FBA Prep: Amazon Packaging Rules and Guidelines: What Sellers Need to Know

Welcome to our article on FBA Prep services, your essential guide to understanding and choosing the best FBA prep options for Amazon. Streamline your inventory preparation for FBA by outsourcing to a trusted providers. Understanding Amazon FBA Prep: Amazon's Packaging and Prep Requirements: Cost of Amazon FBA Prep Service: Outsourcing FBA prep offers several advantages: Choosing an FBA Prep Service Provider:

Amazon's FBA service is an excellent fulfilment choice for sellers, but it's essential to meet Amazon's FBA prep requirements before sending your products to their fulfilment centres. Failing to adhere to these requirements can result in rejected items, higher return rates, and even account suppression.

Amazon maintains rigorous quality standards for FBA prep. While you can handle some preparation tasks yourself, eventually, you'll need to consider two main options: managing your own warehouse and staff or utilising FBA Prep centres that offer services such as inspection, packaging, and labelling, all in compliance with Amazon's quality standards. In this blog, we'll delve into Amazon's packaging and prep requirements.

Understanding Amazon FBA Prep:

Amazon FBA Prep is the process of readying your products for shipment to Amazon's warehouses. Simply packing your items haphazardly won't suffice. Amazon has specific packaging and labelling standards, particularly crucial for imported inventory.

Please note that some FBA prep requirements are category-specific.

What Are Amazon FBA Prep and Packaging Requirements?

Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements are the official rules sellers must follow to ensure their products can be accepted, stored, and fulfilled through Amazon. These include everything from barcode placement to box dimensions.

Why Are These Guidelines So Important?

• Operational Efficiency – Proper prep speeds up intake at fulfilment centres

• Better Customer Experience – Well-packaged items reduce returns and complaints

• Compliance – Avoids additional fees or rejections due to non-compliant packaging

  
  

Case-Packed Items

When shipping multiple units in one box (case packs), Amazon requires:

• All units must be identical in SKU and condition

• Each case must contain the same quantity of units

• Exterior barcodes must be removed or covered

  
  

Expiration Dates

• Dates must follow the MM-YYYY or MM-DD-YYYY format

• Labels must be visible from outside any polybag or outer packaging

• Applies to health, grocery, and beauty products

Restricted Products

Be aware of Amazon’s prohibited and restricted items list, which includes:

• Flammable products

• Certain chemicals

• Perishable goods

Always check Amazon’s guidelines before sending restricted items. Amazon does accept the above into certain fulfilment centres and you will need to use compliant courier providers.

Amazon FBA Inbound Shipping Requirements (UK)

When creating shipments to Amazon, you must:

• Provide accurate box contents in Seller Central

• Use correct box sizes (minimum 60x60x60cm maximum size)

• Remove any old shipping labels from reused boxes

• Securely seal boxes with 2–3 inch tape

• Cushion all items to prevent damage

• Ensure each box includes an FBA Box ID Label

Box Dimensions and Weight

• Max dimensions: 60 cms per side

• Max weight: 23 kgs per box (unless oversized item)

• Use double-walled boxes

Avoid using:

• Display boxes

• Shrink wrap

• Strapping

  
  

Acceptable Packing Materials

Allowed:

• Bubble wrap

• Air pillows

• Kraft paper

• Foam sheets

Prohibited:

• Packing peanuts

• Shredded paper

• Styrofoam

• Thermocol

  
  

Amazon Barcode Types

Amazon uses three barcode types:

1. Manufacturer Barcodes (UPC/EAN)

2. Amazon Barcodes (FNSKU) – Required for most products

3. Transparency Codes – For anti-counterfeit tracking by brand owners

All barcodes must be:

• Clearly visible

• Scannable

• Not covered by packaging

  
  

General Packaging Guidelines

• Every product must be individually packaged

• Multi-piece items must be labelled “Sold as Set” or “Do Not Separate”

• No assembly allowed at Amazon’s warehouse—units must be ready to ship

• Boxed items must pass a 3-foot drop test

Cost of Amazon FBA Prep Service:

The cost of Amazon FBA prep service varies depending on the provider. Service fees can differ significantly, with pricing models ranging from single higher fees to banding systems that reduce costs with higher unit volumes. Remember that the cheapest option might not always be the best, as other factors like turnaround times, service quality, and communication can affect your overall experience.

Why Consider Outsourcing FBA Prep?

There are three options for handling FBA prep: doing it yourself, requesting Amazon's prep service (for a fee and not always guaranteed), or hiring a third-party Amazon prep centre.

FAQs

Q: How should I pack items for Amazon FBA?

Follow Amazon’s packaging guidelines carefully. Label each unit with an FNSKU, use approved packaging materials, and ensure all boxes are secure, scannable, and clearly labelled.

Q: What happens if my items don’t meet Amazon’s prep standards?

Your stock could be rejected, delayed, or even destroyed. You may also face non-compliance fees or have your seller account flagged.

Outsourcing FBA prep offers several advantages:

1. Expert Control: Professional Amazon FBA prep centres possess in-depth knowledge of Amazon's requirements, reducing the risk of order rejection.

2. Time Savings: These experts work efficiently and handle large volumes, ensuring faster processing and preventing delays.

3. Avoiding Storage Costs: Renting storage space can be expensive, especially for significant inventory volumes. A third-party prep provider resolves this issue.

4. Streamlined Sales: FBA prep services optimize fulfilment times, reducing the likelihood of order rejection.

5. Improved Profit Margins: Outsourcing FBA prep can be cost-effective when compared to covering rejection costs and renting storage space, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Choosing an FBA Prep Service Provider:

When selecting an FBA prep service company, consider the following factors:

- Fees: Compare pricing structures.

- Processing Time: Evaluate their turnaround times.

- Communication: Ensure effective communication channels.

- Services Offered: Verify that they offer the required services.

- Reputation: Check reviews and their track record.

By outsourcing your FBA prep needs and selecting the right provider, you can enhance your Amazon selling experience, save time, reduce costs, and boost your business's profitability.

Blue30 is an UK Amazon Prep Centre, offering FBA Prep service for Amazon FBA sellers. This includes bundling items and oversize shipping. We're here to save you valuable time and energy so that you are able to focus on other aspects of the business. Find out more about our pricing. As an Amazon Prep Centre, we receive your products, inspect them, create the shipping plan, prepare them as required and dispatch them. Find out more about Our Services here.