Amazon FBA Size and Weight Guidelines: A Comprehensive Guide

For Amazon sellers aiming to streamline their fulfillment process by utilizing Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) in the United States, understanding the specific packaging, size, and weight requirements is crucial to avoid rejections at the FBA warehouse. This guide outlines essential precautions and standards to ensure your shipments are accepted without delays.

A. FBA Size and Weight Specifications

1. United States FBA Regulations

Weight Limit: Individual boxes must not exceed 22.7 kg (50 lb). For boxes exceeding this weight:

• Boxes over 22.7 kg (50 lb) must be labeled “Team Lift”.
• Boxes over 45.4 kg (100 lb) require a “Mech Lift” label.

Size Limit: The longest side of a box should not exceed 63.5 cm (25 inches).

Special Items: Jewelry and watches should be under 40 pounds.

Tray Specifications: Maximum dimensions are 1.2 x 1 x 1.8 meters, with a weight limit of 1500 pounds. However, regional variations apply:

Japan: Weight limit is 15 kg, with specific labeling for heavier boxes. Large trays are not permitted.

Europe: Similar to the US, with a 22.7 kg limit. Items between 15-22.7 kg need “Team Lift” or “Overweight Container” labels. Jewelry and similar items should not exceed 15 kg. Tray weight limits vary, with the UK at 1000 kg and other regions at 500 kg.

2. Packaging Best Practices

• To minimize damage, reduce the space inside the box by selecting the appropriate size.
• Shipments over 30 kg should be palletized.
• Mark boxes with the standard national label for FBA, particularly in the UK, where it’s a 4 cm square on the top right corner of each carton.

B. Packaging Material Standards

Amazon’s global standard requires the use of standard six-sided cartons. Key points include:

• Avoid using damaged, contaminated, or biodegradable materials.
• Use durable cartons and padding materials approved by Amazon, like air cushions or foam.
• Recycled cartons are acceptable if in good condition.
• Avoid large staples or nylon fiber tape for sealing.
• Do not bind cartons together during transport.
• Unless necessary due to item size, do not exceed a 63.5 cm side length for any carton.

Compliance and Rejections

Non-compliance with these guidelines can result in shipment rejections, necessitating a return to the origin for repackaging. This not only incurs additional costs but also delays warehousing times. It’s imperative to diligently check your shipment’s packaging against the destination country’s FBA warehouse acceptance standards to mitigate any risk of rejection.