North American Vendor Shipment Preparation and Receive Manual

North American Vendor Shipment Preparation and Receive Manual
North American Vendor

Shipment Preparation and
Receive Manual
Last updated: March 2023
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Summary of Latest Changes ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Supply Chain Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 End-to-End Supply Chain Process ........................................................................................................................ 4
Purchase Order
2. Purchase Order Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 General PO Requirements ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Collect (WePay) PO Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 TheyPay (Prepaid) PO Requirements ................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Small Parcel Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 6
Shipment Preparation: Packaging and Labeling

3. Item Preparation ............................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Item Packaging Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Item Labeling Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 8
4. Carton Preparation .......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Carton Packaging Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Carton Labeling Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Warning Labels on Cartons ................................................................................................................................ 19
5. Pallet Preparation............................................................................................................................................ 21
5.1 Pallet Building Requirements............................................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Pallet Labeling Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 23
Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN)

6. Advance Shipment Notification (ASN) .............................................................................................................. 26
6.1 ASN Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.2 ASN Information Required for Shipment ........................................................................................................... 28
7. License Plate (LP) Receive Process.................................................................................................................... 32
8. Checklist to Reduce Chargebacks and Shortages………………………………………………………………………………………………….39
9. Returns ........................................................................................................................................................... 43
Glossary and FAQ .................................................................................................................................................. 45
Addendums
The North American Vendor Shipment Preparation and Receive Manual also includes these Addendums:
• Addendum 1: Product Restrictions and Prep Instructions
• Addendum 1.1: Softlines Packaging Guidelines
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Introduction
The North American Vendor Shipment Preparation and Receive Manual provides Amazon’s vendors with information
on best practice guidelines and requirements regarding preparing (i.e., picking, packing, etc.) and fulfilling shipments
to Amazon’s fulfillment network. The policies and procedures described in this manual are intended to maximize
operational efficiencies and maintain the highest safety and quality standards for both Amazon and our vendors.
Please follow these guidelines at all times. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in:
1. Chargebacks
2. Shortages or non-payment, due to delivery and receiving problems
3. Products running out of stock, due to delays in shipment receiving
Additional Support:
➢ For transportation guidance, please refer to the North American Transportation Vendor Manual.
➢ Visit the Operational Performance Dashboard to view non-compliance issues and opportunities to improve your
operational performance based on recent shipments.
Summary of Latest Changes

Version Changes
• Refreshed and restructured manual to improve accessibility:
1. Replaced introductory Vendor Quick Notes with new Supply Chain Overview section. This section includes an
outline and enhanced resources for the end-to-end supply chain process. Some key points from Vendor Quick
Notes are now integrated directly into later sections and called out in bolded text with light blue highlights.
2. Merged Packaging Guidelines and Labeling Guidelines into one Shipment Preparation section, with guidance now
Q1 2023 broken out by item-, carton-, and pallet-level packaging and labeling information.
(Released: 3. Added Purchase Order Requirements section with information about viewing and acknowledging (confirming)
Mar 2023) purchase orders.
4. Deprecated International Shipments section to integrate guidance in related sections. Information about
international shipments is now linked in the End-to-End Supply Chain Process chart or added to related points in
the Shipment Preparation section.
5. Deprecated Addendum 2: Pallet LP Vendor Requirements. Information from this resource is integrated directly
into new License Plate (LP) Receive Process section.
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1. Supply Chain Overview

1.1 End-to-End Supply Chain Process
Process Stage Resources

• Refer to Section 2: Purchase Order Requirements for key details.
• Use the Purchase Orders portal or EDI 850 and EDI 855 to view and acknowledge
Purchase Order (PO) Confirmation
(confirm) purchase orders.
• Review chargebacks applicable to purchase orders.
• Refer to Section 3: Item Preparation, Section 4: Carton Preparation, and Section 5:
Shipment Preparation
Pallet Preparation for key details.
➢ Item Packaging & Labeling
• Refer to Addendum 1: Product Restriction and Prep Instructions and Addendum
➢ Carton Packaging & Labeling
1.1: Softline’s Packaging Guidelines for special requirements.
Pallet Building & Labeling
• Review chargebacks applicable to preparation, packaging, and receiving.
• Refer to Section 6: Advance Shipment Notification for key details.
• Use the Shipments portal or EDI 856 to transmit ASNs with details about shipment
Advance Shipment Notification contents and configurations. Use the Self-service EDI setup portal to test changes to
(ASN) Creation your EDI or internal warehouse/ordering systems. Use the Operational Analytics
portal to view data compliance issues with EDI-transmitted ASNs.
• Review chargebacks applicable to ASNs.
Submit Pickup Request
• Refer to the North American Transportation Vendor Manual for key details.
Only Collect (WePay) vendors
• Refer to the North American Transportation Vendor Manual for key details.
Transportation
• If you are a Direct Import vendor providing products directly from an international
➢ Carrier Pickup
sourcing location, refer to the Import Transportation Vendor Manual for additional
➢ Schedule FC Appointment
instructions.
➢ Delivery
• Review chargebacks applicable to transportation.
• Refer to the Dispute management and Reduce shortage claims resources in
Vendor Central for key details.
• Use the Invoices portal or EDI 810 to transmit invoices. Use the Dispute
Payments and Disputes Management portal to review and create disputes.
• You must provide commercial invoices for all shipments crossing an international
border, including Direct Import, regardless of the mode of transportation. Refer to
About Commercial Invoices in Vendor Central for more information.
• Refer to Section 7: Returns or the Returns resource in Vendor Central for key
details.
• Keep Return Addresses and Product Returns Contacts updated.
• All non-compliant deliveries that do not meet the requirements of fulfilling a
purchase order may be rejected or returned to you at Amazon’s discretion and your
Returns expense. Before refusing any returned items, you must attempt to resolve return
issues by filing a Contact Us case. Never send rejected returns to Amazon’s billing
address. Follow the Dispute a Product Return instructions if you believe your items
were incorrectly returned to you.
• Return Merchant Authorization (RMA) allows you to query and authorize your own
returns in Vendor Central. Use the Returns portal to review and authorize removals.
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Purchase Order
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2. Purchase Order Requirements

