Proper packaging plays a vital role in ensuring customer satisfaction and efficient product delivery on Amazon. While Amazon’s packaging requirements are important, they are just one piece of the puzzle.
In addition to adhering to these guidelines, sellers must also take into account other critical factors. This includes prioritizing transportation safety, ensuring compliance with customs and local laws, and aligning packaging with branding and budgetary considerations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the following key areas:
- The 6 essential requirements you should consider when packaging products for Amazon.
- Common packaging mistakes to avoid, along with valuable insights on selecting appropriate packaging materials.
By understanding and implementing these considerations, sellers can enhance their packaging strategies, meet Amazon’s requirements, and ultimately optimize their selling experience on the platform.
Let’s get started!
Why Correct Product Packaging Matters
Well-packaged products matter a lot to a successful Amazon selling experience. Here are four reasons why it’s important to follow Amazon’s packaging product requirements:
- Protect Your Products: The perfect packaging can protect your goods from being broken or damaged in transportation, which can lessen the likelihood of damaged returns and unhappy customers.
- Reduce Your Costs: Amazon warehouses may reject products with incorrect packaging. This can lead to higher inventory expenses. To save money and time, be sure to follow all packaging rules.
- Improve Unboxing Experience for Customers: Well-designed packaging can leave a positive impression to your customers, making them happier and increasing your sales.
- Differentiate Your Brand from Competitors: Presenting a unique and professional image, slogan, or other distinctive design elements to your packaging may make your products stand out from the competition.
By understanding and following product packaging regulations, you may protect your products, reduce expenses, improve customer satisfaction, and build a strong Amazon brand.
Meet Transportation Security Requirements on Amazon Product Packaging
To ensure safe and intact delivery to customers, you should consider the following crucial aspects of transportation security requirements on Amazon product packaging.
Ensure No-damaged Packages Delivered to Your Customers
Prioritizing the safety of the product during transport is essential to ensure that it reaches the buyer in one piece. Amazon sellers should be careful in two situations:
- Shipment from China to the Amazon Warehouse: Amazon checks the condition of the goods when it get to the warehouse from China. If the boxes are damaged when they arrive at the shipping terminal, Amazon will not accept them. Sellers are responsible for providing brand-new shipping containers and labels.
- Shipment from Amazon Warehouse to the Customer: If the package is damaged while being shipped from the Amazon warehouse to the customer, the responsibility for the loss caused by the damaged packaging falls on the Amazon seller.
Choose Sturdy Packaging Materials
Amazon vendors should use packing materials that can withstand shipping without being damaged. Corrugated paper boxes, especially those with three to five layers of corrugation, are highly recommended for shipping valuable items.
Use Correct Packaging for Fragile Products and High-value Products
For fragile products and high-value products, you should pay more attention on the packaging.
Fragile Products
When dealing with products that are easily broken, it is vital to use additional packaging to prevent damage while in transportation. In addition to bubble wrap, sturdy product boxes are recommended for shipping sensitive items.
Amazon requires a drop test for fragile items to guarantee the stability of packing. When conducting drop test, your packaged products will be dropped from a specific height under different orientation to test their ability to withstand impacts during transit.
Check this Amazon Drop Test Evaluation below to get easier understanding.
High-value Products
For high-value items like cameras, mobile devices, jewelry, and watches, extra care is needed to keep them from getting dirty during shipping. If you’re worried about dirt, dust, or liquid getting inside your package, you should consider adding plastic bag wrapping on top of the original packaging.
Amazon FBA Jewelry bags Packaging Requirements:
- Jewelry bags must be individually packed in plastic bags, and the barcode should be placed on the outside of the jewelry bag to prevent damage from dust. The product description label should be affixed to the side with the largest surface area.
- The size of the bag should be suitable for the size of the jewelry bag. Do not force the jewelry bag into a bag that is too small or place it in a bag that is too large, as this may cause the jewelry bag to move around. The edges of larger bags are more prone to being caught and torn, exposing the contents to dust or dirt.
