In today’s fast-paced eCommerce world, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) has become the preferred way for online sellers to grow their businesses with convenience and global reach. By letting Amazon handle storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service, sellers can focus more on scaling their brands. However, this convenience comes with its own set of rules — the FBA Amazon requirements.

Understanding and complying with these requirements is crucial for maintaining account health, avoiding penalties, and ensuring that your products move smoothly through Amazon’s fulfillment centers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every essential aspect of FBA Amazon requirements, recent updates for 2025, and how Coastal Distributions Group can help you navigate the process efficiently.

1. What is Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)?

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows third-party sellers to send their inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, and even customer service.

Here’s how it works:

1. The seller sends inventory to Amazon’s warehouse.
2. Amazon stores the products securely.
3. When a customer places an order, Amazon picks, packs, and ships it.
4. Amazon handles returns and customer queries.

This system gives sellers access to Amazon’s Prime shipping network, ensuring faster delivery and greater customer satisfaction. However, to benefit from FBA, sellers must meet certain operational and product preparation standards.

2. Why Understanding FBA Requirements is Crucial

Many new sellers jump into Amazon FBA without fully understanding the platform’s rules. Ignoring FBA Amazon requirements can lead to:

• Delays in inventory check-ins.
• Rejection of shipments.
• Additional prep or relabeling fees.
• Poor account performance metrics.
• Even suspension of selling privileges.

By mastering the requirements early, sellers save time, money, and frustration.

3. Key FBA Amazon Requirements for 2025

Below are the most updated FBA requirements every seller must follow:

1. Product Packaging Requirements

Amazon has strict packaging guidelines to ensure safety and efficiency in its warehouses:

• Sealed Packaging: Each unit must be properly sealed to prevent damage or tampering.
• Barcode Visibility: Each item must have a scannable FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) barcode visible on the outside.
• Poly Bags: Any item in a poly bag must have a suffocation warning if the opening is larger than 5 inches.
• Bubble Wrap: Fragile items must be wrapped to prevent breakage.
• Loose Items: Items that could separate must be secured together (e.g., sets or pairs).

Failing to comply can result in re-packaging fees or the refusal of your inventory.

1. Labeling Requirements

Every FBA product must have an Amazon FNSKU label, which uniquely identifies the seller’s inventory.
Requirements include:

• Labels must be scannable and placed on a flat surface.
• They must cover any original manufacturer barcodes if “Stickered Inventory” is used.
• Ink must not smear, fade, or be difficult to read.
• Each unit should have only one scannable barcode visible.

For sellers using Coastal Distributions Group, all labeling and barcoding can be handled as part of their prep services to ensure 100% compliance.

1. Shipment & Box Content Requirements

Before shipping inventory to Amazon:

• All shipments must be created within Seller Central.
• Sellers must specify which items go into which boxes (“box content information”).
• Amazon requires use of approved carriers (like UPS or FedEx) for FBA shipments.
• Boxes must not exceed 50 lbs (unless containing oversized items).
• Proper shipment IDs must be placed on each box for tracking and check-in.

1. Product Restrictions

Amazon restricts or prohibits certain products from FBA. Sellers must confirm their items meet policy standards:

• Hazardous materials (flammable, corrosive, or explosive) may be banned.
• Perishable goods are not allowed unless enrolled in a special program.
• Counterfeit or unverified branded items can lead to permanent account bans.
• Lithium batteries and other high-risk electronics require compliance documentation.

1. Expiration Dates and Shelf-Life Products

If you sell food, supplements, or cosmetics, expiration dates must be clearly printed in the format:
MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY.

Amazon requires that:

• Products must have at least 90 days of shelf life remaining upon arrival.
• Expiration dates must be visible without opening the packaging.

4. Amazon FBA Storage Requirements

Amazon operates with structured storage policies to optimize space and inventory flow:

• Storage Limits: Determined by Inventory Performance Index (IPI).
• Overage Fees: Applied when inventory exceeds capacity limits.
• Aged Inventory Fees: Charged for items stored longer than 271 days.

Using a third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Coastal Distributions Group can reduce these costs significantly by offering pre-storage, prep, and consolidation before shipping to Amazon.