2.1 General PO Requirements
2.1.1 POs are required to be acknowledged — i.e., accepted, rejected, or backordered (if allowed) — within one
day of the order date. You can edit your PO confirmation information up to two days after your order date or
14 days before your ASN Ship Date, whichever is later.
2.1.2 Ship the same items (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) in the same quantities that were confirmed.
Verify that the unit of measure (i.e., individual vs. case) being shipped is consistent with the PO.
2.1.3 Amazon does not accept substitutions or replacement products. Shipped products that were never ordered are
subject to disposal and may result in liquidation from inventory. This includes products ordered on the PO but
where we received a quantity in excess of expected quantity (overage). In case of disposal or liquidation,
Amazon will not pay you.
2.1.4 You can view your ‘Past Due’ PO Items within Vendor Central by going to Purchase Orders > Update past due
PO items. The expected ship or delivery dates of each past due item must be updated in order to avoid
cancellation on the specified cancel date.
2.2 Collect (WePay) PO Requirements

2.2.1 Accepted PO items are expected to ship to Amazon within the specified ship window that is defined in the PO
header. The ship window is defined by Amazon and updating your Expected Ship Date (ESD) does not extend
your ship/delivery window. Refer to Shipping Guidelines (WePay) for more information.
2.2.2 An ESD must be provided every time a backordered PO acknowledgement is submitted. Backordered PO items
are expected to ship to Amazon within the ESD provided by the vendor. When some or all of the backordered
PO are fulfilled, do not change the original acknowledgement status.
2.2.3 If you are a Collect vendor (Amazon arranges and pays for freight charges), freight must have a routing requested
pickup date within the shipping window. Go to the North American Transportation Manual on the Vendor
Manual page in Vendor Central for more information.
2.3 Prepaid (TheyPay) PO Requirements

2.3.1 Accepted PO items are expected to arrive at Amazon within the specified delivery window that is defined in the
PO header. The delivery window is defined by Amazon and updating your Expected Delivery Date (EDD) does
not extend your delivery window.
2.3.2 An EDD must be provided every time a backordered PO acknowledgement is submitted. Backordered PO items
are expected to arrive at Amazon within the EDD provided by the vendor. When some or all of the backordered
PO are fulfilled, do not change the original acknowledgement status.
2.3.3 If you are a Prepaid vendor (vendor arranges and pays for freight charges), your carrier must request an
appointment date in Carrier Central that falls within the delivery window. Go to the North American
Transportation Manual on the Vendor Manual page in Vendor Central for more information.
2.4 Small Parcel Requirements

2.4.1 Packages can be up to 150 lbs., 165 inches in length and girth combined, and up to 108 inches in length.
2.4.2 The standard box and inner packing used for Truckload (TL) and Less than Truck Load (LTL) pallet shipments may
not be able to withstand the standard shipping process for small parcel shipping. Boxes should have a minimum
edge crush test rating of 32 (ECT-32).
2.4.3 Boxes exceeding 70 lb. (31.5 kgs) require a heavy package sticker placed on the box.
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Shipment Preparation:
Packaging and Labeling
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3. Item Preparation
3.1 Item Packaging Requirements
3.1.1 Preparation guidelines and special packaging requirements can be found in Addendum 1: Product Restriction
and Prep Instructions and Addendum 1.1: Softlines Packaging Guidelines.
3.1.2 Amazon requires vendors to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, regulations,
ordinances, and directives with respect to product packaging materials. Vendors should direct any related
questions to their legal counsel.
3.1.3 All units must arrive free of damage or defects. Each sellable unit must be packaged within its carton using
approved dunnage methods to prevent damage during storage/transit. Amazon can reject the items (for
Prepaid vendors) or liquidate (for Collect vendors) upon receiving damaged goods. Amazon will not pay vendors
in instances of disposal or liquidation.
3.1.4 Do not physically bundle together individual units that will be sold separately.
3.1.5 Do not include any unauthorized marketing or promotional materials, such as pamphlets, display materials,
price tags and/or other non-Amazon stickers with any items.
3.1.6 Products greater than 20 lbs. — or with package dimensions greater than 18” on the longest side, 14” on the
median side, or 8” on the shortest side — must be certified through Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging
program as either Tier 1 (Frustration-Free Packaging, or FFP) or Tier 2 (Ships in Own Container, or SIOC). Go to
Frustration-Free Packaging/Ships in Own Container chargeback to learn more about these requirements,
including product categories excluded from these rules and how to certify ASINs.
3.1.7 Suffocation warnings should be present on all plastic bags (one-millimeter-thick or less) that have a five inch or
greater opening. The suffocation warning must be in a legible font size and contrasted by typography, layout or
color from the contents of the bag, and from other printed matter on the bag, if any. At a minimum, Amazon
requires that vendors include a message on plastic bags consistent with the following:
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children. Do not use
this bag in cribs, beds, carriages or playpens. This bag is not a toy.
3.2 Item Labeling Requirements
General Item Labeling Requirements

3.2.1 Each shippable/sellable unit must have one product identification number (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN,
ASIN, etc.) on the exterior of the item. This product identification number must be both barcoded and printed
numerically on an easily visible and scannable part of the item or its point-of-sale packaging.
• Note: If a product is classified as a medical device according to the Food and Drug Administration, it must
also have a Unique Device Identifier (UDI) label on the device packaging, in compliance with FDA’s Final
Rule on Unique Device Identification System. Do not place a label over the UDI. You may place any
additional scannable and unique barcodes in a way that does not cover or obscure the UDI. Go to the
Amazon Business Professional Healthcare (PHC) Vendor Policy for more information.
3.2.2 If you are using inner cartons to help contain sellable units, do not place item-level (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN,
ISBN, ASIN, etc.) labels on these cartons. Otherwise, your inner cartons will be received as one sellable unit.
3.2.3 Do not place faded, torn, smudged labels on your units.
3.2.4 Do not place the labels against a shiny or a very dull background that makes the label unscannable.
3.2.5 Do not wrap your label around corners or curves on the unit. This placement makes the label unscannable.
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3.2.6 For cylindrical shaped units (i.e., pill bottles, beverage cans, etc.), barcodes
must be placed vertically along the axis rather than horizontally around the
cylinder to facilitate electronic scanning. The diagram to the right shows
examples of acceptable and unacceptable placement.
3.2.7 Watches are required to be inserted in their boxes with a product label on
the outside of the box, not on the watch.
3.2.8 If you use a Transparency 2D barcode (symbol), this barcode must not be
covered by any other labels.
Inner Pack and Master Pack Item Labeling Requirements

