How to prepare products from China for Amazon FBA, from labels and packaging to shipment plans and checks, so your stock is received without delays.
Selling through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) means Amazon stores and ships your products. But Amazon only accepts stock that follows its preparation, labeling and packaging rules. Shipments that do not comply can be delayed, charged extra or refused. This article covers the basics. Amazon updates its requirements regularly, so always check the current rules in Seller Central.
Labels
- Product label (FNSKU): every unit usually needs a barcode that identifies it as your product in Amazon’s system, unless your account is set up to use the manufacturer barcode.
- Carton labels: every shipping carton needs its own shipment label.
- Warning labels: some products need extra labels, for example for suffocation risks with plastic bags.
Labels must be scannable, placed on a flat surface and not cover other barcodes.
Product preparation
Depending on the product, Amazon requires specific preparation:
- Poly bags for products that can get dirty or damaged, with warnings where required.
- Bubble wrap for fragile products.
- Sets marked as such, so they are not separated.
- Expiration dates for products that expire.
Cartons and pallets
Amazon has limits on the weight and dimensions of cartons and on how pallets are built. Ask your supplier to pack to these limits from the start, because repacking at destination costs time and money.
Hazardous materials
Products with batteries, liquids, aerosols or certain chemicals may be classified as hazardous materials (hazmat) and require extra documentation and review before you send them.
Where to prepare: at the factory or in a warehouse?
- At the factory: cheaper, but you depend on the supplier applying labels and preparation correctly.
- In a prep warehouse: an extra step, but you can inspect, label and split stock between Amazon and your other channels.
Many sellers keep part of their stock in a 3PL warehouse and send Amazon only what it needs, to keep storage fees under control and to sell through other channels. See how to choose a 3PL warehouse.
Checklist before shipping to Amazon
- Correct labels on every unit and carton.
- Preparation according to the product type.
- Carton weight and dimensions within limits.
- Shipment plan created and quantities matching.
- Inspection of quality and labeling before goods leave China. See our AQL inspection guide.
Zyntral’s warehouse service includes flows for Amazon FBA rules, with checkpoints from inbound to dispatch.