5. Amazon FBA Shipping Requirements

FBA shipments must meet these transportation and documentation standards:

• Use Amazon-partnered carriers for discounted shipping rates.
• Include box and pallet labels as per Amazon’s standard.
• Submit advanced shipment notifications (ASN) in Seller Central.
• All boxes must contain consistent SKUs and quantities as listed in the shipment plan.

6. FBA Product Prep Requirements by Category

Different categories require specific prep types:

Sellers who use Coastal Distributions Group can outsource all product prep steps to experts who ensure category-specific compliance.

7. FBA Inventory Requirements

Amazon tracks all products through its fulfillment network. Sellers must maintain:

• Accurate inventory levels.
• Proper ASIN matching.
• No duplicate listings.
• Regular replenishment schedules.

Improper inventory tracking can result in “stranded inventory” — items that cannot be sold due to listing or labeling issues.

8. 2024–2025 FBA Policy Updates

2024 Changes Recap:

1. Storage Fees: Increased by 3.5% in January 2024.
2. Aged Inventory Fees: Applied to inventory aged 181+ days (previously 271 days).
3. Labeling Rules Tightened: Sellers now need machine-readable FNSKU on every unit.
4. Hazmat Storage Policy Update: Additional documentation required for aerosols and flammable goods.

2025 Updates:

1. Sustainability Mandate: All new packaging must meet Amazon’s recyclable standards by mid-2025.
2. Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) Pricing Revision: Slight increase in non-Amazon order fulfillment rates.
3. Returns Policy Alignment: All FBA sellers now must comply with Amazon’s standardized returns process globally.

4. Prep and Label Service Expansion: In early 2025, Amazon expanded its Prep and Label Service for sellers who prefer Amazon to handle product preparation. However, this comes with increased service fees — up to $0.85 per unit depending on size and prep type. Many sellers have found it more cost-effective to partner with a third-party prep and fulfillment company like Coastal Distributions Group, which offers faster turnaround times and lower handling fees.
5. Introduction of “Compliance Health” Dashboard: Amazon introduced a new Compliance Health Dashboard that automatically flags potential issues with ASINs, labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and shipment compliance. Sellers can now monitor the status of shipments and documentation in real-time — a major step forward in ensuring smooth FBA operations.
6. Regionalized FBA: To improve delivery times, Amazon now operates regionalized fulfillment centers. Sellers must ensure that shipments align with the designated centers for their target markets. Coastal Distributions Group assists in optimizing inventory placement across different Amazon regions to minimize costs and delivery delays.

9. How Coastal Distributions Group Helps Sellers Meet FBA Amazon Requirements

While Amazon’s FBA program offers a tremendous opportunity, the complexity of its compliance, labeling, and shipping standards can overwhelm new and even experienced sellers. That’s where Coastal Distributions Group steps in — providing full-service Amazon FBA Prep, Storage, and Logistics Support.

Here’s how Coastal simplifies the FBA process:

a. FBA Product Preparation

Coastal ensures every product sent to Amazon meets exact FBA standards:

• Correct FNSKU labeling
• Proper packaging for fragile or liquid items
• Poly bagging and warning label compliance
• Category-specific prep for restricted items

This eliminates rejections and costly delays at Amazon fulfillment centers.

b. Inventory Storage and Management

Rather than paying Amazon’s high storage fees, sellers can store inventory with Coastal’s strategically located warehouses. Coastal offers:

• Real-time inventory visibility
• FIFO (First-In-First-Out) management
• Temperature-controlled facilities
• Short- and long-term storage solutions

This helps reduce aged inventory penalties and ensures timely restocking.

c. Shipment Creation and Logistics

Coastal’s logistics experts handle:

• Shipment plan creation in Seller Central
• Box content and labeling compliance
• Palletizing according to Amazon’s specs
• Transport through approved carriers

Sellers can rest assured their inventory arrives quickly and passes Amazon’s inbound checks smoothly.

d. Returns and Reimbursements

Mistakes happen — from customer returns to Amazon’s occasional warehouse loss. Coastal helps sellers file accurate reimbursement claims for lost or damaged units and processes returns efficiently for resale or disposal.

e. Cost Optimization

FBA fees add up. Coastal helps identify opportunities to save, such as:

• Reducing prep and storage costs
• Optimizing packaging weight
• Consolidating shipments
• Using Amazon-partnered carriers strategically

The result? Lower Amazon FBA costs and higher profits.

