Overview

Selling food and beverage products on Amazon comes with a unique set of regulatory and compliance obligations that go well beyond standard product listings. From federal labeling standards to expiration date rules and import restrictions, sellers in this category must navigate a complex web of requirements enforced by agencies like the FDA and USDA. Understanding these rules is essential to keeping your listings active and your account in good standing.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Federal compliance is mandatory — All food and beverage listings must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as Amazon's own internal policies governing these products.
• Organic claims require USDA certification — Products claiming to be organic or displaying the USDA organic seal must fully comply with USDA organic regulations under 7 CFR Part 205, including production, certification, and labeling requirements.
• Expiration dates matter for FBA — Temperature-controlled products must have a shelf life exceeding 90 days, and all products must be removed from FBA inventory at least 50 days before their expiration date. Units within that 50-day window will be disposed of automatically.
• Proper packaging and labeling are required — Food packaging must include the company name and address, an expiration date, net content weight, nutrition facts, and allergen labeling where applicable.
• Certain products are strictly prohibited — Amazon maintains a detailed list of banned food items, including products that fail to meet federal inspection or import standards.

Permitted Listings and Packaging Standards

Amazon allows the sale of pre-prepared, sealed foods and beverages that carry appropriate packaging and labeling. Sellers are responsible for ensuring their products are shipped in a manner that protects food quality and safety, preventing issues such as spoilage, melting, or physical damage during transit. Every food package sold on the platform must display the manufacturer or packaging company's name and address, a clear expiration date, accurate net content weight excluding packaging, a nutrition facts panel, and allergen declarations when relevant. Allergens must be prominently highlighted within the ingredient list or declared separately using a "Contains" statement. All labeling must be presented in English to meet U.S. compliance standards.