Shipping and routing requirements

The following requirements apply to all boxes delivered to Amazon fulfilment centres, whether by small parcel delivery, less than truckload (LTL), or full truckload (FTL) delivery.

• Each box contains inventory from only one shipment ID. Do not combine items from multiple shipments in the same box. You can find the shipment ID on the Summary page for that shipment.
• The shipment details listed in your seller account match the physical shipment to the fulfilment centre, including:
  • Merchant SKU
  • FNSKU
  • Condition
  • Quantity delivered
  • Packing option (individually packed or case packed)
• Download our delivery guides
  • Shipment Check List
  • Carrier Manual
  • Beginners Guide to FBA

Box dimensions

Boxes containing multiple standard-size items must not exceed 63.5 cm on any side. A box may exceed the 63.5 cm if it contains oversized units that measure longer than 63.5 cm. Boxes that are excessively large relative to the oversized units may be subject to restriction of delivery privileges, additional fees, or refusal at a fulfilment centre.

Box weight

Weigh and measure boxes and pallets accurately and ensure that the correct values are supplied for every shipment. In addition:

• Boxes must not exceed the standard weight limit of 22.6 kg, unless they contain one single oversized item that exceeds 22.6kg.
  • For single oversized item that exceeds 22.6kg, attach a label that clearly indicates Team Lift on the top and sides of the box. These items will only be accepted through LTL or FTL shipments and are only approved for certain product groups.

Approved containers

The following are approved standard boxes:

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

Do not:

• Use point-of-sale containers or pallet-sized boxes (also known as gaylords)
• Bundle boxes using bags, tape, elastic, or extra straps

If you are reusing boxes, remove or cover any existing delivery labels or other barcodes.

For information about product packaging and shipment preparation, see Packaging and Prep Requirements and Small Parcel Delivery Requirements.

Approved dunnage

Using appropriate packing material ensures that your shipment moves quickly through the fulfilment centre receiving process and protects our associates from potential safety issues.

Approved dunnage	Prohibited dunnage
• Foam sheets or cushioning	• All types of packing peanuts, including those made of biodegradable material or corn starch
• Air pillows	• Foam strips
• Bubble wrap	• Crinkle wrap
• Full sheets of paper	• Shredded paper
	• Thermocol chips
	• Styrofoam

Packaging shipments

Following these instructions helps ensure that shipments arrive undamaged and ready for intake at our fulfilment centres:

• Use a rigid, six-sided box with the flaps intact.
• Use a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information.
• Each box you include in the shipment must have its own unique FBA shipment label printed from your Delivery Queue.
• Each pallet requires four labels, one on the top centre of each side. Each box on the pallet also requires its own label.
• When delivering multiple case packs in a primary carton, apply the unique delivery label on the primary carton.
• If you are reusing boxes, remove all old delivery labels or markings.
• Cover existing barcodes with opaque tape or use a black felt-tip marker to render the barcode unscannable. This prevents the incorrect barcode from being accidentally scanned during the receiving process.
• Wrap all items separately.
• Use adequate packaging material.
• Use strong tape designed for delivery.
• Once you have packed your box, shake it gently. The contents should not move when shaken.
• Using boxes with dimensions measuring at least 15.24 x 10.16 x 2.54 cm and weighing at least 0.5 kg (but no more than 63.5 cm on any side and under 22.6 kg total) can reduce delays in receiving.

Avoiding the following also helps ensure that shipments arrive ready for intake at Amazon fulfilment centres:

• Do not use point-of-sale containers. Point-of-sale containers are part of the product you are selling and typically contain one single unit. (For example, a coffee maker delivered and sold in its original container.)
• Do not use open boxes typically used for display purposes. (For example, open-front boxes or boxes without tops).
• Do not use pallet-sized boxes (also known as "gaylords").

  

• Do not use string, straps, or over-wrap (plastic or paper).
• Do not bundle multiple boxes together.

Picking the right-sized box for what you are delivering is important. If the container is too large, you will need to fill it up with enough packaging material so that the box will not collapse if heavier boxes are stacked on top during delivery.

Additional requirements

All products require a scannable barcode. For more information, see FBA product barcode requirements.

Each box in a shipment requires an Amazon shipment label in addition to the carrier label. For more information, see Shipment label requirements.

Additional requirements apply based on the delivery method you use:

• Small parcel delivery to Amazon
• Truckload delivery to Amazon

In addition, boxes and box contents must be packaged in such a way that the contents arrive safely and intact at the fulfilment centre. For more information, see Packaging and prep requirements.

Refused shipments

Some common issues that may result in the refusal of inventory at the fulfilment centre include:

• Incorrect type of vehicle (does not allow access to Powered Pallet Truck (PPT) from the dock)
• No appointment scheduled
• Attempting to deliver a shipment earlier or later than the scheduled appointment time
• If the actual number of pallets in the shipment differs from what is in the appointment
• Unsafe vehicle or unsafe pallet
• Non-standard sized pallets used for shipping
• Pallets exceeding height or weight limit
• Inaccessible pallets (no access from the dock)
• Pallet-sized boxes or gaylords used for shipping
• Cartons not shrink-wrapped securely to pallet
• Freight that has been tampered with
• Damaged freight
• No delivery paperwork
• Offensive behaviour or lack of cooperation by drivers

Such shipments may be rejected at the dock and returned to you at your expense. Merchant Damage refers to any inventory that is delivered to an Amazon fulfilment centre in an unsellable condition. Shipments considered Merchant Damage or Defective incur a return freight charge.

You cannot refuse or return shipments that are returned to you without first contacting Amazon. Shipments that you refuse or return without first contacting Amazon may be refused again and any costs incurred will be at your expense.

Delivering directly to a fulfilment centre from a distributor

Make sure that your distributor has the correct Amazon shipment labels for your shipment. You can grant limited access to your seller account to access labels. For more information, see Set user permissions.

In addition, your distributor must adhere to all Amazon shipment requirements.

You acknowledge that the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security has restricted and may in the future restrict dealings with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and certain of its non-U.S. affiliates included on the bureau’s Entity List ("Huawei Listed Entities"). You are responsible for complying with these restrictions, as updated from time to time, in relation to any products, software, or technology ("items") that you receive from Amazon or its affiliates. This includes ensuring that you do not remove, transfer, or accept any items, including inventory, that are subject to these restrictions from Amazon or its fulfilment centres if you are a Huawei Listed Entity or for the purpose of transferring or delivering such items to a Huawei Listed Entity.