UK Sellers: Your Complete Guide to Amazon FBA Prep and Packaging Requirements

Selling via Amazon FBA remains one of the most effective ways to scale an eCommerce business in the UK. The model gives sellers access to Amazon’s enormous customer base, Prime-eligible delivery, and world-class fulfilment network. Yet, none of these benefits matter if your products fail to meet Amazon’s strict prep and packaging requirements. Incorrectly prepared stock is one of the most common reasons sellers face delays, additional fees, or even full inventory rejection.

At Best Prep UK, we specialise in helping brands and sellers navigate the full Amazon FBA prep journey from start to finish. Whether you are a new seller sending your first carton or an established brand managing hundreds of SKUs, following Amazon’s requirements thoroughly is essential for ensuring your products enter the fulfilment centres smoothly and remain compliant.

This comprehensive guide breaks down Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements in simple steps. We cover everything from labelling and packaging materials to weight limits, shipment setup, pallet rules, and product-specific prep instructions. You will also find practical tips, examples, and expert insights gained from handling thousands of FBA shipments for UK-based sellers.

What Are Amazon FBA Prep and Packaging Requirements?

Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements are the rules sellers must follow when preparing inventory for inbound delivery to Amazon’s fulfilment centres. These requirements determine how products must be labelled, protected, sealed, boxed, palletised, and shipped.

Because Amazon’s fulfilment network is highly automated, each product must be prepared in a consistent, scannable, and damage-resistant manner. The goal is to maximise efficiency, ensure customer satisfaction, and reduce the risk of product damage during storage and distribution.

Failing to meet Amazon’s FBA prep standards can lead to:

• Delayed receiving times

• Inventory being repacked by Amazon (with fees)

• Full shipment rejection

• Hidden or unexpected charges

• Account health warnings or limitations

When handled correctly, your stock is processed faster, becomes sale-ready sooner, and reduces the likelihood of fulfilment errors or negative customer feedback.

Why These Requirements Matter for Amazon FBA Sellers

Amazon’s requirements exist for three key reasons:

Operational efficiency

Fulfilment centres rely on automated scanning systems and high-speed workflows. Correct labelling and packaging allow Amazon staff to handle your stock quickly and accurately.

Customer experience

Amazon’s customer-centric approach means products must arrive safely and in expected condition. Correct prep reduces returns, complaints, and poor reviews.

Compliance and cost control

Meeting the correct packaging standards helps you avoid non-compliance fees, unplanned prep charges, or removal orders.

For UK sellers looking to scale, consistency in FBA prep is almost as important as selecting the right product. That is why many choose to outsource the process to experts like Best Prep UK, ensuring every shipment arrives fully compliant.

Amazon FBA Prep Categories Explained

Amazon categorises products into prep types based on the handling and packaging requirements. Understanding these categories helps you prepare items correctly:

1. Standard Prep

Products requiring basic packaging and an FNSKU label. Examples include books, boxed items, and most non-fragile stock.

2. Label Prep

Items that require additional or replacement labels, including suffocation warnings or FNSKU labels.

3. Fragile or Breakable Items

Products requiring bubble wrap, rigid boxes, or drop-test-compliant packaging.

4. Apparel and Textiles

Clothing, accessories, and soft items must be packed in sealed polybags with suffocation warnings.

5. Liquids and Hazardous Materials

These require extra protection such as double seals or leak-proof polybags.

6. Sold as Set

Bundles or multipacks must clearly state do not separate and must be packed as single sellable units.

Correctly identifying your category saves significant time and prevents delays once stock reaches the fulfilment centre.

Product Labelling Requirements for Amazon FBA

Every unit sent to Amazon FBA must include a unique FNSKU label. This barcode links your inventory to your seller account and ensures Amazon attributes all orders to you, not another seller with the same product.

FNSKU Labelling Rules

• Labels must be placed on a flat, scannable area.

• Barcodes must not be obscured by seams, packaging texture, or reflective materials.

• All other retail barcodes must be removed or covered.

• Labels must measure at least 1 inch by 2 inches.

At Best Prep UK, we print and apply high-quality thermal barcodes that meet Amazon’s scannability standards, preventing delays or mis-scanned inventory.

Required Packaging Materials

Amazon outlines specific materials that sellers may use for Amazon FBA prep. These include:

Polybags

Used for textiles, plush items, loose items, and products with multiple components.Must include a printed suffocation warning if the bag opening is more than 127 mm.

Bubble Wrap and Shrink Wrap

Required for fragile, breakable, sharp, or sensitive products.

Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Must be strong, double-walled for heavier items, and free from previous branding or damage.

Void Fill and Dunnage

Amazon allows bubble wrap, full paper sheets, foam inserts, and air pillows.Crushed paper and packing peanuts are not allowed.

Using approved materials helps structure your shipments and ensures products are protected throughout transit.

Amazon FBA Specific Product Prep Requirements

Different types of products require different prep methods. Below are the essential requirements for common categories.

1. Sharp or Pointed Items

Items such as tools, scissors, metal parts, or crafting accessories must be fully enclosed to protect warehouse staff.Packaging must cover all sharp edges and include proper labelling.

