Overview

Selling food, plant, animal, or over-the-counter (OTC) products through Fulfillment by Amazon comes with strict packaging, labeling, and shelf-life requirements. These product categories carry inherent risks including expiration, temperature sensitivity, spillage, allergic reactions, and pest attraction. Understanding and complying with these rules is essential for avoiding costly returns, repackaging fees, and potential listing removals.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Enclosed, sealed packaging is mandatory — All food and OTC products sent to FBA must have six-sided, sealed packaging that remains closed during processing and handling.
• Minimum 90-day shelf life required — Products must have at least 90 days of remaining shelf life when received at Amazon fulfillment centers.
• Temperature stability is non-negotiable — Products must remain stable and maintain quality between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout their entire shelf life.
• Expiration dates must be clearly printed — Dates need to appear on both the individual product and the master carton in 36-point font or larger. Lot numbers alone do not satisfy this requirement.
• Non-compliant products will be handled at your expense — Amazon reserves the right to refuse, return, or repackage any product that arrives with inadequate packaging or incorrect barcodes, and sellers bear the cost.

Packaging and Prep Requirements

Every food and OTC product shipped to FBA must arrive in enclosed packaging that is six-sided and effectively sealed. The packaging must be robust enough to survive the rigors of e-commerce fulfillment, including stacking, abrasion, and contact with protrusions during handling. For sellers using tray packs — a common choice for bottles and cans — Amazon has specific dimensional requirements: glass products require side walls at least 3 inches high, while non-glass products need a minimum of 2 inches. The shrink wrap on tray packs must have a thickness of at least 2 mils (0.002 inches) or a tear strength of 130 grams or greater, and it must be tightly wrapped with no loose ends. Tray walls must be continuous and flat on all sides. If your existing packaging does not meet these standards, Amazon may apply additional prep such as bagging, boxing, or bubble wrap at your expense.