Amazon FBA Packaging, Label and Barcode Requirements

Navigating Amazon FBA packaging requirements is crucial for sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Incorrect labels can lead to inventory issues, delays or worse, Amazon seller account suspension.

Learn about Amazon’s labeling rules, from package requirements to barcodes and the practices that can help you avoid costly mistakes, especially during peak times like Q4.

What are Amazon FBA packaging requirements?

Amazon has specific package guidelines to ensure that products are efficiently processed. These guidelines provide a smooth fulfillment process and help avoid errors leading to costly penalties or account suspensions.

Amazon package requirements:

1. Unique FNSKU for each product: Each product you send to Amazon must have a unique FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit). If you offer different product variations, such as different sizes or colors, each must have its own FNSKU. This ensures that every item is correctly identified and linked to your seller account.

2. Exterior barcode requirements: Every unit you ship to Amazon must have a visible, scannable barcode on the exterior. This barcode consists of a machine-readable code and human-readable numbers. Amazon’s systems rely on this to process your products quickly and accurately. Make sure this barcode is easy to access and not obscured by packaging materials.

3. Handling existing barcodes: If your shipping boxes have other scannable barcodes, it’s essential to remove, cover, or render them unscannable. You can do this by covering the barcode with opaque tape or using a black marker to obscure it. This prevents the wrong barcode from being accidentally scanned during the receiving process.

4. Packaging based on product type: Amazon requires specific packaging guidelines depending on the type of product you’re sending:

• Loose products: If you’re shipping items that aren’t in a package, they must be bagged or secured with removable tape. Each unit must be contained in one secure package, and the barcode must be scannable without removing any protective packaging.
• Poly-bagged units: Products that are bagged in poly bags must meet the following requirements:
  • Suffocation warnings: Bags with an opening of 5 inches or more must display a suffocation warning. The warning’s print size depends on the bag’s size and ranges from 10 to 24 points.
  • Bag thickness: The bag must be at least 1.5 mils thick for durability.
  • Transparency and sealing: Poly bags must be transparent and fully sealed, ensuring the product is secure. The barcode must be scannable through the bag or displayed on the outside.
  • Adult products: Amazon requires opaque black poly bags for adult products to ensure privacy and appropriate handling.
  • Excess material: The bag or shrink-wrap must not exceed 3 inches beyond the product’s dimensions.

5. Sold as a set: If you’re selling multiple items as a set (e.g., six tubes of toothpaste), the package must be clearly labeled with phrases like “Sold as set” or “Do not separate.” The barcode for the entire set must be the only visible one to prevent confusion in the fulfillment process. Individual product barcodes within the set should be hidden.

6. Boxed units: Boxed products must meet specific standards:

• Sturdy packaging: The box should have six sides and must not open independently. It should also withstand medium pressure without collapsing.
• Drop test: If your box has perforated sides or openings, it must pass a 3-foot drop test without breaking. If it fails, the item should be placed in a polybag for extra protection.
• Bubble wrap: Certain items, like fragile or heavy products, may require bubble wrap. If bubble wrap is used, it must completely cover the item to prevent exposure and be tightly secured with tape. The bubble-wrapped item should also pass a 3-foot drop test without any damage. A scannable barcode should be applied to the outside of the bubble wrap for easy processing.

Taking the time to package your products correctly protects your business and enhances the customer experience.

What are Amazon FBA label requirements?

Amazon FBA label guidelines ensure that your inventory is appropriately processed, stored and shipped to customers.

Amazon FBA labeling guidelines for sellers:

1. Label size: Amazon recommends printing the labels for packages and boxes to specific sizes: 3.75″ x 1″ or 2.63″ x 1″. These dimensions ensure the label is large enough to be scanned easily but small enough to fit on various packaging types.
2. Label clarity and legibility: Amazon requires that all labels be printed in high quality to be easily scanned. Labels should not be faded, smudged, or damaged in any way. Amazon recommends using a laser printer to ensure high-quality, smudge-free prints.
3. Label placement: Each item must have a scannable barcode (either an Amazon barcode or the manufacturer’s). The barcode must be placed on a flat surface of the package, not on edges, seams, or over any part of the package that can make it difficult to scan. It should also be easily accessible and free from obstructions like tape, bubble wrap, or additional packaging material.
4. Shipping box labeling: When shipping multiple items to Amazon, each shipping box must have a unique label with information about the contents. This includes the FBA shipment ID label and carrier label. Both should be placed on a flat surface of the box, avoiding corners or overlaps. If using a box with an old barcode or shipping label, remove or cover it to avoid confusion during scanning.

Following these Amazon FBA packaging requirements is essential to ensure your products are correctly processed, minimizing the risk of delays, misrouted packages, or penalties. Even minor labeling errors can have significant consequences, so attention to detail is key.

Can your account be suspended if you don’t follow Amazon FBA packaging requirements?

While it might seem like a minor error, improper labeling and packaging can have a ripple effect that can disrupt Amazon’s entire fulfillment process and cause account suspension.