3.2.9 Only one scannable and unique item-level barcode (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) is permitted on a
single shippable/sellable unit unless you also use a Transparency 2D or Unique Device Identifier (UDI) barcode.
Do not use item-level barcodes on inner packs. If item-level barcodes are present on inner packs, they must
be covered over such that it cannot be scanned to prevent receive and stow errors.
3.2.10 Items intended to be sold together as a single SKU (i.e., sets) must be packaged and uniquely barcoded as a
single unit. If the inner or master pack is itself the sellable unit, that inner or master pack must have a unique
scannable item-level (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) barcode. The barcode identifier for the set/pack
must also be assigned to a product in your Catalog that represents the sellable unit. If your ASIN is a Pack of N
(for example, a pack of 3 bottles of the same shampoo), you must provide a unique scannable item identifier
(UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) for the set, which must be different from the scannable identifier on
each individual bottle. If you do not follow this guidance, there is a very high risk of items within inner or
master packs being incorrectly received as single units, leading to shortages.
3.2.11 The inner pack should not be transparent or reveal item-level barcodes of the individual sellable units, since this
can interfere with correct product recognition during receiving and cause shortages or overages.
Expiration Date & Lot Number Item Labeling Requirements

3.2.12 Amazon considers any product that has an end of shelf life or loses effectiveness with time to be subject to
expiration, even if an expiration date is not indicated on the product packaging. Expiration date determines the
limit of consumption or use of a product, and its meaning depends on the trade item context. For food, the date
will indicate the possibility of a direct health risk resulting from use of the product after the date; for
pharmaceutical products, it will indicate the possibility of an indirect health risk resulting from the
ineffectiveness of the product after the date. It is often referred to as "use by date" or "maximum durability
date”. Go to Expiration Dates on Products for more information about the products defined as subject to
expiration and shelf life requirements.
3.2.13 If you are shipping products that expire, you must explicitly label or print the expiration date on every
shippable/sellable unit.
3.2.14 Expiration-dated products must be fully enclosed and sealed in packaging that is suitable for shipping.
Expiration-dated products that require additional prep, such as poly bagging or bubble wrap, must have labels
with expiration dates applied to the outside of the product prep or packaging. Go to About Expired Product for
more information.
3.2.15 You must provide correct values for expiration and shelf life attributes in your Vendor Central Catalog. Each
ASIN that expires should have Is Product Expirable attribute set to “Yes”, and must have Product Expiration Type,
Fulfillment Center Shelf Life, and Fulfillment Center Shelf Life Unit attributes set to the correct values. Note that
Fulfillment Center Shelf Life cannot be set for more than 10 years. Go to Expiration-dated product attributes for
more information.
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3.2.16 You must provide expiration date or production date on your ASN for products that expire in nearly every
instance. If you are shipping perishable items that have Product Expiration Type set to “Shelf Life” in your Vendor
Central Catalog, providing expiration date on ASN is recommended but not required unless you are an Amazon
Fresh Business. If you choose not to provide expiration date in these instances, however, you should verify the
Fulfillment Center Shelf Life attribute in your Catalog is set correctly before we receive your goods at our
fulfillment centers so we can correctly calculate the expiration date.
3.2.17 All units that expire must be received at our fulfillment centers more than 90 days before the expiration date. If
we receive a product that has either reached its shelf life (expired) or will expire in the next 90 days, you will
receive an Expired Product chargeback. Items that are past the expiration at the time of arrival to our fulfillment
centers will be marked for disposal and cannot be returned to you.
3.2.18 Lot numbers allow Amazon to track product units at a lot/batch level, and may help us identify affected
inventory during recalls, quality control, or quarantine actions. If you are shipping products that have lot
number tracking available, explicitly label or print the lot number on every shippable/sellable unit. Your ASN
must include lot numbers for all products that have lot number tracking available.
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4. Carton Preparation
4.1 Carton Packaging Requirements
4.1.1 Vendors are required to meet Amazon’s carton packaging requirements. Otherwise, product may break apart
or become damaged when placed on Amazon’s high-speed conveyance.
4.1.2 Vendors must ship all product in cartons. Cartons must be 6-sided, and carton flaps must be taped shut.
Examples of incorrect and correct cartons are listed below:
4.1.3 Cartons must not be bundled using bagging, elastic, tape or extra straps. Do not use large staple pins or nylon
fiber-based tapes as they are safety hazards to our fulfillment center associates. Go to Section 6: Pallet
Preparation for pallet building requirements.
4.1.4 Cartons and packing materials (e.g., dunnage, void fill) must sufficiently protect items in transit. Use large-
sized dunnage, such as air pillows, full sheets of paper, sheet foam or bubble wrap. Do not use loose fill of any
kind, such as Styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper. Cartons must not have holes, rips, water damage, or
crushed corners.
4.1.5 Do not mix product that require prep or special handling with items that do not require it. Otherwise, an entire
carton will be sidelined for prep, regardless of whether some of the items do not require prep. Ensure that you
prep items marked with Prep instructions required in your Brand Analytics product catalog in your warehouse
before shipment.
4.1.6 Carton specifications must be within these acceptable limits:
Specification Minimum Maximum

Carton Dimensions (L” x W” x H”) 6” x 4” x 1” (inches) 25” (unless individual product is >25”)
Carton Weight 1 lb. (pound) 50 lbs.*
Number of POs per carton 1 5
Number of ASINs per carton 1** 100 units
* For Jewelry/Watches, maximum weight is 40 lbs.