- Plastic bags with an opening of 5 inches or more (at least 1.5 mil) must have a “suffocation warning.” For example: “Plastic bags can be a suffocation hazard. To avoid the danger of suffocation, keep packaging materials away from babies and children.”
- All plastic bags must be transparent.
Tips: You can require signature confirmation upon delivery to ensure the safe delivery of high-value products to your customers.
Consider Customs and Law Requirements on Amazon Product Packaging
Amazon sellers that import goods from other countries must ensure their products’ packaging satisfies all applicable legal and customs standards. Here are some usual standards and licenses you should know about Amazon product packaging:
Common Product Packaging Requirements by Customs and Law
1) Present Country of Origin Labels on Your Product Packaging
Labels stating the nation of origin should be present on both the shipping box and the product packing. Examples of such labels would be “Made in China.”
Having this information on hand is necessary so that customs officials can determine where a product was manufactured.
2) Avoid Using Wood Packaging Materials
As a general rule, you shouldn’t use wood crates, boxes, or other wood packaging materials while shipping your goods.
When it comes to wood packing, both the United States and the European Union have stringent regulations in place to prevent the spread of pests and guarantee that products are in line with international phytosanitary standards.
Special Certification Symbols Required by Customs and Law
CE Certification required by EU
If you want to sell things in the European Union, you need to mark them with the Conformité Européene (CE) symbol.
This certification shows that the product meets important health, safety, and environmental standards set by EU directives.
U.L. Certification required by US and Canada
For US and Canadian LED lights, Wi-Fi connectors, power adapters, and wall chargers, Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) certification is usually necessary.
For these markets, the security of a product can only be guaranteed if it has been tested and certified safe by U.L.
Bluetooth BQB Certification required by US
If you’re selling your product in the United States and it features Bluetooth technology, you must ensure that it complies with regulations set forth by Bluetooth Qualification Body (BQB).
These approvals guarantee the highest standards of quality and reliability in Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements on 2 Special Products
Some products have very specific packaging requirements that must be met in order to be sold on the Amazon platform. The following are the guidelines for FBA official requirements of products falling into one of four distinct categories:
Bundle Products
A product bundle is a combination of various items that are sold as a set together in one package. One example might be a box set containing multiple books in a series or a gift package.
Heat-seal bags are ideal for bundling and multipack packing because they keep goods secure and out of the way. However, notice that heat-seal bag is easier to get dirty.
A “Sold as Set” label further clarifies that the products are meant to be purchased collectively.
Sharp, Pointed, or Otherwise a Safety Concern Products
When handling products with sharp or pointed edges, additional packing may be necessary. Examples of this would include things like knives, scissors, and tools.
For mailing fragile objects, bubble wrap is advised, as it is lightweight and the surrounding bubbles won’t be damaged if a single bubble is damaged.
Airbags are also recommended. They offer greater safety against drops and severe handling and are lightweight, portable, and easy to store.
Custom Amazon Product Packaging Under Your Budget Requirements
The packaging of your Amazon products should strike a balance between cost and quality so as not to eat into your profits. If you want to stay within your packaging budget without skimping on efficiency, consider the following.
One of the first things to do is to calculate how much money you can set aside for Amazon product packaging. If you’re trying to choose from the thousands of different packing solutions, having a specific budget in mind is helpful to reduce time of choice.
Then, it’s important to be conscious of the costs that may arise from product packaging.
Possible Fees Related to Product Packaging
1) Common Packaging Types
The cost of packaging your product will depend on the kind and material you select. For example, if you’re on a tighter budget, polybags might be a better option than product boxes. It is recommended that you shop around for the most cost-effective and convenient packing.
Tip: Plastic bags with an opening of 5 inches or more (at least 1.5 mil) must have a “suffocation warning.” For example: “Plastic bags can be a suffocation hazard. To avoid the danger of suffocation, keep packaging materials away from babies and children.” All plastic bags must be transparent.
