Overview

Amazon has specific packaging and preparation requirements for any liquid product sent to its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) warehouses. Because liquids, gels, pastes, and creams can leak if packaging is compromised during shipping and handling, sellers must understand the prep rules to avoid rejected shipments, returns, or repackaging fees charged by Amazon.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Liquids include more than just beverages — Amazon's definition of "liquid products" covers gels, pastes, creams, oils, polishes, cleaning products, laundry detergent, roll-on deodorant, and canned or jarred foods, among others.
• Hazmat liquids always require bagging — Any liquid classified as a dangerous good must be placed in a poly bag regardless of its seal type or container, to prevent leaks or spills during transportation.
• Non-hazmat prep varies by volume and packaging — Products at or below 4.2 oz (125 mL) generally need no additional prep, while larger items may need cap seals, poly bags, or bubble wrap depending on the container type.
• A "double seal" can reduce prep requirements — If your product has a tightened lid plus a qualifying secondary seal (such as an induction seal, shrink band, or child-resistant cap), it may not need additional prep.
• Non-compliant packaging will cost you — Amazon may refuse, return, or repackage products with inadequate packaging at the seller's expense and may add further prep requirements based on damage history.

What Counts as a Liquid Product

Amazon broadly defines liquid products to include anything that can leak, spill, or seep from its container. This goes well beyond traditional liquids like beverages or cooking oils. The category also encompasses gels, pastes, creams, polishes, cleaning solutions, laundry detergents, roll-on deodorants, and jarred or canned foods. If a product can flow, ooze, or drip when its container is compromised, Amazon treats it as a liquid for FBA prep purposes. Sellers should evaluate every SKU in their catalog against this broad definition, as misclassifying a product could lead to shipment rejections or unexpected fees.