Overview

Amazon has introduced a mandatory documentation requirement for any Fulfilled‑by‑Amazon (FBA) item that contains a lithium‑ion battery and is shipped by air. Effective for 2026, the rule forces sellers to disclose precise battery specifications when they list or edit a product, or else the item will be restricted to ground‑only transport. The change mirrors the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) hazardous‑material standards and directly affects delivery speed, Buy Box eligibility, and overall sales performance.

Key Points

• New listing fields — Sellers must answer a set of battery‑related questions in the product listing interface, such as battery chemistry, watt‑hour (Wh) rating, and packaging method.
• 30 % charge limit — Any lithium‑ion cell larger than 2.7 Wh that is packed separately from the device must be shipped with a state of charge (SoC) of 30 % or less.
• Air‑shipping restriction — Items lacking the required battery data will be automatically routed to ground carriers, eliminating eligibility for Prime two‑day or next‑day delivery.
• ICAO alignment — Amazon’s updated protocol now follows the same hazardous‑material classification used by global airlines and freight forwarders.
• Broad product scope — The rule applies to consumer electronics, toys, power tools, personal‑care gadgets, and any accessory that ships with a loose lithium‑ion battery, such as earbuds, portable speakers, fitness bands, and power banks.
• Documentation deadline – All affected listings must be updated before the 2026 compliance window closes, or they will be flagged for ground‑only fulfillment.

How Battery Compliance Works

1. Listing prompt — When you create a new FBA offer or edit an existing one, Amazon displays a battery questionnaire. For example, a seller adding a Bluetooth speaker will be asked to specify the battery’s Wh rating (e.g., 5 Wh) and whether the cell is inside the speaker or packed separately.
2. Data entry — You input the required details, upload the manufacturer’s specification sheet, and confirm the SoC level. A vendor shipping a 10 Wh power bank must attach a certificate showing the battery is at 30 % charge or lower.