** Each carton on Direct Import shipments can only contain units belonging to one ASIN. Multi-ASIN cartons are not
allowed on Direct Import shipments.
4.1.6.1 Cartons must have minimum dimensions of 6” x 4” x 1”. In addition, cartons must not exceed 25” in length,
width, or height, unless they contain sellable unit(s) that themselves measure more than 25".
4.1.6.2 Cartons that contain more than one sellable unit must not weigh more than 50.0 lbs./22.7 kg. For jewelry and
watches, the maximum allowed weight of the carton is 40 lbs. Items should be grouped together to ensure
minimum carton weight of 1 lb. (0.45 kg).
4.1.6.3 To optimize shipping, pack cartons with items relating to only one PO where possible. When not possible, make
sure cartons contain no more than five POs.
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4.1.7 Ensure packaging dimensions and weights are correctly marked according to these sortability thresholds for
fulfillment centers and carriers:
Fulfillment Center Type Length Width Height Length + Girth* Weight

Sortable (Individual Unit) < 18 in < 14 in < 8 in < 20 lbs.
Non-sortable (Individual Unit) > 18 in and < 96 in < 130 in < 50 lbs.
Heavy/Bulky (HB) Individual Unit > 96 in > 130 in > 50 lbs.
Carrier Choice Length Width Height Length + Girth Weight

Parcel (Shipping Carton) < 108 in < 165 in < 150 lbs.
Less than Truckload (LTL) Shipping Carton > 108 in > 165 in > 150 lbs.
* Girth = (2 x width) + (2 x height). Length is the longest side of the carton.
4.1.7.1 Cartons are classified as heavy and bulky products if: the weight of the box is more than 50 lbs./22.7 kg, any of
the carton dimensions are more than 108”, or the girth is greater than 165”. These products require Ship In Own
Container (SIOC) packaging and need special handling. Refer to the Amazon Packaging Certification Guidelines
for more information.
4.2 Carton Labeling Requirements
General Carton Labeling

4.2.1 Every carton sent to Amazon must have a label with information in both text and barcode on the same label.
4.2.2 Print or affix a carton label on the exterior of every carton in an un-obscured and easily visible location,
preferably on the side of the carton.
4.2.3 Do not place carton labels over a seam or near corners, since these may be crushed or collapsed while in
transit. The diagrams below show acceptable and unacceptable placement of top and side shipping labels.
4.2.4 Do not cover carton labels with taping, straps, plastic pouches, or any material that will hamper Amazon ability
to scan the label.
4.2.5 Carton labels should generally be sized 4”x 6”/10.2cm x 15.2cm, including the barcode, but can vary with
different size boxes as needed. The “quiet zone” or white space preceding and following each barcode must be
at least 0.25”/0.64cm wide.
4.2.6 Any labels with scannable barcodes should specifically interact with our receiving process. Before shipment,
remove extra barcodes or strike and cover them with non-transparent blank stickers.
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4.2.7 If you are using UPS as a carrier provider, remove old labels when re-using cartons.
4.2.8 All barcoded information on the carton label, except PO, must be encoded according to GS1-128 symbology
specifications. To support high-speed scanning, (20 mils) is required. For PO, Code39 or Code128 can be used.
4.2.9 Include the following information on carton labels in at least 12-point font:
Required Description
Ship From The postal address and ZIP code of your warehouse.
Ship To Amazon fulfillment center node (e.g., PHX6) with postal address and ZIP code.
Purchase Order (PO) List of all POs both in text and in barcode.
Logistic Label Barcode Type & Barcode type (SSCC, AMZNCC, 2D-BPS, or GTIN-14) and barcode string
Barcode String (barcode value).
Logistic Label Barcode Scannable barcode.
State the Product ID (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) in text and
Product ID NOT as barcode. If you are shipping a mixed SKU carton, state “Mixed SKU” on
your label instead of the Product ID.
Quantity Number of units contained.
If Available Description
Carton Number # __ of total # __.
Bill of Lading (BOL) Include the BOL, if available.
Carrier Name & PRO Include carrier name and PRO, if available.
Amazon Reference Number Include ARN in text and in barcode, if available. ARN applies to Collect (WePay)
(ARN) and barcode shipments only.
Lot number Include lot number, if available.
Include expiration date, if available. Expiration date applies to perishable
Expiration date
items only.
4.2.10 No pricing information or the name of another retailer should appear anywhere on the label.
4.2.11 For items certified to Ship in Own Container (SIOC) or Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP), you must apply a
scannable barcode identifying the product (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) as a separate label close
to the shipping label. Note if the product is SIOC- or FFP-certified, it must include both the appropriate shipping
label (SSCC, AMZNCC, GTIN-14, 2D-BPS) for receive and one product identification number (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12,
JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.) that is also barcoded for downstream stowing and packing. If the SIOC or FFP package is
inbounded to Amazon in a master carton, then the carton must comply with the carton labeling requirements
while the sellable unit requires only the one product identification number (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN,
etc.) that is barcoded.
4.2.12 If shipping Small Parcel, each individual carton must have its own shipping label and PRO (carrier tracking
number). Do not bundle cartons together.
4.2.13 Every carton shipped to Amazon must have a label with a barcoded identification number that tells Amazon
about the carton’s contents. We allow barcodes in any of the four formats listed below, in order of Amazon’s
preference. Each carton must include only one of these identification formats and adhere to the shipment size
restrictions specified in this table, based on ASN submission method:
Label Format ASN submission via EDI ASN submission via Vendor Central
Most preferred: Serial Shipment Container Code (SSCC) No shipment size restrictions Carton count < = 2000
License Plate* Amazon Container Code (AMZNCC) Not applicable to EDI; use SSCC instead Carton count < = 2000
Barcode Packing Slip (2D-BPS)** 2D data string < 1600 characters 2D data string < 1600 characters
Standard
GTIN-14*** No shipment size restrictions 100 ASIN max
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* SSCC or AMZNCC License Plate labels are our most preferred label formats because they help us efficiently receive
shipments at our fulfillment centers. SSCC or AMZNCC carton labels are required for Direct Import shipments. Go to
Section 1.2: License Plate Labels and Receiving for more information.
** Note that 2D-BPS codes are not acceptable for Amazon Fresh vendors.
*** GTIN-14 requires registration in Amazon’s GTIN Gold List library prior to use. Go to the below sub-section, GTIN-14
(Global Trade Item Number) Labels, for instructions.
4.2.14 Barcodes must always be printed in black ink on a white background. Our scanners cannot read color ink
barcodes.
Expiration Date & Lot Number Carton Labeling Requirements

