In this post, we will cover how Amazon sellers need to package sharp items for Amazon FBA. The packaging requirements ensure safety compliance that protects everyone involved in the fulfillment process from products with sharp edges or points. Sellers must comply with these rules to avoid inventory disposal, disposal fees, and blocking of future shipments. Amazon enforces these requirements to protect its staff during handling and delivery and to ensure that the end customer receives the sharp object safely. When packaged correctly, customers can expect their sharp items to arrive in a way that allows them to open the packaging and access the product without getting injured. This post will show which items are classified as sharp products, the packaging requirements for sharp products, and the consequences of not following those requirements.
What Does Amazon Consider a Sharp Product
Before shipping inventory for Amazon FBA, sellers need to know how Amazon classifies sharp products and confirm if they need to comply with specific packaging requirements. This will ensure there are no issues when Amazon receives the inventory. Amazon considers objects with an edge or point that can cut or pierce packaging material or human skin to be a sharp product. This includes blades, shears, scissors, cutters, saw blades, barbed wire, hardware nails, pruners, axes, pinboard pins, needles, razors, trimmers, steel wire, graters, peelers, slicers, scalpels, swords, and more. If packaged incorrectly, sharp products are a safety risk for Amazon employees and customers.
Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements for Sharp Products
Starting 4/14/25, Amazon will enforce their updated packaging requirements for sharp products and they will no longer provide any prep services for sharp items. Sellers are responsible for the end-to-end packaging of all sharp products before shipping FBA inventory to Amazon. Sellers must confirm all their sharp units have been properly packaged to comply with these guidelines:
The packaging must completely cover the sharp edges and points of the item
The packaging material must be cut- and puncture-resistant to prevent any sharp edges or points from becoming exposed during the fulfillment process
The packaging must be secure and must not become loose or have the potential to expose sharp edges or points during handling, storage, shipping, or delivery
Amazon recommends hardened plastic or blister packaging when possible. These cover sharp edges or points and prevent the item from moving around. Bubble wrap or plain boxes will not comply with these requirements because sharp points and edges can easily pierce through them.
Here are examples of packaging that is compliant with Amazon’s updated requirements:
Puncture Resistant Packaging - This is compliant because the sharp edge is completely covered by puncture-resistant packaging and it won’t come loose during the fulfillment process. INTERTOOL Amazon Listing
Fully Enclosed Packaging - This is compliant because the sharp edges are fully enclosed in plastic blister packaging and the item is secured to the backing, preventing anything from becoming exposed. Scotch Scissors Amazon Listing example.
Plastic Blister Packaging - This is compliant because the entire item is surrounded by plastic blister packaging and is firmly secured to the backing. X-Acto precision blister packaging
Consequences for Not Complying with the Sharp Objects Policy
There is a grace period that allows sellers to adjust to these new requirements. Amazon will accept sharp products that arrive at FBA fulfillment centers before 4/14/25 as long as the sharp edges are boxed or bubble-wrapped to meet the minimum packaging requirements. If the packaging doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, the sharp items will be disposed of at the seller's expense and without reimbursement. After the grace period ends on 4/14/25, all sharp items not complying with the updated packaging requirements will face immediate disposal. This will also be at the seller's expense and without reimbursement. Along with losing inventory and being charged disposal fees, sellers who continue to ship non-compliant inventory could have future FBA shipments blocked by Amazon. Sellers need to verify their current packaging is compliant or update their packaging to comply.
FAQ - How to Package Sharp Objects for Amazon FBA
What does Amazon consider a sharp product?
Amazon classifies sharp products as objects with an edge or point that can cut or pierce packaging material or human skin.
Why do I need to ensure my sharp products are packaged correctly?
Sharp products that are packaged incorrectly present safety risks to Amazon employees and customers who will handle the product during the fulfillment process.
Will Amazon offer prep services for sharp products?
No, Amazon will not offer any prep services for packaging sharp items. Sellers are responsible for ensuring their FBA inventory complies with the packaging requirements before shipping to fulfillment centers.
What happens to my FBA inventory if it is not packaged correctly?
Any sharp products that don’t meet the updated packaging requirements when they arrive at FBA fulfillment centers will be immediately disposed of at the seller's expense and they won’t be eligible for reimbursement.
Can I use bubble wrap or soft packaging for sharp products?
No, sharp points and edges can easily pierce through these packaging materials.
Conclusion
Properly packaging sharp products for Amazon FBA is essential to ensuring safety compliance throughout the fulfillment process. The packaging requirements protect warehouse staff, delivery personnel, and customers from potential injuries caused by exposed sharp edges or points. Sellers who fail to comply risk inventory disposal, disposal fees, or possible restrictions on future shipments. By following the correct packaging guidelines, sellers can prevent these issues while ensuring customers receive their products safely.
About the Author - Mike Gray
This post was written by Mike Gray, an Account Manager at Goat Consulting. Mike helps his clients sell on Amazon by increasing sales, mitigating risk, reducing costs, and solving problems. Mike has experience and expertise in FBA packaging requirements that align with the overall Amazon selling strategy and goals for his Goat Consulting clients. If you want help understanding FBA packaging requirements, or assist with other aspects of selling on Amazon, Mike is happy to lead your account.