Fulfillment and distribution are made easy with Amazon FBA. Is that all that's required of you? Deliver your stock to the wareho...
Fulfillment
and distribution are made easy with Amazon FBA.
Is that all
that's required of you? Deliver your stock to the warehouses, and Amazon will
handle the remaining tasks.
Even while
the program aims to simplify your life, there are still requirements that you
must fulfill when packing your products for Amazon FBA.
We'll go
over the various packing specifications required by Amazon in this tutorial to
help streamline your stocking operation.
Quick
Guide
Why Amazon
FBA Packaging Is Important
Product
Barcode Requirements for Amazon FBA
General
specifications for packaging
Requirements
for Amazon FBA Inbound Shipping
Frequently
Asked Questions
Conclusion
Why
Amazon FBA Packaging Is Important
You might be
wondering why packaging matters at all because Amazon will store and send your
items for you.
Regretfully,
sellers must do more than simply package their goods in any box they own and
ship them to Amazon.
For FBA
sellers, Amazon has certain packaging standards that, while first burdensome,
make sense when you take into account the following:
· Inadequately packed items may sustain
harm when traveling.
· Items with poor labeling may be
misplaced or confused.
· Products that are excessively
packaged squander resources and harm the environment.
· Your company's reputation could be
badly impacted by subpar packing.
Suppliers
who do not comply with Amazon's packaging regulations risk penalties. Amazon
takes its packaging requirements seriously.
For
instance, it's not good for business if Amazon decides to get rid of your
inventory and stops accepting shipments to its fulfillment facilities in the
future! Products with incorrect labels could be tagged as unsaleable, and you
could be hit with a non-compliance cost.
But fear
not—if you go by the guidelines, all of this is preventable.
Product
Barcode Requirements for Amazon FBA
A barcode is
required for each item sent to an Amazon fulfillment center so that it may be
identified and tracked all the way through the fulfillment process.
Three Different kinds of barcodes are utilized to identify products:
Manufacturer
Barcodes:
· Scannable barcodes are required for
every product item and variant (such as size or color). This is often the
barcode from the manufacturer (UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN), unless the product is
not eligible or the barcode setting has been altered.
· When more than one seller has stock
with the same manufacturer barcode, Amazon could speed delivery by filling
orders from the stock that is nearest to the buyer.
Amazon
Barcodes:
· Known as FNSKU, an Amazon barcode is
required for any product that isn't qualified for virtual tracking using the
manufacturer's barcode.
· These barcode (FNSKU) labels begin
with a "X" and then contain a special combination of characters and
digits that are exclusive to the item.
· The barcodes of the manufacturer and
Amazon can be used to track products that need further packing, including
bagging or bubble wrap, but ready items will require additional labeling.
· Barcodes must be readable upon
arrival at Amazon fulfillment facilities and unobscured by labels or packaging.
· If their brand is accepted for the Amazon Brand Registry and does not have a factory barcode, brand owners can seek for a GTIN exemption.
· A GS1 standard UPC barcode can be
applied for by manufacturers or brand owners that wish to print barcodes
directly on product packaging.
Transparency
Authenticity Codes:
· To aid in the fight against
counterfeiting, you, as the brand owner, may also utilize the distinctive
Transparency barcodes that Amazon provides. Transparency codes use a unique
"T" emblem.
· Virtual monitoring is generally
available for products that are participating in the Transparency program,
while there are certain exclusions for particular categories.
Ensure that
your products can be correctly traced and processed once they arrive for FBA by
adhering to Amazon's barcode requirements.
General
specifications for packaging
For FBA
products, Amazon has typical packing requirements in addition to barcodes.
Below are a handful of them:
Essential
requirements
All products
that are transported to Amazon's fulfillment facilities need to be packaged
securely. This means that everything needs to be contained in a box, bag, or
other container, including loose or individual objects like electronics, books,
and makeup.
Shipping
boxes also need to have any barcodes on the outside covered up or deleted. By
doing this, the system at Amazon is shielded from inadvertently reading the
incorrect barcode during delivery. Sellers must design FNSKU labels with
distinct barcodes that correspond to each individual product variation.
Sets
& Piece-More Items
If a product
is offered in sets or has several parts that make up a single item, more
precautions need to be taken. Every set needs to include a label that makes it
obvious it shouldn't be broken apart, like "Sold as set" or
"Ready to ship." This guarantees that the parts stay together.
