Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements: A Seller’s Guide

Amazon imposes special rules for certain product types to protect items and handlers:

Fragile/Breakable Items:

• Products that “could be easily damaged during transit” (e.g. glassware, ceramics, ornaments) must be individually bubble-wrapped or contained in a six-sided box.

• Bubble wrap must tightly cover the item and be taped closed so nothing falls out.

• The wrapped package needs an exterior barcode and must pass a 3-foot drop test without damage.

• If a fragile item fails testing, it must be bubble-wrapped and over-boxed (placed inside another box).

• Sharp items (like knives or pointed tools) must also be bubble-wrapped and/or over-boxed to prevent punctures.

• Items over 10 lb should use double-wall corrugated boxes for strength.

Liquids:

• Bottles and liquid containers must be sealed and leak-proof.

• Amazon recommends cap-sealing liquid products and placing them in a clear poly bag (with suffocation warning) if possible.

• In particular, hazardous liquids (e.g. flammable or pressurized) or any glass bottles over 4.2 oz must be over-boxed.

• Label these packages as required by regulations.

• In short, “cap sealing” is required for liquids to prevent spills.

Polybagged Apparel & Soft Goods:

• All clothing, textiles, and soft goods (including shoes, socks, etc.) should be individually sealed.

• Use poly bags to protect them from dirt and damage.

• Bags must be clear (transparent) and at least 1.5 mil thick.

• If a bag’s opening is 5″ or larger (measured flat), it must have a suffocation warning printed or attached.

• The warning text size must meet Amazon’s standards (e.g. ≥10-point font for small bags) as shown in the table below.

• All baggage/clearance tags must be covered or removed so only one barcode (FNSKU or UPC) is visible.

• Special: Adult products (e.g. lingerie or adult toys) in poly bags must use opaque black bags.

Sets and Bundles:

• Items sold as a set or bundle (e.g. a gift set, multi-pack) must be clearly marked “Sold as set” or “This is a set. Do not separate.”

• The entire set should have one unique FNSKU label on the outside; any individual unit barcodes inside the set must be covered so only the set’s label is scanned.

Over-boxing Requirements:

• Amazon specifically requires additional boxing (over-boxing) for certain risky items.

• Over-box the product (place it in a larger box) if it is fragile, sharp, or heavy, or if it cannot pass drop tests.

• For example, any item over 10 lb should be in a double-wall box.

• Sharp items (knives, blade tips) and fragile items that failed drop tests must be over-boxed.

• Hazardous liquids (see above) and vinyl records also must be over-boxed.

• Over-boxed cartons should carry their own labels and meet all box-sturdiness rules.

Other Special Cases:

• Mattresses and other large soft furniture items must be boxed in corrugated cartons.

• Expiration-dated goods (food, medicine) need the expiration printed on each item and packaging in “MM-DD-YYYY” or “MM-YYYY” format.

Proper labeling and preparation are critical:

FNSKU Labeling:

• Every unit must be labeled with a unique FNSKU (Amazon barcode) that corresponds to your seller account.

• Use FNSKU labels on each unit unless you have a GTIN exemption.

• If using the manufacturer’s UPC, it effectively acts as your FNSKU, but using Amazon’s FNSKU ensures inventory isn’t commingled with other sellers.

• The barcode must be on the outside of the unit’s packaging and easily scannable without unwrapping.

Existing Barcodes:

• If your product or box has other barcodes (like a previous UPC), they must be completely covered or marked out to avoid mis-scans.

• Only the correct FNSKU (or chosen UPC) should be visible.

• Do not attach anti-theft tags or unnecessary labels to FBA units.

Polybag Requirements:

• (See Apparel above.)

• Polybags used to protect items must be completely sealed, clear, and ≥1.5 mil thick.

• Any bag opening ≥5″ requires a printed suffocation warning.

• The warning (e.g. “WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation…”) should be in a prominent, legible size as per Amazon’s guidelines (10–24 point font depending on bag size).

• If a bag lacks a warning, items may be repackaged by Amazon.

• Bags must have a scannable barcode either visible through the plastic or on the outside.

Bubble Wrap Use:

• Bubble wrap should be applied only when needed (fragile or heavy items).

• Bubble-wrapped items must have the bubble layer taped securely (no loose ends) and the exterior labeled with a barcode.

Tape:

• Use high-quality packing tape (at least 2″ wide) to seal cartons and wrap polybags.

• Any package that could open, spill, or have parts fall out must be taped shut.

• For example, tape the lids of cartons with no glue or the tops of polybags.

Adult/Hazard Packaging:

• Adult products (PG-13 or above) must be obscured: use black opaque bags for polybagging or shrink-wrap.

• This ensures discretion and compliance.

“Sold as Set” Labeling:

• As noted, multiple pieces sold together must carry a “Set” label.

• Similarly, bundled kits (multi-SKU kits) need a unique FNSKU for the bundle and all individual labels covered.

Expiration Dates:

• For expiration-dated goods (e.g. perishables, cosmetics), the expiration (MM-YYYY or MM-DD-YYYY) must be visible on the individual units and on the outer packaging.

• The date should be in 36-point font or larger.

Amazon’s official prep checklist includes:

• labeling each unit with its FNSKU,

• polybagging and bubble-wrapping as needed,

• and cap-sealing liquids.

• Products in poly bags must meet Amazon’s thickness and suffocation-warning criteria.

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