I want to expand my business to the UK and use FBA. What are the requirements?
1 Answers
In the UK, Amazon has established a set of detailed carton packaging standards to ensure that products are stored and delivered safely and efficiently. This article will break down these requirements to help sellers optimize their packaging process and avoid potential issues caused by improper packaging.
1.PO Consistency
To improve warehouse processing efficiency, it is recommended that sellers ensure all items within the same carton belong to the same Purchase Order (PO). This not only helps Amazon process inbound shipments quickly but also reduces the likelihood of errors during handling.
2.Weight and Warning Labels
Amazon stipulates that the weight of each carton must not exceed 15 kg. If a single item exceeds 15 kg, an "Overweight" warning label must be affixed prominently on all four sides of the carton to alert handlers to the need for appropriate lifting methods to prevent safety incidents.
3.Carton Size Limitations
The length of any side of the carton should not exceed 63.5 cm to ensure standard handling. For single items that inherently exceed this size limit, the carton dimensions can exceed this limit but must be manageable as a single unit. Additionally, heavy or oversized items should be placed on standard-sized pallets, with the UK using 1000x1200 mm pallets, while other European countries use 800x1200 mm pallets.
4.Protective Packaging
Packaging materials should be adequate to protect the products from damage during transportation. The use of substandard packaging materials, such as low-quality cardboard or insufficient inner lining, is prohibited as they might lead to product damage during transit.
5.Filler Material Selection
When choosing filler materials, large cushions such as air pillows, full sheets of paper, bubble wrap, or stretch wrap should be used. Loose fill materials like packing peanuts are to be avoided as they may shift during transit and fail to provide stable protection.
6.Optimal Space Utilization within Cartons
The carton size should ensure minimal empty space once the goods are packed, which helps protect the items and reduce shipping costs. Maximizing space utilization by packing multiple items in a single carton where possible is recommended.
7.Carton Sealing Methods
Cartons should be sealed with tape and not with straps, elastic bands, or additional binding materials. The use of large staples or nylon filament tape is also prohibited as they might cause damage to the packaging or products during transit.
8.Handling of Overweight Items
For items exceeding 30 kg, such as furniture, these should be placed on a single pallet, ensuring the pallet conforms to standard sizes. Appropriate warning labels must also be affixed to the cartons of such items.
9.Avoiding Pallet-Sized Cartons
Do not send large cartons that are similar in size to a pallet, commonly known as "gaylords," as these are difficult to handle and prone to damage.
By adhering to these detailed packaging standards, sellers can enhance the safety of their products, improve Amazon's warehousing efficiency, and offer more reliable services to their customers in a highly competitive market.