2) Product Packaging Size
Larger packaging sizes demand more materials, increasing expenses. Amazon charges fulfillment fees also depending on your products’ ultimate unit size and weight. If you go beyond your allotted tier, you may have to pay more in fulfillment fees, which will affect your budget.
3) Custom Packaging
Your vendors may charge more for custom packaging. If you’re going to hire professionals to create your bespoke packaging, you need to factor in the cost of design. Remember that printing expenses may rise for more intricate and colorful packaging designs.
4 Tips to Save Your Cost on Product Packaging
The following are some suggestions for reducing the cost of product packaging:
- Make use of supplier packaging templates or create your own custom packaging. With this method, costly expert design services are unnecessary.
- If you can, book many packages at once. It’s more cost-effective to buy in bulk than to buy a few individual units.
- Use stickers rather than ink directly on the packaging. Stickers are convenient because they may be used in a variety of ways and are inexpensive.
- Minimize the amount of materials used and the overall package weight by making sure the product’s dimensions are reflected in the packaging design. This has the potential to improve productivity and cut down on shipping expenses.
Make Amazon Product Packaging Meet Your Branding Requirements
The packaging your products come in directly reflects your business’s identity. Here are some things to keep in mind when designing your packaging to meet brand standards:
Clarify Your Brand Identity
Before creating product packaging, you must grasp your brand identity. Think about how you position your products, who your customers are, and what kind of aesthetic they like.
For instance, if you want your brand to be taken seriously and your target market is interested in the “Natural” idea, using environmentally friendly packaging materials is perhaps a good idea.
Comparing your product’s packaging to your competitors might also help you develop a winning strategy.
Pick the Suitable Type of Packaging for Your Products
Amazon allows a wide range of packing types, from polybags and boxes to tubes and paper-wrapped parcels, and even bottle containers. However, polybags and product boxes are two common choices of product packaging by Amazon sellers.
Polybags for Amazon FBA Products Packaging
There are many varieties of polybags available, including zip lock bags, self-seal bags, heat seal bags, and bubble bags. They keep goods clean and dry, stop liquids from leaking, and group together a variety of unrelated items.
Polybags can be used for several purposes, including product bundling, clothing storage, sharp or glass object storage, and liquid storage.
Amazon Product Box for Packaging
Amazon-approved packaging materials often comprise paperboard folding cartons or corrugated folding cartons for packaging products. Boxes for your products not only show your dedication to the quality of your goods but also protect them during shipping, which is especially important for bulky or delicate items.
You can safely ship glass and other delicate objects, as well as those with sharp edges, in product boxes.
Put Necessary Contents on Product Packaging
Consult with the vendors, designers, or shippers to decide what information to place on the packaging. Keep in mind the following essentials:
1) Brand logo
Set yourself apart from the competition by including your logo on the manufacturer’s packaging.
2) Product description
Describe your goods in a way that is both clear and compelling.
3) Contact information
Provide your online presence accounts, the business address, and other contact details to let customers reach you if they have any problems on the products.
4) Labels
If your goods are made in China, put “Made in China” on the packaging. It’s also important to double-check for the FNSKU label. We have another post to talk about Amazon label requirements for you to read if necessary.
5) Instructions
Give customers recommendations on how to use your products on your packaging.
3 Options to Display Contents on Your Product Packaging
Here are some suggestions for how to present important information clearly on your packaging:
1) Put in a Card
You can print the information on a card and put it in a clear polybag.
With this option, your products can be showcased in a pristine fashion. This option can be used for small-sized products like toy cars.
Remember that Amazon frowns upon including flyers or other forms of advertising with packaged goods.
2) Label Stickers
You can also use stickers to identify the contents of the manufacturer’s standard packaging.
This economical choice is best for orders with lower totals.
3) Print on the Package
For convenience when ordering in large quantities, print the relevant information directly on the packaging of your goods.