Amazon does
not accept things that come in multiple pieces and need to be assembled, like
furniture. Every unit needs to be prepared for shipment to clients and
packaged.
Box
Specifications
All boxed goods have to adhere to certain requirements:
· Boxes need to be sufficiently
protective of their contents and have six closed sides. It is not allowed to
use boxes that readily crumble under pressure.
· Lids and box openings must be
difficult for a person to open by hand. Lids can be fastened shut during
shipping with tape or adhesive.
· The box must withstand a 3-foot drop
test on all sides without the contents shattering if it has perforated sides or
apertures.
· Double-walled corrugated cardboard is
advised for boxes weighing more than 10 pounds in order to increase durability.
Poly Bags
& Bubble Wrap
To offer
further protection, individual articles might be packaged in plastic bags or
wrapped with bubble wrap. Nonetheless, the following rules are applicable:
· Items with bubble wrap should be
securely wrapped so they may survive drops without breaking.
· Poly bags need to be completely
sealed and adhere to minimum thickness requirements. Labels warning of
suffocation must be placed on heavy bags.
· Barcodes must be affixed to the
outside or remain visibly scannable through poly bags.
Overboxing
Amazon may
request "overboxing," or packing a product within a second outer box,
for exceptionally large or heavy items. This also holds true for incredibly
delicate objects that fail drop testing. Sturdy double-walled cardboard must be
used in overboxes for heavy objects weighing more than ten pounds.
Mattresses
All mattresses supplied to Amazon need to be
packaged in appropriately sized corrugated cardboard boxes.
When making
new product listings, make sure you classify mattresses correctly. Mattresses
belong in the Home & Kitchen category under "Mattresses."
Items in
a Case Pack
Certain additional measures need to be taken when shipping case-packed products, which are packaged by manufacturers into many units:
· Every unit in the case needs to have
the same SKU and state. Mixing is prohibited.
· All cases must have the same
quantities per case. For instance, all cases must include 24 packs if there are
24 packs.
· Case packs on Amazon are limited to
150 pieces. Bigger wholesale boxes need to be disassembled into typical case
packing.
· To ensure that only the inside SKUs
are scanned, any barcodes on the outside of case packs need to be hidden or
taken off.
Dates of
Expiration
The dates on
products that have best-by or expiration dates must be entered in the format
MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. Any modifications must have a label applied over the
original date in the correct format.
Products
that require further preparation, such as poly bags or bubble wrap, must have
their expiration dates clearly visible on the outside packaging so that they
can be identified upon intake.
Products
That Are Restricted
Recall that
Amazon forbids the storage of some extremely dangerous, combustible, or
perishable items in its fulfillment centers. Before sending big orders, make
sure to review Amazon's list of prohibited items.
Requirements
for Amazon FBA Inbound Shipping
Here are
some inbound shipping guidelines you need to adhere to once you have all of
your products ready to ship to Amazon.
Providing
comprehensive details about the contents of the box is the first step in
shipping FBA inventory.
The exact
contents of each shipping box as well as the product quantities need to be
specified when initiating a shipment in Seller Central.
It
facilitates accurate inventory entry into Amazon's system and allows for
efficient stock management and storage in their fulfillment centers.
Correctly
Packing Shipments
For FBA
shipments to arrive at Amazon's facilities safely, packaging is essential.
· Each box must measure at least 6 x 4
x 1 inches and be in good condition with undamaged flaps.
· Old labels, markings, and tape should
be taken off any repurposed boxes. Tape that is 2-3 inches wide and leaves no
gaps should be used to properly seal all seams and edges of the boxes.
· Surfaces should adhere firmly to
packing tape.
· To stop damage from shifting,
carefully wrap and cushion each object inside its box using materials such as
paper and bubble wrap.
· Between the internal walls and the
contents of the box, leave at least 2 inches of cushioning.
Box
Weight and Dimensions
· Make use of conventional boxes that
are appropriate and have at least 6 x 4 x 1 inch dimensions.
· With the exception of specific oversized items, boxes cannot be larger than 25.00 inches on either side or weigh more than 50.00 pounds overall.
· Observe certain guidelines while
handling big objects, such as weight limitations and labeling requirements for
bulky containers.
· Steer clear of pallet-sized
"gaylords," open display boxes, point-of-sale containers, thread,
straps, and overwrap.
