Key takeaways: 

1. Amazon US has strict packaging and labeling requirements, and failing to follow them can lead to inventory returns, disposal, shipment blocks, extra fees, or delayed listings.

2. Correct packaging helps prevent damage during transit, reduces losses and mix-ups, and ensures customers receive products in perfect condition. 

3. Each unit must have a single, scannable barcode (FNSKU or approved manufacturer barcode), while old or conflicting barcodes must be covered.

4. Stay up to date with product packaging requirements by checking Amazon guidelines on Seller Central.

Are you a new Amazon seller in the United States? One of the major things you will need to handle when selling on Amazon is packaging your items in compliance with Amazon’s guidelines. 

If you don't follow Amazon's packaging requirements and guidelines, your inventory may be returned to the warehouse, and you may incur additional fees. In some cases, non-compliant packaging can even delay your listings from going live and impact customer satisfaction.

To avoid this, you need to become familiar with all the important Amazon packaging requirements. This is why at ePlaybooks, we provide clear, step-by-step resources for Amazon sellers to help them navigate these requirements with confidence and ensure their products are prepared correctly before they reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Ultimately, this will ensure you meet customer demands effectively and increase sales on Amazon.  

In this article, we will run through the Amazon FBA packaging requirements you need to be mindful of.

Why is proper Amazon FBA packaging important? 

On the Amazon marketplace, product packaging is more than just putting your products in a box and sending them out for delivery. Amazon has strict packaging requirements that you must comply with. Doing this shows your commitment to customer satisfaction, which is something Amazon takes very seriously. 

Failing to comply with Amazon packaging requirements can attract penalties and affect your business. Amazon could dispose of your inventory and even block future shipments. 

In addition to attracting penalties, properly packaging your goods can prevent damage during transit. Also, properly labeling your goods will avoid mix-ups or losses. 

Amazon FBA packaging requirements 

To increase Amazon sales, it is important to understand and follow all packaging requirements. In addition, complying with packaging requirements will ensure your goods get to the customer in perfect condition, ultimately boosting your reputation. 

Understanding all the Amazon packaging requirements may seem cumbersome. This is why we have grouped them into various categories to help you make sense of them. 

General packaging requirements 

• Each unit must have an external scannable barcode with readable numbers that can easily be accessed.
• You can use Amazon barcodes (ASIN or FNSKU) or manufacturer barcodes (e.g., GCID, UPC, EAN, or ISBN) 
• Every product type or unique unit (e.g., size or color) must have its unique FNSKU.
• Existing barcodes on your shipping boxes must be made unscannable. You can do this by simply covering the old code with tape or a black felt tip to block it out. This ensures that the old barcode won't be accidentally scanned.
• Units that you have not packaged in secure packaging should be bagged with tape.
• Units may not contain multiple pieces requiring assembly by Amazon.
• You must package each unit, including multiple-volume book sets, within a single, secure package.
• For your footwear, you must package them securely with no shoe material exposed, in boxes or poly bags. Your polybags must have a suffocation warning.

Amazon packaging materials

Amazon provides FBA-approved packing materials, which you can get directly from them. From boxes to poly bags, stretch wraps, bubble packs, and more. 

Also, if you are an Amazon seller in the US, you can get free packaging supplies from FedEx, UPS, and USPS if you are using their services to send your products to Amazon fulfillment centers. 

Standard boxes

Boxes are the most common packing materials. They are easy to handle and store. Boxes are more secure and decrease the likelihood of replacement. 

However, you can't just use any type of box to ship your items. Here are four types of boxes accepted by Amazon:

• Regular slotted carton (RSC)
• B flute
• ECT-32 (edge crush test)
• 200BH (burst strength)

Polybags 

Items like a bag or a pair of sneakers may not fit properly into a structured box, so they can be packaged in polybags instead. However, polybags must meet certain requirements for FBA shipment: 

• Amazon-approved poly bags must be clear and contain Amazon barcodes or X00-label manufacturers for a quick scan
• Poly bags must have a thickness of at least 1.5mm for each side of the bag
• Poly bags must have a perfect closure and must not stretch beyond the product’s size 
• Poly bags must include suffocation warnings printed on them. The suffocation warnings should have openings bigger than 5 inches in outstanding places. 

Bubble wrapping bags 

Bubble wrapping bags are another commonly used type of packaging. This is not a self-contained material in itself and must be used for packing items in a box or poly bag at all times. However, not all items require bubble wrap. 

Specific items, such as delicate goods and extremely heavy goods, are recommended for bubble wrapping. 

When packing items with bubble wrap, you need to package them and secure them with tape tightly. The external portion of the wrapping bag should also provide a scannable barcode. 

‍

Amazon FBA items sold as a set

Products with similar units should be wrapped as “Sold as a set”. 

For example, if you are shipping a set of toys, it should be labeled as “a set of toys.” 

Keep in mind that you need to wrap the set in a poly bag to ensure proper protection while shipping. You also need to label the set with something like “Do not Separate”. The set should have a new number, and each unit within it should not contain a barcode. 

Amazon FBA items are sold as boxed units. 

