipment
- Ensure that your product labeling and barcode placement are correct
- Reduce the risk of incurring Amazon’s preparation fees due to errors
Branding Through Packaging for FBA Sellers
For Amazon FBA sellers, the ability to customize packaging to suit your branding is more restricted compared to FBM. However, there are still several creative ways to establish and reinforce your brand identity within Amazon’s FBA framework.
1. Packaging inserts: A subtle branding opportunity
Place postcards, thank-you notes, or small promotional materials inside your product packaging. While inserts must adhere to Amazon’s guidelines (such as not promoting external websites or other sellers), you can still use them to:
- Introduce your brand: A simple “thank you” note with your logo and a message about your company’s story can build rapport with customers and reinforce your brand values
- Encourage customer engagement: Include a call to action that encourages customers to follow your brand on social media, leave a review, or join your email list
- Enhance the unboxing experience: Creating an emotional connection through a personalized note to turn an ordinary delivery into a memorable experience
2. FBA-compliant custom packaging with branding
Amazon offers reliable, customizable, and cost-effective packaging solutions, including cardboard boxes and tamper-proof bags. As a seller, you can streamline sourcing, ensure consistency, and build your brand while reaching a vast customer base.
While FBA sellers are limited in what they can do with packaging itself due to Amazon’s need for uniformity, scannability, and durability, it’s still possible to make subtle customizations that allow for branding:
- Amazon-approved custom boxes: Custom boxes that feature your logo or brand colors can be a simple way to add a personal touch while meeting FBA requirements.
- Sticker branding: Amazon-approved stickers and labels that feature your brand’s logo or message are another viable way to brand your FBA packages. These should be placed subtly and should not cover barcodes or essential information, ensuring that your packaging is still functional while adding a touch of personalized branding.
Sustainable Packaging Practices for FBA Sellers
Amazon has been making big moves in reducing packaging waste, with a 9% drop in single-use plastic packaging weight globally since last year. In the U.S. and Canada, they replaced 99.7% of mixed-material mailers with recyclable paper.
As customers increasingly expect more sustainable options, adopting eco-friendly packaging can help your brand stay in line with these growing trends. Here’s how you can make your packaging more sustainable:
- Eco-friendly packaging: Use eco-friendly materials, like recycled or compostable options, to show your brand’s commitment to sustainability
- Recyclable cardboard boxes: Amazon encourages sturdy, recyclable cardboard for FBA shipments that meets size, weight, and rigidity standards
- Biodegradable bubble wrap: Opt for biodegradable options that meet Amazon's packaging safety standards, including the 3-foot drop test
- Sustainable poly bags: Use recyclable poly bags that meet Amazon's size and sealing requirements, reducing waste
- Frustration-free packaging (FFP): Join Amazon’s FFP program to reduce prep fees and use easy-to-open, recyclable packaging
- Minimalist packaging: Simplify packaging to reduce waste and shipping costs, while still meeting product protection and labeling needs
- Bulk shipments: Ship larger quantities in fewer shipments to minimize packaging waste and reduce your carbon footprint
Get Started With Amazon FBA Today
The benefits of FBA are clear—Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service, freeing up your time to focus on scaling your business. However, managing all the technical aspects of FBA can be overwhelming.
That's where full-service Amazon account management agencies like SalesDuo come in. With a decade of experience and a team made up of 85% ex-Amazon employees, SalesDuo provides expert guidance to help you navigate FBA’s complexities and streamline your operations. If you want to maximize your Amazon success, consider partnering with professionals who know the ins and outs of FBA to ensure your business thrives.
Talk to SalesDuo experts today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Meet Arjun Narayan, a Business Dynamo with two decades of conquering boardrooms and founding two companies that didn't just survive but thrived. When he's not navigating business strategies and delivery teams, you'll find him immersed in his love for cars and exploring new models, geeking out over tech trends, globe-trotting for new adventures, and occasionally pondering the mysteries of the universe over a good cup of coffee.
