Amazon Packaging Requirements in India: Rules for Sellers

Amazon is the most process-driven marketplace in India, and packaging is no exception. The good news is that Amazon publishes more of its packaging rules than other marketplaces, so you don't have to guess. Here's what applies to most sellers, in plain language.

This covers Easy Ship, Self Ship and Amazon Shipping. If you send stock to Amazon fulfilment centres (FBA), follow the FBA prep and packaging rules in Seller Central, which are separate.

Do you have to use Amazon-branded packaging?

No. Amazon's Easy Ship page says you can buy Amazon packaging material or use your own. Amazon-branded bags and tape are optional. Many sellers use them because they look consistent and are easy to reorder, but plain packaging that meets the rules below is fine.

Amazon packaging rules (from Amazon Shipping India)

Packaging

• Use new packaging only, and combine items for one order in a single package.
• Proper enclosures: sturdy six-sided boxes, padded envelopes or polybags.
• Polybags must be recyclable, thicker than 50 microns and labelled with manufacturer details.
• Outer packaging is mandatory, even if the product comes in its own manufacturer box.
• Minimum base size: 20 cm × 16 cm.
• Weight and size limit: under 18 kg and within 70 × 70 × 45 cm.
• No plastic strapping, which damages packaging and sorting machinery.
• No flimsy boxes or tape that can break or come apart in transit.

Labels

• Labels at least 4 × 6 inch, clear and readable, with scannable barcodes and QR codes.
• Stick the label on a visible flat side, not over edges or creases.
• A4 sheets for labels are discouraged because they get damaged easily.
• The invoice goes inside the package.

By product type

• Fragile items: wrap in soft cushioning.
• Heavy items: double box.
• Apparel: protect with sturdy packaging.
• Electronics: separate batteries and add padding.
• Books: wrap with cushion padding. Sharp objects: box them securely.

These rules are published for Amazon Shipping, and they're a good standard for Easy Ship and Self Ship too. Your Seller Central help pages are the final word for your program.

What this means at your packing table

You ship	Use
Clothing, textiles	50+ micron recyclable polybag, smallest size that seals
Books, stationery	Padded envelope or box with cushioning
Cosmetics, glass, electronics	Six-sided corrugated box with bubble wrap
Products in a retail box	Outer polybag or outer carton over the retail box
Heavy items	Double box, 7 ply outer

For choosing the bag, see Amazon compliant polybag. For boxes and cushioning, see reducing damage in shipping.

Common reasons Amazon parcels have problems

• Thin, unlabelled polybags that tear at the hub
• Labels printed on plain A4 and taped over a fold
• Product shipped in its retail box with no outer packaging
• Weight declared lower than the packed parcel, leading to weight disputes
• Small items in packs below the minimum base size

Labels on Amazon orders

A 4×6 direct thermal printer makes Amazon's label rules easy to meet. Crop Amazon's label PDF to 4×6 with the free Amazon shipping label cropper, which can add SKU and quantity. Read the shipping label printer guide for Amazon sellers.

Weight and shipping charges

Amazon's Easy Ship fee depends on weight and size. Check your packed parcel with the Amazon volumetric weight calculator and include packaging in your price with the Amazon price calculator.