Amazon FBA SIOC Packaging: FNSKU Labels, Poly Bag Rules and Ship-in-Own-Container Testing

Amazon FBA packaging requirements are more detailed than most sellers realise. Non-compliance results in receiving delays, repackaging fees (currently USD 0.50–3.50 per unit) or inventory disposal. Getting your packaging right before shipping to FBA saves money and prevents stock-outs caused by rejected deliveries.

FNSKU Label Requirements

Every unit in FBA needs a barcode Amazon can scan. You can use the manufacturer barcode (UPC/EAN/ISBN) if Amazon's commingling is acceptable, but most branded sellers should opt for FNSKU labels:

• Minimum label size: 1×2 inches (25×50mm)
• Black barcode on white background — no colour backgrounds
• Human-readable text must include product title (up to 50 characters) and condition
• Label must completely cover any other scannable barcode on the unit
• Labels must be scannable from at least 4 inches (10cm) away
• Labels must not be placed over safety warnings, expiry dates, or required regulatory text

Poly Bag Compliance

Products in poly bags must meet all of these requirements:

• Minimum 1.5 mil (38 microns) thickness — Amazon spot-checks with a thickness gauge
• Bags with openings ≥5 inches (127mm) in any dimension must carry a suffocation warning
• Suffocation warning text: "WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children. Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriages or playpens. This bag is not a toy." (Amazon's required exact text)
• Warning must be printed on the bag, not on a separate label; minimum 10pt font size
• Bag must be sealed — heat-sealed or secured with a peel-and-seal strip

Over-Boxing vs SIOC

Products must either be in packaging that can survive shipment in Amazon's standard over-box, or be certified as SIOC (Ships in Own Container). SIOC packaging must pass Amazon's ISTA 6A test at a certified laboratory. SIOC-certified products ship without an Amazon outer box, which:

• Reduces packaging cost (no outer box material)
• Earns the "Frustration-Free Packaging" certification badge
• May reduce FBA storage fees by reducing dimensional weight
• Reduces waste (sustainability messaging value)

Expiry Date Requirements

Products with expiry dates (food, beauty, supplements, cleaning products) must have the expiry date printed on the unit packaging in MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY format — QR codes or lot numbers that require lookup do not satisfy this requirement. Units with less than 90 days to expiry at the time of check-in may be refused by FBA.

Fragile and Liquid Product Requirements

• Fragile products must be able to pass a 3-foot (90cm) drop test with six-sided protection (all faces, edges and corners)
• Liquid products in bottles or jars must have lids tightened and sealed; bottles should be in a sealed poly bag as a secondary containment
• Breakable products (glass, ceramics) need cushioning (bubble wrap, foam) that prevents the product from touching the outer packaging wall
• Sharp products must be in packaging that prevents injury to FBA workers — bladed items in a sheath or sealed rigid clamshell