4.2.15 If you are shipping products that expire and using SSCC, AMZNCC, or 2D-BPS carton labels: Each carton shipped
to our fulfillment centers can have only one expiration date per ASIN. If there are multiple expiration dates for
the same ASIN, they must ship in separate cartons.
4.2.16 If you are shipping products that expire and using GTIN-14 carton labels: Each ASIN must have just one expiration
date within the same shipment. If units of an ASIN have differing expiration dates, you must separate them into
different shipments.
4.2.17 If you are shipping products with lot numbers and using SSCC, AMZNCC, or 2D-BPS carton labels: Each carton
shipped to our fulfillment centers can have only one lot number per ASIN. If there are multiple lot numbers for
the same ASIN, they must ship in separate cartons.
4.2.18 If you are shipping products with lot numbers and using GTIN-14 carton labels: Each ASIN must have just one
lot number within the same shipment. If units of an ASIN have differing lot numbers, you must separate them
into different shipments.
Carton and Item Labeling Printing Requirements

4.2.19 Use a thermal transfer or laser printer. Do not use inkjet printers. Inkjet printers are more susceptible to
smearing and blurry images, which make the labels difficult to read or scan.
4.2.20 Most labeling errors are caused by dirty printer heads. We recommend testing, cleaning, or replacing printer
heads on a regular basis.
4.2.21 Each label must be readable and scannable for 24 months. Use the proper print media for your printer to prevent
the label from smudging or fading. For example, use laser paper and laser toner with a laser printer.
4.2.22 Amazon highly recommends periodically testing barcodes to ensure they scan properly. Use a tethered scanner
and verify the value.
4.2.23 Amazon reserves the right to dispose of or liquidate mislabeled units if the owner is unknown, or re-label a
product at the vendor's expense when ownership is known.
4.2.24 When you print your labels, make sure print settings do not scale the image or make it smaller to fit within the
printable area.
4.2.25 By default, many printers will try to scale PDF files to fit within the printable margins. Some printers might refer
to this as ‘size to fit’ or ‘print to fit’. This will cause the labels to be misaligned when printed. Depending on your
printer and the software you are using, you should be able to set the scaling to ‘none’ or 100%.
4.2.26 If you are unable to locate printer settings and the labels are misaligning, we recommend contacting the printer
manufacturer's technical support department or seeking support locally for additional assistance.
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[Most Preferred] SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) and AMZNCC (Amazon Container Code) License Plate Labels
4.2.27 SSCC and AMZNCC License Plate (LP) labels are our most preferred carton label types. Scanning an LP label
allows us to automatically locate the container content data from your ASN to see the exact contents that we
are receiving. LP receiving is fast and reduces the risk of delays or defects to our receipt record that could
cause shortage claims. Go to Section 1.2: License Plate Labels and Receiving for more information about LP
receiving.
4.2.28 You can use SSCC labels regardless of ASN submission method, but can only use AMZNCC labels if you transmit
ASNs via Vendor Central. Amazon uses SSCC and AMZNCC labels exactly the same way when receiving.
4.2.29 SSCC or AMZNCC carton labels are required for Direct Import shipments. Each carton on Direct Import
shipments can only contain units belonging to one ASIN. Each carton must have the ASIN printed on the carton.
Cartons with just UPC, EAN, or GTIN product barcodes are considered non-compliant.
4.2.30 Each carton label with an SSCC number must have a unique code purchased from GS1. Amazon accepts SSCCs
in the following symbologies: GS1-128, Code128, C39, C93, ITL25. Refer to GS1’s Introduction to the SSCC guide
for more information on GS1-128 standards and implementation.
4.2.31 Once assigned to a shipping container, an SSCC number must not be reused to identify another shipping
container for a minimum of 12 months from the time it is shipped to Amazon.
4.2.32 SSCC barcodes should have the minimum specifications for optimal scanning: Module Width: 0.020” (0.508
mm), Bar Height: 1.00” (25.40 mm). Increased barcode height improves optimization for scanning.
4.2.33 Each SSCC label must contain: The acronym ‘SSCC’, the SSCC number (in case the barcode does not scan) and a
scannable SSCC-18 barcode preceded by the two leading 00s as the application identifier (AI). Barcode values
must also be coded as numeric values only, and should not include spaces or additional characters such as “()”.
4.2.34 SSCC labels must also include vendor name and location, delivery location, and PO numbers on each carton. In
the example SSCC label below, Zones A, B, E and F are mandatory (must have) while Zones C and D are strongly
recommended (good to have).
4.2.35 If you are using pallet-level SSCC labels for single-ASIN pallets, do not use pallet-level SSCC codes on carton-level
labels. Each carton must have a unique carton-level SSCC code and carton-level SSCC label.
4.2.36 On the ASN, provide SSCC numbers at carton level hierarchy in EDI 856 under MAN*GM section.
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4.2.37 To use AMZNCC labels, you must provide the detailed item-level information within Vendor Central Shipments
for every carton. Amazon will generate a unique AMZNCC number for every carton that links to this information.
AMZNCC labels are available for download in 1D barcode format. Follow these step-by-step instructions to print
AMZNCC labels.
4.2.38 You must apply each AMZNCC label to the corresponding carton and complete the ASN within Vendor Central.
4.2.39 AMZNCC barcodes use Code128 symbology. An example AMZNCC label can be found below.
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2D-BPS (Barcode Packing Slip) Labels

