Selling on Amazon can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with strict rules. One of the most frustrating challenges for sellers is having inventory rejected by Amazon Fulfillment Centers due to improper packaging or labeling. Every rejection means wasted money, delays in sales, and a risk to your seller performance metrics.
This guide explains common packaging mistakes that lead to Amazon FBA rejections and how to avoid them. We’ll also cover Amazon FBA prep requirements, box labeling rules, and barcode compliance, so your shipments arrive smoothly at Amazon’s warehouses.
Why Does Amazon Reject Shipments?
Amazon enforces strict FBA package requirements to ensure smooth operations inside their fulfillment centers. Improper packaging causes inefficiency, damaged goods, and delays, so even small mistakes—like wrong box size or missing FBA labels—can get your inventory refused.
Some of the most common rejection reasons include:
- Missing or incorrect FBA barcodes (x00 barcode / FNSKU)
- Wrong size of Amazon boxes
- Overweight or under-filled FBA boxes
- Missing or misplaced box labels Amazon requires
- Non-compliance with Amazon FBA prep requirements
Mistake 1: Incorrect or Missing FBA Barcodes
Every product sent to Amazon requires a unique x00 barcode (also known as an FNSKU) so the item can be tracked. Using UPCs or manufacturer barcodes without converting them to FNSKU leads to confusion and rejections.
How to avoid this:
- Always print and apply Amazon FBA barcode requirements stickers to each product.
- Make sure the barcode is scannable, not blurry, and not covered by packaging tape.
- If selling bundles or multipacks, ensure the bundle has one single barcode, not multiple.
Pro tip: For private label sellers, double-check Amazon private label requirements to confirm that your custom products carry the correct labels.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Size of Amazon Boxes
Amazon has strict rules about the size of Amazon boxes and weight limits. Sending oversized or overweight shipments can lead to rejection or penalty fees.
Amazon’s standard box size rules:
- Maximum box weight: 50 lbs (unless it contains a single oversized unit)
- Maximum box size: 25 inches on any side
- Use durable corrugated cardboard FBA boxes
How to avoid this:
- Choose sturdy FBA boxes designed for shipping to Amazon FBA centers.
- Never reuse damaged boxes.
- If shipping fragile goods, use poly-bags, bubble wrap, or dunnage as per Amazon packaging rules.
Mistake 3: Missing or Misplaced Box Labels
Amazon requires box labels on every carton shipped to their fulfillment centers. If these labels are missing, smudged, or placed incorrectly, your shipment will be rejected.
How to avoid this:
- Print box labels Amazon provides inside Seller Central.
- Place labels on a flat surface (not over seams or corners).
- Ensure each label is unique for its shipment.
If shipping multiple boxes, each FBA box must have its own label and be part of the same Amazon FBA ship to one warehouse process unless otherwise specified.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Amazon FBA Prep Requirements
Amazon’s FBA prep requirements are very specific. Sellers often overlook them, leading to compliance issues.
Common prep rules include:
- Liquids must be sealed and double-bagged.
- Fragile items must be bubble-wrapped.
- Apparel must be in polybags with suffocation warnings.
- Items with expiration dates must be clearly labeled.
How to avoid this:
Study the Amazon package requirements in Seller Central before creating a shipment. Following these rules prevents costly rejections and customer complaints.
Mistake 5: Shipping to the Wrong Amazon Warehouse
Amazon uses the Amazon FBA ship to one warehouse (inventory placement service) or multiple warehouse assignments. Sellers sometimes ship all products to one location without checking instructions, causing rejections.
How to avoid this:
- When creating a shipment plan, carefully note which fulfillment centers Amazon assigns.
- If using ship to one warehouse service, confirm the additional fees before proceeding.
- Work with reliable couriers who understand shipping to Amazon FBA requirements.
Mistake 6: Not Knowing How to Ship Items to Amazon FBA
New sellers often ask: “How to ship Amazon FBA products correctly?” Mistakes in this process—like skipping carton dimensions, not confirming carrier compliance, or using incorrect palletization—cause rejections.
How to ship items to Amazon FBA step by step:
- Print FBA barcodes (x00 labels) and apply to each product.
- Pack products into FBA boxes with correct dunnage.
- Seal and weigh the boxes according to Amazon package requirements.
- Print and place box labels Amazon provides.
- Arrange carrier pickup or drop-off with Amazon-approved partners.
If you operate under an LLC Amazon FBA business, maintaining compliance is even more critical to protect your brand reputation.
FAQs About Amazon FBA Packaging & Shipping
1. What are the Amazon FBA barcode requirements?
Each product must have a scannable FNSKU (x00 barcode) unique to your listing. Barcodes must not be blurry or placed on curves.
2. What size of boxes can I use for Amazon FBA?
Boxes cannot exceed 25 inches on any side or weigh more than 50 lbs unless shipping oversized items.
3. Do I need box labels when shipping to Amazon FBA?
Yes. Each carton must have a unique box label Amazon provides through your Seller Central shipment plan.
4. Can I ship everything to one Amazon warehouse?
By default, Amazon distributes inventory across multiple warehouses. However, with the ship to one warehouse service, you can send all stock to one location for a fee.
5. How to ship Amazon FBA products if I’m a private label seller?
Follow Amazon private label requirements: use FNSKU labels, brand packaging, and comply with all Amazon FBA prep requirements.
6. What happens if Amazon rejects my shipment?
Rejected shipments are returned to the sender, costing you extra in freight and prep. Repeated mistakes can damage your account health.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding Amazon FBA rejections starts with mastering the basics of Amazon packaging, barcode compliance, box labeling, and shipment rules. By following Amazon’s strict FBA prep requirements and paying attention to details, you save time, money, and protect your seller performance metrics.
If managing packaging, labeling, and compliance feels overwhelming, partnering with a professional prep center can make the process stress-free.
FNPrep helps Amazon sellers handle packaging, labeling, and compliance to ensure your products always meet Amazon FBA requirements. From applying x00 barcodes to choosing the right FBA boxes, FNPrep ensures your shipments are never rejected. Contact FNPrep today to streamline your Amazon FBA prep and shipping process.