10. FBA Shipping Plans and Carrier Selection

A single labeling or content error can delay shipments by days or weeks — and for Amazon sellers, time is money.
Coastal Distributions Group’s logistics experts help sellers create optimized shipment plans that comply fully with Amazon’s requirements.

The process includes:

1. Shipment Creation in Seller Central — Defining SKUs, quantities, and destination fulfillment centers.
2. Box Content Optimization — Properly grouping SKUs to reduce dimensional weight (DIM) charges.
3. Amazon-Partnered Carrier Booking — Leveraging discounted shipping options to minimize costs.
4. Shipment Tracking and Reconciliation — Ensuring every shipment is delivered, checked in, and reflected in your inventory dashboard.

By combining automation with hands-on oversight, Coastal ensures your shipments reach the right fulfillment centers on time, every time.

11. Quality Control and Compliance in FBA Shipments

Amazon is known for its stringent quality control process. Sellers whose inventory doesn’t meet compliance risk additional fees or outright rejection.

Here’s what Coastal does to maintain quality:

• Visual Inspections: Each product is checked for physical defects, leaks, or labeling issues.
• Barcode Scanning: Ensures that every unit has a scannable FNSKU and no duplicate barcodes.
• Packaging Verification: Confirms all items are packaged according to category-specific standards.
• Hazmat Verification: Coastal’s trained staff review and store hazardous materials under Amazon’s hazmat policy requirements.

This approach eliminates common errors that lead to shipment delays or costly rework fees once inventory reaches Amazon fulfillment centers.

12. Common Mistakes Sellers Make in Meeting FBA Requirements

Even seasoned sellers often make avoidable errors that affect their performance metrics or profitability.
Some of the most common mistakes include:

1. Incorrect Label Placement — Amazon scanners cannot read improperly placed FNSKUs.
2. Overfilled Boxes — Boxes exceeding 50 lbs or 25” may be rejected or charged extra.
3. Missing Expiration Dates — Failing to label consumable goods correctly results in disposal.
4. Inconsistent Box Content Data — Mismatch between shipment plans and actual contents leads to delays.
5. Ignoring Hazmat Documentation — Products without MSDS or compliance forms are blocked from check-in.
6. Poor Inventory Tracking — Overstocking or stockouts due to lack of visibility can hurt sales rank.

Coastal Distributions Group acts as a preventive layer — reviewing all items before shipment to eliminate these issues completely.

13. Amazon FBA Fee Structure and Cost Components

By using Coastal Distributions Group’s pre-fulfillment services, sellers can dramatically reduce many of these expenses. Coastal helps by:

• Consolidating shipments to minimize dimensional weight.
• Handling labeling and prep in-house, avoiding Amazon’s higher per-unit fees.
• Providing affordable warehousing for bulk inventory before sending small batches to FBA.
• Managing returns and unsellable goods efficiently to avoid long-term storage costs.

The result?
Lower overall fulfillment costs, better inventory control, and improved profit margins — while maintaining full compliance with all FBA Amazon requirements.

14. How FBA Amazon Requirements Affect Account Health

FBA requirements are not just operational checklists — they directly influence a seller’s account health metrics, including:

• On-Time Shipment Rate (OTSR)
• Order Defect Rate (ODR)
• Late Shipment Rate
• Customer Service Performance

Non-compliance can trigger warnings, account suspensions, or listing restrictions.
Coastal Distributions Group ensures all shipments meet Amazon’s exacting standards, thereby protecting your seller reputation and ensuring smooth performance metrics.

15. Sustainability and the Future of FBA Requirements

With growing global emphasis on eco-friendly practices, Amazon has started enforcing stricter sustainability guidelines:

• Recyclable and minimal packaging is now encouraged.
• Plastic reduction initiatives are in place for certain categories.
• Sellers are rewarded in ranking and visibility for adopting sustainable fulfillment practices.