Boxes shipped to Amazon FBA warehouses should contain the following specifications: 

• Boxes must either be in a cube or a rectangular shape with six sides 
• Boxes must have an open lid. The lid should be securely fastened with glue or tape to prevent it from opening easily. 
• The boxes used should be able to withstand medium pressure. 
• Boxes that have perforated sides or openings should pass a 3-foot drop test. One drop for each side of the box and one on the corner
• If it doesn't pass the drop test, it should be packaged in a poly bag that contains a suffocation warning. 

Amazon FBA case-packed products

A box with similar items with the same SKUs is tagged as Case-packed products. To ship these types of products to Amazon fulfillment centers, you need to ensure that they meet the following criteria: 

• Boxes containing the same product should have equal quantities of that product. Also, the box should contain no more than 150 units. 
• All products in the box should have matching SKUs and be in the same condition. The manufacturer should have packaged it. 

Since all products are identical, only one unit of the product is scanned at Amazon fulfillment centers before the box is placed as inventory. 

‍

Amazon FBA products with an expiration date 

Here are guidelines for products with expiration dates: 

• All products must have the expiration date on the master carton in a font size of 36 points or larger. The expiration date should also be on each unit. 
• The expiration date format must be MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY
• The expiration date should also be on additional packaging, such as bubble wrap or poly bags. 

Special items 

For special items like baby products, batteries, jewelry, apparel, and more, you can find specific packaging requirements on Amazon Seller Central.

Amazon FBA labeling requirements 

Amazon FBA labeling is an essential part of order fulfillment. Labels should meet the following criteria: 

‍

• Labels must include the same product title
• Your product titles should not be more than 50 characters
• Only the first letter of each word should be in capital letters. Do not use all caps
• Do not use special characters or symbols
• Do not use promotional titles 

Now it's shipping time

Once you've packaged and labeled your products, you should do a final check. Create a checklist of the packaging and labeling requirements specific to your product, and ensure all are ticked. 

‍

Next, ensure your box is accurately measured and doesn't exceed 30kg unless it contains a single oversized item.

‍

If a product weighs 15 to 30kg, it should be labeled as a Heavy package. Packages with jewelry and timepieces should also not exceed 18.1kg. 

Lastly, double-check that your boxes meet all requirements to prevent your products from being returned or damaged. 

Conclusion

Amazon's packaging requirements are quite intense. However, meeting all the requirements is essential for approval. To ensure you cover all packaging guidelines, we suggest you create a checklist to make sure you don't miss a thing. If you need someone to handle the logistics for your Amazon business, including ensuring you follow all product packaging requirements for Amazon, you can contact experts at ePlaybooks.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I prep Amazon FBA inventory now that Amazon ended prep and labeling services?

Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon no longer offers prep or labeling services (including FNSKU labeling, poly-bagging, bubble wrap, and bundling) for inbound FBA shipments in the U.S. This means you must prep and label all units yourself or via a 3PL before inventory reaches Amazon fulfillment centers. If inventory arrives unprepped or improperly labeled, Amazon can reject it, return it at your cost, or charge rework fees.

What are the Amazon poly bag suffocation warning requirements for large 2026 shipments?

When you use a poly bag for large FBA shipments, you want to pay attention to the following warning requirements:

• Any bag with an opening of 5 inches (12.5 cm) or larger (measured flat) must include a suffocation warning.
• The warning must be clear, visible, and legible on the bag (printed directly or as a label).
• Common warning text: "WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children." (exact text and font sizing rules are detailed in Amazon prep docs).
• Polybags must be transparent, completely sealed, at least 1.5 mil thick, and have a scannable barcode visible through the bag or attached outside.

Getting these warning requirements right prevents Amazon from re-bagging your inventory (and the extra fees that come with it).

Can I use manufacturer barcodes instead of FNSKU labels for FBA?

Every unit must have a scannable barcode that Amazon can use to track the item. This can be an Amazon FNSKU or, in some cases, a manufacturer barcode (e.g., UPC/EAN).

However, using a manufacturer barcode is allowed, but if multiple sellers use the same manufacturer barcode, Amazon might commingle inventory, meaning your stock could be used to fulfill orders from other sellers. Amazon’s guidelines traditionally recommend FNSKU labels because they tie inventory specifically to your seller account, reducing commingling risk.

What is the maximum weight and size for Amazon FBA shipping boxes?

Standard boxes typically must not exceed 50 lb (≈23 kg) in weight. Boxes over 50 lb generally require a “Team Lift”/“Heavy Package” label. For standard shipments in the U.S., boxes can be up to 36″ long × 25″ wide × 25″ high without penalty. Note that Amazon may allow heavier or larger individual oversize products in special cases. You want to regularly double-check the latest shipping and routing requirements in Amazon Seller Central.

How do I label "Sold as Set" bundles to avoid Amazon warehouse errors?

To correctly prep and label bundles/sets, clearly mark the packaging with text like “Sold as Set – Do Not Separate” or similar messaging. Ensure the entire set is packaged so the items cannot be separated during handling (e.g., shrink-wrapped, boxed, or sealed in a poly bag under poly bag rules).

Apply one barcode (FNSKU or manufacturer) for the set, and cover or render unscannable any individual unit barcodes within the set so Amazon scans only the set barcode.

‍