4.2.40 You can communicate the carton content information using a 2D barcode shipping label. Amazon accepts three
types of 2D barcode shipping label symbologies: Data matrix, PDF417, and QR code.
4.2.41 Data captured in these barcodes must follow the following hierarchy of variables:
Hierarchy Requirement
1 Starting 4 characters of every string must be AMZN
2 Purchase Order Number (Code: PO)
3 Item identifier (Code: UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.)
4 Quantities (Code: QTY)
5 Expiration date of items, applicable for products that expire only (Code: EXP)
6 Lot number, applicable for products that expire only (Code: LOT)
4.2.42 Every segment of BPS hierarchy must be separated with commas. Colons must be used between code and its
values. No spaces must be allowed between the string. If expiration date and lot number are not applicable,
leave these fields out of the 2D barcode string.
4.2.43 Your label must also include vendor name and location, delivery location, and PO numbers on each carton. In
the example BPS label below, Zones A, B, E and F are mandatory (must have) while Zones C and D are strongly
recommended (good to have).
GTIN-14 (Global Trade Item Number) Labels

4.2.44 Amazon utilizes the GS1 standard GTIN-14 as an acceptable carton label. For any GTINs you wish to use, you
must first download the GTIN-14 Gold List template and then send the completed file with vendor, ASIN, and
quantity information to gtinlibrary@amazon.com (standard ASINs) or gtinlibrary-f3@amazon.com (Amazon
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Fresh ASINs). We will validate the information you shared and then upload this data to our internal GTIN Gold
List library. Once Amazon uploads the GTINs, we will notify you that the GTINs are eligible for receiving using
GTIN-14 labels.
• Note: It may take up to four weeks for GTIN validation to be completed after your submission of the GTIN-
14 Gold List template.
4.2.45 We reference the GTIN Gold List library when we receive cartons with GTIN-14 labels. Differences between Gold
List attributes and physical shipments can lead to inaccurate receipt records, which may cause chargebacks and
shortages. Therefore, you must share the correct values in GTIN-14 Gold List template submissions and notify
Amazon of any changes vs. previously submitted values. Send the GTIN-14 Gold List template with updated
information to gtinlibrary@amazon.com (standard ASINs) or gtinlibrary-f3@amazon.com (Amazon Fresh
ASINs). We will validate and upload the mappings to our internal GTIN Gold List library, with an SLA of four
weeks. Once updates are complete, we will notify you, after which you can begin using the updated GTIN-14
mappings.
4.2.46 Sellable quantities are especially important for correctly receiving shipments. Divide the number of single units
in a carton by number of units per sellable ASIN to get number of sellable units per carton/master pack:
Number of single units in carton: Number of units per sellable ASIN: Number of sellable units per carton/master pack:
12 single units 1 single unit 12/1 = 12
12 single units 12-pack 12/12 = 1
24 single units 12-pack 24/12 = 2
4.2.47 Your label must include a GTIN-14 barcodes that is encoded in GS1-128 or ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) format.
GTIN-14 barcodes in GS1-128 format must have an application identifier (01) prefixed to 14-digit code. Note
that Amazon does not accept GTIN-8 or GTIN-12 on carton labels.
Acceptable GTIN-14 Symbology Barcode Number Requirement

EAN128 or UCC128 or GS1-128 Application identifier (01) must be prefixed to 14-digit number (not starting with 00)
ITF-14 (barcoded in ITL-25 format) 14-digit number
4.2.48 Your label must also include vendor name and location, delivery location, and PO numbers on each carton. In
the example GTIN labels below, Zones A, B, E and F are mandatory (must have) while Zones C and D are strongly
recommended (good to have). For best results, use a module width that is twice the minimum and print
barcodes using a laser printer at 600 dpi.
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4.3 Warning Labels on Cartons
Warning labels must be affixed to cartons, in addition to carton content labels, to help ensure accuracy and safety at
our fulfillment centers. Warning labels must be impossible to miss. They must be large in a highly visible color and
positioned in multiple, prominent locations on all applicable cartons. Some examples are provided below for reference.
Ensure all warning labels comply with the ANSI Z535 standard and do not cover carton or pallet labels. Affix the
following warning labels, as appropriate, to each carton in your shipment:
Warning Label When to Apply

"Heavy"
Affix warning label or print “Heavy” on every carton that weighs 30.0 lbs./13.6 kg to
50.0 lbs./22.7 kg.
Affix this warning label to every carton that either:

"Team Lift" a) Weighs between 50.0 lbs./22.7 kg and 100.0 lbs./45.4 kg. Note that this
weight is allowed only if the box contains a single sellable unit; or
b) Measures more than 25” on any side, and weighs more than 35.0 lbs./15.8 kg.
Note that this box size is allowed only if the carton contains one or more
sellable units which themselves measure over 25”.
"Mechanical Lift"
Affix this warning label to every carton that weighs 100.0 lbs./45.4 kg or greater.
Note that this weight is allowed only if the carton contains a single sellable unit.
Affix this warning label to every pallet that contains more than one type of sellable
"Mixed SKU"
unit (i.e., more than one SKU).
"Single ASIN" Affix this warning label to every pallet that contains a single ASIN.
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Affix this warning label to every sellable unit that contains multiple items intended to
"Sold as Set / Quantity 1" be sold together as a single SKU. For example: special course materials/books for
students, or a water bottle and bottlebrush combination.
"Multi-box Item: Part _ of _" Affix this warning label to any single item being shipped in more than one carton.
Affix this warning label to every carton that contains product that has been classified
"ORM-D"
as hazardous.
Affix this warning label to every carton that contains exercise/fitness weights such as
"Weights"
dumbbells, etc.
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5. Pallet Preparation
5.1 Pallet Building Requirements
Acceptable Pallet Types