Coastal Distributions Group has already integrated green logistics solutions, including:

• Recyclable packaging materials.
• Consolidated shipping routes for reduced carbon footprint.
• Optimized warehouse energy efficiency.

This forward-thinking approach not only aligns with Amazon’s sustainability goals but also enhances brand image and long-term customer trust.

16. Best Practices for Meeting FBA Amazon Requirements

Here’s a concise roadmap to help sellers stay compliant and competitive:

1. Stay Updated: Amazon updates its FBA policies regularly — review them monthly.
2. Standardize Packaging: Implement a consistent packaging system for all SKUs.
3. Barcode Verification: Double-check every item before shipment.
4. Outsource to Experts: Partner with an experienced 3PL like Coastal Distributions Group.
5. Track Shipments: Monitor check-in times and reconcile discrepancies promptly.
6. Audit Regularly: Review your inventory reports for stranded or suppressed listings.

17. Why Partnering with Coastal Distributions Group Makes All the Difference

While Amazon FBA opens doors to millions of customers, it can quickly become overwhelming without the right logistics partner.

Coastal Distributions Group bridges this gap by offering:

• Full FBA Compliance Support: Packaging, labeling, prep, and documentation handled by experts.
• Strategic Warehouse Locations: Faster restocks and lower inbound freight costs.
• Inventory Optimization: Advanced tracking systems to prevent overstocking or shortages.
• End-to-End Visibility: From supplier to Amazon warehouse — complete transparency in every step.
• Dedicated Amazon Support: Specialists who understand Seller Central and Amazon’s backend intricacies.

By integrating these services, Coastal allows sellers to focus entirely on marketing, sales, and product development — while the operational backbone runs seamlessly in the background.

18. The Coastal Advantage in FBA Fulfillment

What sets Coastal apart from generic logistics providers is its deep understanding of Amazon’s ecosystem.
Unlike traditional 3PLs that focus purely on warehousing and transport, Coastal tailors its systems specifically for Amazon sellers:

• Automated shipment planning.
• Barcode and SKU integration with Seller Central.
• AI-based inventory forecasting.
• Specialized handling for Amazon’s inbound logistics rules.

Whether you’re shipping a few hundred units per month or managing enterprise-level fulfillment, Coastal’s scalable model grows with you — eliminating inefficiencies and maximizing returns.

19. Integrating Coastal with Amazon FBA Workflow

When you onboard with Coastal Distributions Group, your Amazon FBA workflow becomes smooth, compliant, and efficient from end to end.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Inbound Inventory: Coastal receives your products from manufacturers or suppliers, verifies shipment integrity, and inspects for damages or discrepancies.
2. Product Prep: Coastal handles every aspect of FBA prep — labeling, poly-bagging, kitting, bubble wrapping, and applying required warning or compliance labels.
3. Storage: Your products are stored in secure, climate-controlled warehouses located near major ports and Amazon fulfillment centers, reducing transportation costs and lead time.
4. Shipment Creation: Coastal’s experts create shipment plans in your Seller Central dashboard, ensuring SKUs, quantities, and destinations are aligned with Amazon’s FBA requirements.
5. Labeling and Packing: Every box and pallet is labeled according to Amazon’s specifications — with special attention to box content information and carrier compliance.
6. Carrier Coordination: Coastal works with Amazon-partnered carriers to ensure your inventory reaches the right fulfillment centers cost-effectively and on time.
7. Inventory Reconciliation: Once shipments are delivered, Coastal tracks check-in status, reconciles discrepancies, and reports lost or damaged inventory for potential reimbursements.

This full-circle workflow ensures your Amazon FBA operations remain fully compliant, while freeing you from the daily headaches of logistics management.

20. Coastal’s Collaboration with Max 3PL for Enhanced FBA Performance

Coastal Distributions Group has partnered with Max 3PL, combining extensive freight expertise with advanced eCommerce fulfillment systems.

