Master Amazon’s Language to Streamline Your FBA Business

Navigating Amazon’s FBA requirements can feel like learning a new language. Misunderstanding a single term or overlooking a packaging rule can lead to costly delays, rejected shipments, or storage fees. This definitive guide decodes the essential terminology and critical preparation requirements, giving you the clarity needed to ensure your inventory flows seamlessly into Amazon’s fulfillment network.

Essential Amazon FBA Terminology

Product Identification & Listings

• ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): A unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by Amazon to every product listing in its catalog.

• FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit): A unique barcode Amazon assigns to products enrolled in FBA. It must be applied to every unit you send to a fulfillment center to track your inventory. This is the most important label for FBA sellers.

• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Your own internal, unique identifier for a product.

• UPC (Universal Product Code) & EAN (European Article Number): Global standard barcodes used to identify products. You typically need one of these to create a new product listing in Amazon’s catalog.

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number): A specific identifier for books.

Shipping & Logistics

• Shipping Plan: The detailed plan you create in Seller Central for sending inventory to Amazon, including quantities and destination fulfillment centers.

• PO (Purchase Order) Number: A unique number assigned to each shipment within your shipping plan.

• BOL (Bill of Lading): A legal document between the shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being shipped. Critical for LTL and FTL shipments.

• Appointment: A scheduled time for a freight carrier to deliver your shipment to an Amazon fulfillment center. Mandatory for all LTL/FTL shipments.

• SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code): A unique code assigned to freight carriers, required for booking appointments with Amazon.

• PRO Number: The tracking number provided by the freight carrier for your shipment.

• LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) & FTL (Full-Truckload): Freight shipping methods for large palletized shipments.

• SPD (Small Parcel Delivery): Shipping method for individual boxes, typically via carriers like UPS or FedEx.

Product & Packaging Labels

• Team Lift: Label required on any box weighing between 23 kg (50 lbs) and 45 kg (100 lbs).

• Mech Lift: Label required on any box weighing over 45 kg (100 lbs).

• Mixed SKU: Label required on pallets containing multiple different products (SKUs).

• Sold as Set: Label applied to bundled products to indicate they must not be separated.

Critical FBA Preparation & Packaging Requirements

1. Prohibited & Restricted Products
Amazon strictly prohibits certain items from its FBA warehouses. Key examples include:

• Alcohol, weapons, ammunition, and pepper spray.

• Vehicles tires and car batteries.

• Gift cards and stored value instruments.

• Products with unauthorized marketing materials (e.g., pre-priced stickers, brochures).

• Loose batteries and damaged or defective items.

• Items that are illegal, illicit, or replicas.

2. Product Packaging Requirements

• FNSKU Labels: Every single unit must have a scannable FNSKU label, covering any existing manufacturer barcodes.

• Poly Bags: Items smaller than a standard credit card or made of fabric/textile must be securely sealed in transparent polybags with a suffocation warning (if over a certain size).

• Sets: Bundled items must be securely packaged together and clearly labeled “Sold as Set.”

• Fragile Items: Must be packed in rigid boxes with sufficient cushioning to prevent breakage.

• Sharp Objects: Edges must be protected and cannot be exposed.

3. Shipment & Pallet Requirements

• Box Weight & Dimensions:

  • Standard boxes should not exceed 22.7 kg (50 lbs). Heavier boxes require Team Lift or Mech Lift labels.

  • No single side should exceed 63.5 cm (25 inches), unless the product itself is larger.

• Pallets:

  • Use GMA Grade B or better wooden pallets (1m x 1.25m for North America).

  • Pallet height must not exceed 1.8 meters (72 inches) and weight must not exceed 680 kg (1500 lbs).

  • Stack boxes evenly and shrink-wrap securely. Pallet labels must be visible on all four sides.

  • Each pallet should contain only one SKU, unless labeled as Mixed SKU.

4. Required Shipping Documentation
When your shipment arrives at the fulfillment center, the carrier must provide:

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Must include the Amazon PO Number, Shipment ID, and appointment number.

• Appointment Number: Proof of the scheduled delivery time. Late arrivals may be turned away.

Don’t Risk Rejection, Delays, or Fees

The complexity of FBA preparation is a leading cause of seller frustration. A single error can halt your entire supply chain. Partner with a logistics expert who specializes in FBA compliance to ensure your shipments are flawless every time.

>> Ensure FBA Compliance & Save Time! Get a Free Audit of Your Shipping Process.

Our experts will review your packaging, labeling, and documentation process to identify risks and optimize your FBA shipments. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your sales.