Navigating Amazon FBA Compliance: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is an excellent way for e-commerce sellers to scale their business efficiently. However, maintaining compliance with Amazon's strict FBA requirements is critical to avoiding costly penalties, shipment rejections, or even account suspensions.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the most common Amazon FBA compliance pitfalls and how to avoid them so that your business can run smoothly without disruptions.
1. Incorrect Product Labeling
🔴 The Pitfall
Amazon requires scannable, properly formatted labels on every product to ensure accurate tracking and inventory management. Many sellers face issues when:
They use low-quality barcodes that are unreadable.
They apply labels in incorrect locations on packaging.
They fail to remove manufacturer barcodes, leading to potential inventory mix-ups.
✅ How to Avoid It
✔️ Use high-quality thermal or laser printers to print labels.
✔️ Follow Amazon’s FNSKU labeling guidelines to place labels in the correct position.
✔️ Work with a professional prep center like DC Logistics US to ensure that your labels meet Amazon’s strict standards.
2. Inadequate Packaging and Prep
🔴 The Pitfall
Amazon has strict packaging requirements to prevent product damage during shipping. Common mistakes include:
Failing to use poly bags for liquids, powders, or textiles.
Not applying bubble wrap for fragile products.
Shipping items in weak or oversized boxes that can collapse or get crushed.
✅ How to Avoid It
✔️ Read Amazon’s packaging guidelines to determine if your products need extra prep, such as bubble wrap or poly bags.
✔️ Use sturdy boxes with proper cushioning to prevent damage.
✔️ If unsure, leverage a 3PL provider like DC Logistics US, which specializes in Amazon-compliant packaging.
3. Oversized and Overweight Shipments
🔴 The Pitfall
Amazon FBA has size and weight limits for shipments. Sellers often make the mistake of:
Exceeding Amazon’s box weight limit of 50 lbs for standard shipments.
Using oversized packaging, which leads to additional fees.
Miscalculating dimensional weight, resulting in unexpected costs.
✅ How to Avoid It
✔️ Keep boxes under 50 lbs unless shipping oversized products.
✔️ Use Amazon’s FBA Box Content Information tool to verify compliance before shipping.
✔️ Partner with a fulfillment center like DC Logistics US to ensure optimized packaging that minimizes costs.
4. Failing to Meet Amazon’s Expiration Date Policy
🔴 The Pitfall
Products with expiration dates, such as food, supplements, or cosmetics, must be clearly labeled with the correct format (MM/DD/YYYY or MM/YYYY).
Common mistakes include:
Using an expiration date format that Amazon does not accept.
Sending items too close to expiration, which leads to immediate rejection.
Not applying expiration labels to both the individual unit and the master case.
✅ How to Avoid It
✔️ Always use Amazon’s approved date format.
✔️ Ensure that all expiration-dated products have at least 105 days before expiry at the time of shipment.
✔️ Work with a prep center to ensure proper expiration labeling and compliance.
5. Ignoring Amazon’s Storage and Inventory Limits
🔴 The Pitfall
Amazon limits warehouse space based on Inventory Performance Index (IPI) scores and storage tier restrictions. Sellers often:
Send too much inventory at once, leading to storage restrictions.
Hold slow-moving products, negatively impacting IPI scores.
Underestimate FBA storage fees, which increase over time.
✅ How to Avoid It
✔️ Regularly check your IPI score and keep it above 400 to avoid storage limitations.
✔️ Use a 3PL warehouse (like DC Logistics US) to store excess inventory and replenish Amazon warehouses only when needed.
✔️ Optimize inventory management with automated forecasting tools.
6. Failing to Comply with Amazon’s Dangerous Goods Policy
🔴 The Pitfall
Amazon restricts or prohibits dangerous goods (hazmat), such as aerosols, lithium batteries, and flammable products.
Common compliance issues include:
Failing to submit proper hazmat documentation.
Shipping restricted items without approval.
Not using hazard warning labels when required.
✅ How to Avoid It
✔️ Check Amazon’s dangerous goods classification before sending inventory.
✔️ Submit a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) if required.
✔️ Partner with a logistics provider experienced in handling hazmat compliance.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant & Avoid FBA Headaches
Navigating Amazon FBA compliance doesn’t have to be a nightmare—but it requires careful attention to detail. By avoiding common pitfalls and working with a professional logistics partner like DC Logistics US, you can ensure smooth, compliant shipments every time.
👉 Need expert help with FBA prep, packaging, or compliance? Contact DC Logistics US today!