2. Fragile or Glass Products

Examples: candles, glass jars, photo frames, clocks, mirrors.These items must:

• Be wrapped in bubble wrap

• Pass a three-foot drop test on all sides

• Have a scannable barcode placed externally

3. Liquids (Non-Glass)

For plastic containers:

• Over 16oz: must have a second seal or be placed inside a sealed polybag

• Less than 16oz: must still be leak-proof and securely closed

4. Apparel, Fabric, Plush, and Textiles

All must be placed in clear polybags with:

• Printed suffocation warnings

• Well-sealed openings

• Visible barcodes

5. Sold as Set

Multi-packs or bundles must include wording such as:

• Sold as a set

• Ready to ship

• Do not separate

  
  

Ignoring this rule often leads Amazon to split the set, causing lost inventory and delays.

At Best Prep UK, we ensure every unit meets Amazon’s category-specific requirements, preventing unplanned fees or rejections.

Amazon FBA Box and Carton Requirements

Once individual units are prepped, they must be packed into shipping cartons that meet specific Amazon requirements.

Amazon FBA Box Size and Weight Limits

• Maximum weight per box: 50 lbs, unless the box contains a single oversized item

• Maximum dimensions: 25 inches on any side

• Heavy boxes (over 50 lbs) must be marked with a Team Lift label

• Boxes over 100 lbs must include a Mechanical Lift label

Packaging Quality Standards

Amazon requires:

• Double-walled boxes for heavy or dense products

• Secure taping using the H-taping method

• Strong corrugated cardboard free from previous branding

Acceptable Internal Packaging

• Bubble wrap

• Air pillows

• Foam inserts

• Solid paper sheets

Avoid:

• Shredded paper

• Loose fill or packing peanuts

• Excessively soft material that collapses during stacking

  
  

Small Parcel Delivery (SPD) Requirements

SPD refers to shipments where individual boxes (up to 200 when using partner carriers) are delivered directly to Amazon.

Individual Packed vs Case-Packed

• Case-Packed: Each carton contains identical units with the same SKU and quantity

• Individual Packed: Mixed SKUs in the same carton

Amazon requires accurate box content information, so mislabelling can slow down receiving times considerably.

Label Placement

Each box must have:

• 1 FBA box ID label

• 1 shipping label

Must be placed:

• Flat on a surface

• Not over seams

• Not too close to edges

Printed in 4x6 inch format.

LTL and FTL Pallet Requirements for Amazon FBA

For larger shipments, pallet delivery is required. Amazon has strict pallet rules:

Pallet Specifications

• Material: wood only

• Standard size: 40 inches x 48 inches

• Maximum height: 72 inches including pallet

• Double-stacked pallets: maximum 100 inches

• Maximum weight: 1,500 lbs

Pallet Must Be

• Stackable

• Shrink-wrapped securely

• Labelled on all four sides

• Built with heavier boxes on the bottom

Poor palletising is one of the top reasons Amazon rejects UK inbound pallets.

Creating a Shipment Using Send to Amazon

The Send to Amazon workflow covers several steps:

1. Adding or Replenishing Inventory

Choose either:

• Send to Amazon (new products)

• Replenish Inventory (existing SKUs already in stock)

2. Creating the Shipment Plan

You must provide:

• Number of units

• Box contents

• Box weight and dimensions

• Packing type (case-packed or individual packed)

3. Prepping Products

Complete all prep requirements before shipment creation.

4. Labelling Units and Boxes

Print and apply FNSKU labels and box ID labels.

5. Selecting a Carrier

Choose between:

• Amazon-partnered carriers (usually discounted)

• Non-partnered carriers (tracking must be manually provided)

6. Shipping

Deliver your cartons or pallets following Amazon’s exact inbound instructions.

Best Prep UK can manage the entire process on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Factors That Influence the FBA Prep Process

Several product features affect how items must be prepped:

Product Size

Smaller units may require simple polybags or cartons, while larger ones may need oversized prep.

Weight

Heavier items require stronger packaging to withstand the fulfilment environment.

Fragility

Glass, electronics, ceramics, and liquids need impact-resistant packaging.

Shipping Type

SPD vs LTL/FTL dramatically affects packaging strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon FBA prep must be carried out meticulously to avoid delays or unplanned fees.

• All units require correct packaging, labelling, and scannability.

• Weight and dimension limits are strictly enforced across cartons and pallets.

• Prep varies significantly between product types, especially liquids, glass, textiles, and hazardous goods.

• Shipment plans must be accurate and reflect box contents precisely.

For sellers who want speed, accuracy, and peace of mind, outsourcing to a professional FBA prep provider like Best Prep UK ensures your stock is always received quickly and without issues.

Conclusion

Mastering Amazon FBA prep and packaging requirements is essential for running a successful Amazon business. The smallest oversight, such as an incorrect label or an improperly sealed polybag, can result in delays, extra costs, or rejected shipments. As Amazon continues to evolve its fulfilment standards, sellers must stay up to date and invest in proper preparation practices.

At Best Prep UK, we help brands, private label sellers, wholesalers, and online retailers streamline their operations. From FNSKU labelling and polybagging to full pallet preparation and shipment management, our team ensures your products are fully compliant and sale-ready every time.

If you want to send flawless Amazon FBA shipments without the stress, Best Prep UK is here to help.