This collaboration enhances value for Amazon sellers by providing:

• Faster Domestic and International Shipping: Leveraging both companies’ networks ensures lower transit times and better shipping rates.
• Multi-Channel Fulfillment: Sellers operating across Amazon, Shopify, or Walmart can manage all platforms from a unified logistics hub.
• Scalable Operations: As your business grows, Coastal and Max 3PL provide flexible space, staff, and systems — eliminating bottlenecks.
• Data Transparency: Real-time dashboards give sellers complete visibility over inventory, shipment progress, and costs.

Together, these strengths make Coastal Distributions Group and Max 3PL the ultimate allies for eCommerce entrepreneurs who want to grow confidently on Amazon’s competitive marketplace.

21. Future Outlook Evolving FBA Requirements in 2026 and Beyond

Amazon’s FBA requirements are continuously evolving — reflecting advances in technology, customer expectations, and global trade regulations. Sellers can expect:

• More AI-driven compliance tools that automatically flag packaging or labeling errors.
• Greater regionalization of fulfillment centers for faster delivery in local markets.
• Increased environmental regulations regarding sustainable packaging.
• Enhanced seller accountability for product safety and authenticity.

By staying proactive and working with logistics partners like Coastal Distributions Group, sellers can adapt seamlessly to these evolving standards — ensuring compliance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

22. Summary of Key Amazon FBA Requirements

To recap, every Amazon FBA seller must ensure:
Products are properly labeled with FNSKUs or manufacturer barcodes.

• Packaging meets category-specific safety and prep standards.
• Boxes and pallets are correctly sized, sealed, and labeled.
• Shipment plans in Seller Central match actual box content.
• Expiration dates, if required, are clear and accessible.
• Inbound carrier guidelines are strictly followed.
• Hazardous materials comply with MSDS and hazmat rules.

Ignoring these requirements can result in shipment rejections, extra fees, or account suspensions. Coastal ensures that none of these compliance pitfalls affect your business operations.

23. How Coastal Distributions Group Protects Your Amazon Business

When Coastal manages your FBA logistics, you benefit from:

• Error-Free Shipments: Every unit passes multiple checkpoints before leaving the warehouse.
• Lower Costs: Reduced prep, labeling, and freight expenses compared to Amazon’s internal services.
• Improved Lead Times: Faster replenishment to keep your listings active and ranked.
• Fewer Rejections: Shipments comply 100% with FBA inbound requirements.
• Dedicated Support: A responsive team that knows how to navigate Amazon’s changing systems and policies.
• Automated Reimbursement Tracking: Quick recovery for lost or damaged inventory.

Ultimately, Coastal’s systems transform compliance into a competitive advantage — giving you more time to focus on scaling your business rather than managing logistics.

24. Real-World Impact: Case Example

A growing U.S.-based electronics brand recently partnered with Coastal Distributions Group after repeated FBA shipment issues and rejected inbound deliveries. Within 90 days, Coastal implemented proper labeling, pallet configuration, and documentation protocols — reducing FBA receiving delays from 10 days to just 2.

The seller’s account health improved, storage fees dropped by 18%, and their sales velocity increased by 22% due to more consistent inventory availability.

This success story highlights how correct FBA compliance and expert logistics management translate directly into measurable business growth.

Partnering with Coastal for FBA Success

Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) model offers immense potential for eCommerce brands, but mastering its intricate web of policies, packaging guidelines, and compliance protocols is no small task.
From proper product labeling and packaging to shipment planning and returns, every step matters.

That’s why partnering with Coastal Distributions Group gives sellers a serious edge.
Their expertise in FBA prep, shipping, storage, and compliance ensures your operations run smoothly — without rejections, extra fees, or delays. With their partnership and the added strength of Max 3PL, sellers gain a logistics network that’s cost-effective, reliable, and fully aligned with Amazon’s evolving standards.

In an environment where one labeling error can cost hundreds — and one delayed shipment can affect your ranking — Coastal stands as your trusted fulfillment and compliance partner.

If you’re ready to take your Amazon business to the next level, streamline operations, and stay ahead of every FBA requirement,
Coastal Distributions Group is your path to smarter, faster, and more profitable fulfillment.