Amazon Warns Sellers to Expect Delays in Hazmat Classification Reviews
Amazon announced that hazmat classification reviews are now taking 30–45 business days, up from the usual 5–10 days, with no announced end date. The slowdown applies to all hazmat categories (batteries, cosmetics, aerosols, etc.) and blocks FBA shipments until approval.
Overview
Amazon has informed its seller community that reviews for hazardous‑material (hazmat) classifications are currently taking longer than usual. The delay affects any ASIN that requires a safety data sheet, exemption form, or other compliance document before it can be listed or fulfilled through FBA. Sellers planning new launches or inventory shipments should anticipate slower approvals and adjust their timelines accordingly.
Key Points
- Review slowdown confirmed — Amazon publicly acknowledged that hazmat classification reviews are extending beyond typical processing windows.
- No clear end date — The marketplace has not supplied a target date for when review speeds will normalize.
- All hazmat categories affected — Batteries, cosmetics, cleaning agents, aerosols, and any product containing chemicals or flammable components are subject to the delay.
- FBA shipments on hold — Until an ASIN’s hazmat status is cleared, inventory cannot be sent to Amazon fulfillment centers, blocking the product from the FBA network.
- Potential cost ripple — Extended review times can generate extra storage fees, missed seasonal sales, and postponed launch schedules.
How Hazmat Classification Review Works
- Document submission — The seller uploads a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), exemption sheet, or other required compliance file for the ASIN. Example: A vendor selling a lithium‑ion battery pack uploads the battery’s SDS through the “Add a Product” workflow.
- Initial screening — Amazon’s compliance team checks the submission for completeness, correct formatting, and relevance to the product category. Example: The team flags a missing “flammability” section in the SDS, prompting the seller to provide the missing data.
- Detailed evaluation — A specialist reviews the technical content, cross‑checks it against internal hazmat rules, and determines the appropriate classification (e.g., “Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods”). Example: The battery pack is classified as “Class 9” after confirming it meets the voltage and capacity thresholds.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Extended review times can generate extra storage fees and cause missed seasonal sales, as launches that previously fit a 5‑10 day window now require a 3‑week buffer. Sellers must adjust launch schedules, consider FBM, and communicate delays to logistics partners to avoid inventory bottlenecks.
Key Takeaways
- Hazmat reviews now require 30–45 business days, compared to the prior 5–10 days.
- No target date has been provided for when review speeds will return to normal.
- All hazmat product categories—including batteries, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and aerosols—are affected.
- FBA shipments are blocked until the ASIN’s hazmat status is approved, potentially incurring extra storage fees.
Recommended Actions
- →In Seller Central, go to Catalog > Add Products > Upload Documents and submit complete SDS/exemption files early.
- →Create a launch buffer: schedule hazmat submissions at least 21 days before the intended launch date (e.g., early July for a back‑to‑school launch).
- →If FBA is delayed, switch the listing to FBM in Manage Inventory > Edit > Fulfillment channel to keep sales flowing.
Comments
Join the discussion
Log in or create an account to share your thoughts on this update.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!