5.1.1 Use GMA grade B or higher, 40” x 48”/ 1m x 1.25m 4-way access, wood pallets. GMA grade A pallets are required
for grocery items.
5.1.2 CHEP or PECO pallets meeting GMA grade A and B industry standards are acceptable. However, CHEP or PECO
pallet returns or exchanges are not supported by Amazon.
5.1.3 Pallet slats must be less than 5” apart to reduce opportunity for compression damage.
5.1.4 Do not use pallets that are broken or pallets with missing slats.
5.1.5 Do not ship items on pallets made of weak materials, such as cardboard or particle board.
5.1.6 Do not ship items in gaylords (pallet-sized boxes).
5.1.7 Pallets that break these compliance measures are subject to refusal at the dock due to safety concerns.
Pallet Building Guidelines

5.1.8 Amazon requires less-than truckload shipments be palletized and prefers that truckload shipments are
palletized. Amazon prefers floor loaded loads for small parcel and intermodal (rail) shipments. The Loading
Shipments section of the North American Transportation Vendor Manual includes instructions for floor loaded
shipments.
5.1.9 Regardless of pallet height, pallets must not exceed 1500 lbs in gross weight.
5.1.10 Boxes must be properly secured to pallets.
5.1.11 Securely stretch-wrap boxes to pallets or secure larger items to pallets using non-metallic bands.
5.1.12 Ensure that stretch-wrap completely affixes product to the pallet, so as to prevent shifting during transit and
creates stable platform for pallet stacking in transit.
5.1.13 The use of clear stretch-wrap (vs. black) is required.
5.1.14 Use corner boards to help protect and maintain the stability of boxes in transit. Inventory must be loaded on
the pallet in a stable way so when the stretch wrap is removed inventory will not easily fall over but remain
stable on the pallet.
5.1.15 Refer to Shipping Guidelines (WePay) for pallet building best practices.
5.1.16 If you are shipping TVs, refer to Special Handling Requirements for additional special handling requirements.
5.1.17 If a set (i.e., boxes intended to be sold together) weighs 100.0 lb/45.4 kg or greater, then the set must be placed
on a single pallet (one complete sellable unit on each pallet) or be clampable. Additionally, all boxes that are
part of a set must be shipped on the same pallet.
5.1.18 A single, non-clampable sellable box or unit (e.g., furniture) weighing 100.0 lb/45.4 kg or greater must always
be individually palletized.
5.1.19 Any guidelines shown on the box packaging must be followed, such as stack height maximums, box orientation
requirements, and handling restrictions.
5.1.20 Build pallets with the box labels facing outwards to allow each barcode on the box to be scanned without
breaking down the pallet.
5.1.21 Stack boxes on pallets so that they are stable and flush on all sides. Brick stacking, with heaviest items on the
bottom, is recommended.
5.1.22 For single-ASIN pallets, all boxes must be stacked the same way (i.e., horizontal or vertical). Boxes can still be
turned in different directions, but they all must be stacked in the same way.
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5.1.23 Do not let boxes overhang the edges of pallets. If a single, large item has any overhang on a standard 40” x
48”/1m x 1.25m pallet, use a pallet size and type that is suitable for the item with no overhang and 5” maximum
under hang on any one side.
Pallet Height
5.1.24 Our maximum weight and height for all freight on a 53’ trailer is 1500 lb total and 98” tall, including the height
of the pallet(s). For freight that is 98” tall it must be stackable (Stackable Image) or clampable (Non-stackable &
clampable image).
5.1.25 For stackable 98” freight, it is the Supplier's responsibility to ensure that pallets are stable. A single stackable
pallet should not exceed 49” height, including the pallet or 750 lb. Freight should have flat tops and not lean to
prevent damage during transit. Two 49” stackable pallets are Amazon’s preferred method to optimize trailer
utilization and receive process.
5.1.26 For non-stackable & clampable 98” freight: the boxes must support being handled with a clamp truck as outlined
in section 5.3. Similarly, to stackable freight, if freight exceeds 49” and is clampable to 98”, we require a
designation between 49” of freight with 2 unique pallet LP labels (SSCC or AMZNCC) treating it as two separate
pallets. Each stack is required to be stretch wrapped individually, as outlined in section 2.2.4 in NA Vendor
Transportation manual.
5.1.27 If a slip sheet is not used to separate, it is at risk of not being pallet LP received, as the freight will get down
stacked for safety reasons and then received using carton labels. See section 5.2 for pallet label guidelines.
5.1.28 All Non-Stackable & Non-Clampable pallets must not exceed 72” tall.
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5.2 Pallet Labeling Requirements
General Requirements
5.2.1 You must provide a pallet label on every pallet you ship. Pallet labeling requirements differ between multi-ASIN
pallets and single-ASIN pallets. You must also attach a carton label to every carton on a pallet, in addition to the
pallet label.
5.2.2 Every pallet must have a pallet label with the following information:
✓ Purchase order number(s) contained within the pallet. PO number(s) must be barcoded.
✓ SKU# or ASIN (for single-ASIN pallets), or “Mixed SKU” (for mixed-ASIN pallets)
✓ Pallet # __ of __
✓ Ship From and Ship To locations
✓ Bill of Lading (BOL) number
✓ PRO (carrier tracking number)
5.2.3 Pallet labels must be placed squarely (not on an angle) on at least two adjacent sides of the pallet. We
recommend labeling all four sides.
5.2.4 Pallet labels must be placed on the outside of the plastic wrap.
5.2.5 Pallet labels must be printed in black ink on a white background and barcodes must be 20 mils and support high-
speed scanning.
Mixed ASIN Pallets