Packaging
Supplies
Amazon
offers guidelines regarding what packing materials are allowed and not allowed.
Making use of the appropriate packing materials to prevent harm to your
inventory
Acceptable
items for cushioning:
· Bubble wrap,
· Kraft paper,
· Air pillows,
· Polyethylene foam sheets.
Prohibited
materials:
· Packing peanuts,
· Foam pieces,
· Shredded paper,
· Thermocol chips and any type of
styrofoam.
Extra
regulations:
· In compliance with FBA product
barcode regulations, all products must have scannable barcodes.
· A carrier label and an Amazon FBA Box
ID label are needed for every box.
· Certain delivery methods, such as
FTL, LTL, and FCL deliveries, have certain requirements.
· To prevent rejecting inventory,
discarding or returning items, and preventing further shipments, compliance is
essential.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Below are
some common inquiries often asked by Amazon FBA sellers, along with
comprehensive answers:
1. How
should I prepare items for shipment with Amazon FBA?
To prepare
items for Amazon FBA, follow their specific guidelines for packing and prepping
items based on their category. Utilize appropriate packaging materials such as
bubble wrap for delicate items and polybags for others. It's crucial to adhere
to any specialized packaging requirements for hazardous or restricted products
to prevent rejection or damage.
2. What are
the recommended practices for utilizing Amazon's packaging?
When using
Amazon's packaging, ensure that you select box sizes and materials that meet
their standards for your products. Boxes should be new, sturdy, and properly
sealed, with labels on all sides. Additionally, include warning labels for
restricted items and insert padding or packing slips as needed. Polybags must
meet thickness standards and include suffocation labels if applicable.
3. What
packaging options does Amazon FBA offer?
Amazon
provides a range of free branded packaging materials such as boxes, polybags,
bubble wrap, tape, and labels. Alternatively, sellers can use their own
packaging as long as it complies with Amazon's requirements. It's important to
consider Amazon's prep and packaging rules for your product category to ensure
proper packaging and minimize the risk of damage or rejection.
4. Can I
use any box for shipping to Amazon FBA?
No, it's
essential to only use new, sturdy, corrugated cardboard boxes without any
markings or defects. Boxes must meet specific strength and sizing guidelines to
withstand transportation. Using inappropriate boxes may lead to rejection upon
receipt and increase the likelihood of damage during transit.
5. What
sizes of boxes does Amazon FBA accept?
Amazon
accepts box sizes ranging from small (.38 cubic feet) to extra-large (25 cubic
feet). Ensure that the dimensions meet the specified requirements and avoid
using oversized boxes to optimize storage space. Separate guidelines apply for
oversized individual items to streamline storage efficiency.
6. What
labels are necessary for Amazon FBA shipments?
Products
require scannable FNSKU or manufacturer barcodes, along with a box ID barcode
label on each shipment box. Avoid using special characters on labels and ensure
accurate placement according to specifications. Proper labeling facilitates
tracking and helps prevent counterfeiting.
7. Does
Amazon supply packing materials?
Yes, Amazon
offers various packaging materials for sale or free when using their carrier
services. These materials include boxes, polybags, bubble wrap, tape, and more
to protect items during shipping and reduce costs associated with damages.
8. How do
I properly utilize Amazon FBA polybags?
Transparent
polybags must meet specific thickness and sealing requirements, with
suffocation warning labels if applicable. Ensure that FNSKU barcodes scan
through the bags, and follow category-specific bagging requirements to
adequately protect items during transit.
9. What
alternatives can I use instead of polybags?
Consider
alternatives such as paper or cornstarch mailers, cardboard envelopes, or
compostable bubble mailers, ensuring they meet Amazon's size, labeling,
sealing, and scanning requirements. Verify if sustainable options are allowed
for your product category before use, as proper packaging is essential
regardless of the material chosen.
Conclusion
To guarantee
that your products arrive at the fulfillment center undamaged and prepared for
effective order processing, storage, and shipment, adhere to Amazon's
packaging, preparation, and shipping guidelines.
Set aside
some time in advance to prepare the labels and packaging. It will significantly
improve delivery speed, limit damage, and shorten the time it takes to send
your product to the Amazon fulfillment facility.
Read More:
What You Need to Know About the Amazon Trade-In Program to Get Started
Utilize Amazon Inventory Management System to Increase Your Profits
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