Here’s what can happen:

• Shipment delays: Incorrect labeling can cause Amazon to reject your shipment. Your inventory levels are affected when shipments are delayed or sent back, leading to out-of-stock products and missed sales.
• Fines and fees: If Amazon relabels your products or corrects errors, you may be charged additional fees for these services. Repeated infractions may lead to steeper penalties or increased scrutiny of your account.
• Negative customer experience: Mislabeling can lead to customers receiving the wrong item or experiencing delivery delays. Negative feedback from labeling errors can negatively impact your account performance metrics.
• Account suspensions: Continuous non-compliance with labeling requirements can eventually lead to account suspension. Amazon views non-compliance as violating their Code of Conduct, which can put your entire business at risk.

Take Amazon FBA packaging requirements seriously to avoid unnecessary penalties and maintain a smooth operation.

What are Amazon FBA barcode requirements?

Barcodes are the backbone of Amazon’s inventory management system. Without proper barcoding, your products cannot be tracked accurately, leading to significant issues within the fulfillment process.

A barcode is a visual data pattern that machines can read and understand through scanning. On Amazon, barcodes identify and track products through the fulfillment process, ensuring that items are correctly stocked, picked and shipped.

There are two main types of barcodes on Amazon you should familiarize yourself with.

#1 Manufacturer barcodes: These include UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), and ISBN (International Standard Book Number). The manufacturer assigns these standard product identifiers, typically printed directly on the packaging.

#2 Amazon barcodes (FNSKU): The FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique barcode assigned by Amazon when you list a product for FBA. The FNSKU identifies the product as unique to your seller account, ensuring that Amazon’s fulfillment centers can track the item as part of your inventory.

FBA barcode requirements

When using Amazon’s fulfillment services, you have a few specific requirements to follow for barcodes:

• Barcode placement: If you use an Amazon barcode (FNSKU), you must cover any existing manufacturer barcode with the Amazon FNSKU. This ensures that Amazon scans the correct barcode when processing your products.
• Clear and scannable barcodes: The barcode should be clear and unobstructed. Avoid placing it near edges, folds, or seams. It must be easily visible and free from any packaging material, tape, or stickers.
• Consistent barcode usage: Ensure only one visible barcode is on each product. Multiple barcodes on the same product can confuse the fulfillment process and lead to inventory mismanagement.

Failure to comply with these barcode requirements can lead to warehouse issues, inventory mismanagement problems and account performance warnings.

Why Amazon FBA packaging requirements matter

Amazon FBA packaging requirements may seem like a small detail, but they play a critical role in successfully fulfilling your products on Amazon. Here’s why following the requirements matters:

1. Efficiency in fulfillment centers: Amazon operates massive fulfillment centers, processing millions of items daily. Adequately labeled products allow Amazon to process your inventory without delays, keeping your sales pipeline moving.
2. Reduced errors: Labeling errors can lead to misplaced or lost inventory. For example, if a product is mislabeled or its barcode is unreadable, it can be in the wrong warehouse or lost in Amazon’s system. This disrupts your ability to restock efficiently.
3. Account health: Incorrect labeling practices can trigger Amazon account health warnings, which can snowball into more significant issues like suspension. Sellers regularly encountering labeling issues are at a higher risk of being flagged by Amazon for non-compliance.

Following Amazon’s guidelines is a straightforward way to keep your account healthy and your products moving quickly.

What to avoid with Amazon FBA packaging, especially during Q4

The holiday season, or Q4, is one of the busiest times for Amazon sellers. Higher sales volume increases the likelihood of mistakes, especially regarding labeling. Avoid the following scenarios to keep things running smoothly.

1. Rushed labeling: As demand spikes, the temptation to rush through labeling can lead to errors. Incorrect or poorly placed labels can cause delays in fulfillment, leading to missed sales opportunities during a critical time.
2. Poor quality labels: Low-quality printing or materials can result in labels that smudge, tear, or fade. These unscannable labels can delay your inventory’s processing time. Invest in durable, high-quality labels, especially during Q4.
3. Multiple barcodes: Ensure that each product has only one scannable barcode. Numerous barcodes can confuse the system, causing delays and possibly leading to inventory misplacement.
4. Failing to check compliance updates: Amazon occasionally updates its packaging and labeling requirements. Before Q4 begins, double-check that your current practices align with Amazon’s most recent guidelines.

By following these detailed packaging guidelines, you can ensure efficient processing of your products at Amazon fulfillment centers, helping you avoid delays, damaged inventory, and potential account issues. Taking the time to package your products correctly protects your business and enhances the customer experience.

FBA product packaging and labeling best practices keep your operations running smoothly

Adhering to Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements is vital for maintaining a healthy account and ensuring your inventory flows smoothly through fulfillment centers. From correctly placing barcodes to following Amazon’s strict label guidelines, these practices help prevent costly mistakes like inventory issues, delays and even account suspensions.

If you’re ever in doubt or run into performance issues due to labeling mistakes, don’t hesitate to contact Riverbend Consulting. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of Amazon’s requirements and keep your business thriving.

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