If you want to make sure the final product is exactly as you want it, you should check out a sample first.
If you stick to these rules, your Amazon product packaging will do a better job of representing your brand, attracting buyers, and improving their whole shopping experience.
What You Need to Think More about Amazon Product Packaging Materials and Designs
The quality of your product’s packaging can make or break your Amazon business.
When deciding how to package your goods, it’s necessary to consider more than just price, transportation security, user experience, platform limitations, and customs regulations.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important aspects of product packaging and how it’s made.
Product Packaging Materials
Use Environmentally Friendly Material
Eco-friendly materials should always be given top consideration when choosing packaging. Using eco-friendly products is good for the world and popular among people who care about the environment.
It’s a good idea to use recyclable packaging and to label it as such with a statement or the words “please recycle.”
Customers will be more likely to recycle or compost the packaging if they see that you are making an effort to be environmentally conscious.
Adapt to Humid Environment
Modifying your packing to work in damp settings is another crucial factor to think about. Keep in mind that Amazon’s warehouses are often damp, therefore utilize waterproof materials for your packaging.
Toys, towels, clothes, and other items that can be damaged by moisture need to be packaged in a way that prevents them from getting wet.
Plastic bags are suggested because of their ability to repel water, which will aid to protect contents from dampness.
Product Packaging Designs
Able to Resell after Customer Returns and Restocking
It helps to design packaging that makes reselling products easier following consumer returns and restocking.
Plastic bags sealed with adhesive tape should be avoided because once they are opened, the packaging needs to be replaced again.
Instead, use plastic bags with zippers, as they offer a more secure closing and can be quickly reopened for replenishment.
Improve Customer Convenience
Convenience for the consumer base can also be increased through well-considered packaging. Easy-to-open and reseal packaging is highly valued by consumers. This is also an important means for you to increase your Amazon sales.
Customer satisfaction and Amazon sales are both boosted by ergonomic features that make it easier to unpack. Think of Heinz, the food processing firm that saw a huge increase in sales when it introduced new packaging that was easier to open.
Don’t Do These in Product Packaging Practice under Amazon Packaging Requirements
Following Amazon’s packaging requirements can help you avoid making any packaging blunders when sending products to the Amazon Fulfillment Center.
Whether you’re a supplier, shipping forwarder, or doing your packaging, it’s important to avoid the following mistakes.
Is Not Sealed or Sealed Completely
It’s very important to make sure your goods are properly sealed. If the product isn’t properly sealed, elements like dust and water could get inside and cause problems.
Use Poor Quality Materials
If your products are shipped in subpar packaging, they may sustain damage in transit. Expenses for new containers and labels may result. Put your money into high-quality materials that will keep your items safe from harm and save you money in the long run.
Put Marketing Material into the Poly Bag or Corrugated Box
All goods in the box must be clearly labeled.
Title, color, and model numbers, as well as the appropriate EAN, UPC, or ISBN barcode, must be clearly displayed on any packaging destined for Amazon.
However, promotional materials not sold on Amazon, such as flyers, price tags, or stickers, are strictly forbidden. Also, labels or goods that have already been priced are not accepted.
Poly Bags over 5 Inches and Don’t Have Suffocation Warnings
Amazon requires a suffocation warning to be included on all poly bags with a 5-inch opening or greater.
The warning should be imprinted on the bag or labeled on the outside. If a suffocation warning isn’t included, the products may need to be repackaged.
Avoid any mistakes by checking that all poly bags meeting Amazon’s size limits have the required suffocation warning printed on them.
Conclusion
To sum up, you need to know about and follow Amazon product packaging requirements.
This blog has offered a thorough review of the considerations to keep in mind while preparing product packaging, with an emphasis on transportation protection, cost-effectiveness, customs regulation, and Amazon’s unique packaging rules.
Make sure your product vendors, logistics partners, and freight forwarders are aware of these specifications.
If you have any more questions or require clarification, please share them in the comments section below. You can contact us to help you out!
