Category-Wise Guidelines, Branding, and Label Compliance for Indian Sellers
When it comes to selling on Amazon, the way you package and label your products plays a critical role in customer satisfaction, product protection, and compliance with both Amazon and Indian regulations.
Improper packaging can lead to:
- ✅ Damaged deliveries
- ❌ Returns and negative reviews
- ⚠️ Suspension of listings or even seller account
This guide covers:
- Amazon’s packaging best practices
- Category-wise packaging guidelines
- Use of Amazon-branded packaging materials
- Labeling requirements for compliance and visibility
📦 Why Packaging Matters on Amazon
Packaging isn’t just about aesthetics—it affects:
- Product protection during shipping
- First impressions (unboxing experience)
- Legal compliance with Indian consumer laws
- Amazon’s fulfillment eligibility (FBA/Easy Ship)
✅ General Packaging Guidelines for Amazon Sellers (India)
Whether you’re using FBA, Easy Ship, or Self Ship, here are Amazon’s basic expectations:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Sturdy Packaging | Use boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, or mailers depending on the product |
| No Overpacking | Don’t increase package size unnecessarily (affects shipping cost) |
| Barcode Visibility | All units must have scannable barcodes (FNSKU or ASIN) |
| Tamper-Proofing | Especially important for cosmetics, electronics, supplements |
| Brand-New Condition | Avoid recycled, dirty, or damaged packaging material |
| Package Label Placement | Place labels flat on top or front-facing side, not on seams |
📂 Category-Wise Packaging Requirements
Amazon provides specific packaging instructions based on product type and fragility:
🧴 1. Liquids & Cosmetics
- Use sealed containers, leak-proof caps, and shrink wrapping
- Double seal or inner pouch for extra safety
- Bubble wrap and upright orientation is a must
📱 2. Electronics & Gadgets
- Use anti-static packaging
- Bubble wrap + corrugated box + foam inserts
- Include proper warranty & manuals if applicable
👚 3. Clothing & Fashion
- Pack in polybags with warning labels for suffocation
- Transparent plastic + size label on outer side
- Barcode sticker on individual piece, not just master box
📦 4. Home & Kitchen
- Wrap items individually if part of a set
- Use double-corrugated boxes for glass, ceramics
- Avoid loose packing to prevent rattling
📚 5. Books
- Use cardboard envelopes or wrap in plastic to prevent water damage
- Avoid flexible envelopes (bend marks lead to returns)
🍪 6. Grocery & Perishables
- Must be sealed, tamper-evident, and labeled with expiry
- Primary and secondary packaging both must have MRP + FSSAI + batch details
- No resealable containers allowed for certain categories (based on Amazon/FSSAI rules)
🎁 Using Amazon-Branded Packaging (Optional)
✅ Benefits:
- Adds trust & uniformity (especially for new sellers)
- Looks professional and clean
- May boost customer satisfaction scores
❗ Notes:
- Available through Amazon Easy Ship Supplies or third-party authorized vendors
- Not mandatory, but highly recommended for FBA sellers
⚠️ Amazon discourages used Amazon-branded packaging for Self Ship orders unless cleaned and re-labeled properly.
🏷️ Labeling Requirements: What Labels Must Be on the Product?
Proper labeling ensures both Amazon compliance and Legal Metrology Act compliance in India.
🔖 Mandatory Product Labels:
- FNSKU Label (Barcode)
- Must be printed and scannable
- One per unit, placed clearly on the packaging
- MRP Label
- Includes MRP (inclusive of all taxes)
- Mandatory for most FMCG, electronics, beauty, food, etc.
- Manufacturer Details
- Name & address of manufacturer or importer
- Country of Origin
- As per Legal Metrology Rules and DPIIT mandates
- Date of Manufacture & Batch No.
- Especially important for food, cosmetics, and medicines
- Generic Name of Product
- E.g., “Bluetooth Speaker”, “Cotton T-shirt”, etc.
- Customer Care Contact Info
- Must include phone number or email
🔁 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Barcode covered or placed on seams
- ❌ Using unbranded reused boxes with visible old labels
- ❌ Missing MRP or batch info (legal non-compliance)
- ❌ Packaging open or damaged during transit
- ❌ Not labeling combo/multipacks correctly (e.g., “Set of 3”)
🧠 Pro Tips to Enhance Packaging & Reduce Returns
- ✅ Use high-quality tamper-proof polybags or boxes
- ✅ Use branded inserts to boost customer trust
- ✅ Include care instructions or user manual
- ✅ Add a “Thank you” card to encourage feedback and reviews
- ✅ Run periodic QC checks on packing teams or partners
🏁 Final Thoughts
Your product may be 5-star, but if it reaches the customer in poor packaging — expect a return or bad review.
Amazon packaging is not just about rules — it’s about delighting your customer at first sight while meeting legal and operational standards.
💼 Need Help With Amazon-Ready Packaging or Label Setup?
At bizconsulting.io, we help Indian Amazon sellers:
- Create barcode-compliant labels (FNSKU, MRP, Country of Origin)
- Choose packaging based on product category
- Comply with Legal Metrology Act and FSSAI standards
- Source Amazon-approved packaging vendors
📩 Contact us today to ensure your product is delivery-ready, compliant, and customer-friendly.
