Overview

Amazon has updated its inbound freight rules so that every full‑truckload (FTL) and intermodal shipment destined for its fulfillment centers must be secured with an ISO‑17712‑compliant RFID seal approved by Amazon. The policy took effect in December 2024 and adds a new compliance checkpoint for sellers that move large volumes of inventory by truck or rail.

Key Points

• Mandatory RFID seals — All FTL and intermodal loads now require Amazon‑approved RFID seals; traditional metal, plastic, or wire seals are rejected for these shipment types.
• Seal placement at pickup — The RFID seal must be affixed to the trailer door before the trailer leaves the seller’s dock, ensuring the seal is visible for the entire journey.
• LTL and small‑parcel unchanged — Less‑than‑truckload (LTL) and small‑parcel shipments continue to use carrier‑applied seals at consolidation terminals, so existing processes for those modes remain valid.
• Bill of lading (BOL) entry required — Sellers must record the unique RFID seal number on the BOL next to the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and carrier PRO number, or under the “To” section, to enable Amazon’s dock verification.
• Two approved purchasing channels — RFID seals can be bought through Amazon Business on a dedicated product page or directly from Amazon’s vetted seal vendor, both delivering the same compliant hardware.
• Compliance deadline already passed — The rule has been enforceable since December 2024; any shipment dispatched after that date without a proper RFID seal will be flagged for delay or rejection.

How RFID Seal Requirement Works

1. Seal procurement — The seller orders ISO‑17712 RFID seals either via an Amazon Business catalog page (requiring a free Business account) or through the approved vendor’s portal, where a verification code confirms seller status. For example, a seller shipping 20 pallets daily orders a 500‑seal bulk pack to cover two weeks of outbound loads.
2. Application at origin — Warehouse staff attach the RFID seal to the trailer’s rear door before the carrier departs. In practice, a dock supervisor scans the seal’s barcode, records the number, and places the seal over the door latch, guaranteeing the seal is locked before the truck hits the road.