5.2.6 When shipping multiple ASINs on a pallet, affix a “Mixed SKU” warning label to the pallet in a highly visible color.
Additional information on warning label requirements is listed in Section 5.3: Warning Labels on Cartons.
5.2.7 Amazon Fresh vendors must attach SSCC or AMZNCC labels to every layer on a multi-ASIN pallet, in addition to
the regular carton and pallet labeling requirements noted above.
5.2.8 Refer to the example below of a correct mixed ASIN pallet label.
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Single-ASIN Pallets
5.2.9 You must attach a single-ASIN pallet label to the outside of your single-ASIN pallets. Additionally, you must
attach carton-level labels to every carton on single-ASIN pallets.
5.2.10 If you ship single-ASIN pallets, we strongly recommend using SSCC or AMZNCC License Plate labels at the
pallet level for higher receive accuracy. Pallet Ordering Program (POP) vendors should provide LP label on all
the single ASIN pallets. License Plate labels allow Amazon to receive entire single-ASIN pallets at once, using
the quantity specified on the ASN. Go to Section 7: License Plate (LP) Receive process for additional information
about the benefits and requirements for LP receiving. Refer to section 6.2 for ASN submission guidelines.
• Note: We do not support pallet-level SSCC or AMZNCC labels for pallets with multiple ASINs. Multi-ASIN
pallets must still meet our standard label requirements.
5.2.11 You can use SSCC labels regardless of ASN submission method, but can only use AMZNCC labels if you transmit
ASNs via Vendor Central. Amazon uses SSCC and AMZNCC labels exactly the same way when receiving. If you
transmit ASNs via Vendor Central, go to the Advance Shipment Notification for single-SKU pallets page in Vendor
Central for instructions on printing single-ASIN AMZNCC labels or providing single-ASIN SSCCs.
5.2.12 Pallet Ordering Program (POP) vendors will receive Carton Content Label chargeback waivers on single-ASIN
pallet orders placed through their separate POP ordering vendor code as long as they adhere to pallet labeling
requirements. However, we still strongly recommend continuing to apply carton-level labels to reduce the risk
of receiving errors that may cause shortage claims.
5.2.13 When shipping a single-ASIN pallet, affix a “Single ASIN” warning label to the pallet in a highly visible color.
Additional information about warning label requirements is listed in Section 4.3: Warning Labels on Cartons.
5.2.14 If a single-ASIN pallet contains a product that expires, every unit on the pallet must have the same expiration
date.
5.2.15 Refer to the examples below of correct single-ASIN pallet SSCC/AMZNCC and non-SSCC/non-AMZNCC single-
ASIN pallet labels.
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25
Advance Shipment Notification
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6. Advance Shipment Notification (ASN)

6.1 ASN Overview
An Advance Shipment Notification (ASN) is a virtual notification to Amazon about your shipment contents and
carrier tracking information before your goods arrive at our fulfillment centers. These notifications help ensure that we
receive your shipments on time and can process them efficiently to deliver best experience for you and customers. ASNs are
required for every shipment, regardless of size or payment terms. ASN must be:
✓ Accurate: ASNs must match both your PO confirmation record and physical shipment contents. Otherwise, fix
the incorrect ASN or PO record.
✓ Complete: ASNs should include all required parameters about the shipment’s contents and transportation.
Review the following pages for specific parameters.
✓ Timely: We must receive your ASN before the shipment arrives at a fulfillment center.
ASN timeliness, accuracy, and completeness are critically important for multiple workstreams:
• ASNs help us prepare to receive your shipments: ASNs allow us to collaborate more effectively with carriers to
track your shipments and prioritize resources for efficient receiving, including labor. We may not be
appropriately staffed to handle a shipment of 10,000 units, for example, if we never received the ASN. Before
Amazon receives your shipments at our fulfillment centers, we match the information from your ASN with the
carrier’s delivery appointment.
• ASNs help us accurately and efficiently receive
shipments and pay invoices on time: ASNs help us
assign our receiving record to the correct PO record.
We can't assign our receipt records correctly if the
ASN is not transmitted on time, the ASN details are
incorrect or missing, or the item quantities between
the ASN, purchase order confirmation, and physical
shipment do not match. Mis-attribution may cause a
shortage claim if it prevents us from matching invoice,
PO, and receipt records required for payment. Go to
Reduce shortage claims to learn more.
• ASNs help us make accurate promises to customers and reduce out-of-stock: ASNs give us greater visibility to
in-transit products, which enables us to more accurately reflect item availability (deliver-by period) to end
customers. This visibility also helps us identify shipments for products with low inventory levels that we could
give higher priority to avoid running out of stock.
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• ASNs help us avoid inaccurate cancellations: Amazon's PO cancellation policies allow cancellation of
outstanding PO shipments. However, ASN transmissions alert our internal systems that POs are in-transit. This
signal helps avoid unnecessary PO cancellation chargebacks and freight refusals.
6.2 ASN Information Required for Shipment

6.2.1 You must send your ASN within 30 minutes of your goods departing from your facility and at least 6 hours
before the appointment at an Amazon fulfillment center – whichever is sooner. If the Amazon destination
fulfillment center is in close proximity to your shipping location, we recommend sending ASNs before the
departure of the trailer from the shipping location.
• Note: If you use batch process to send your ASNs, your ASNs must leave your system before the shipment
reaches our facility.
6.2.2 ASNs can be submitted via either EDI 856 or Vendor Central. You can use SSCC, 2D-BPS, or GTIN-14 labels
regardless of ASN submission method, but can only use AMZNCC labels if you transmit ASNs via Vendor
Central. Refer to the EDI X12 856 ASN technical specifications document for detailed EDI specifications. Vendors
who have EDI 856 enabled must only send ASNs via EDI and must not use Vendor Central for manual ASN
submission, unless they are experiencing temporary EDI system outages. Advantage vendors must use the
Advantage website to submit their ASNs.
6.2.3 You must utilize the SOTPI (Shipment, Order, Tare, Package, Item) hierarchy in the 5010 version of the ASN.
The Pallet SSCC must be at the tare level and any carton level SSCCs must be at the Package level. Refer to
section EDI X12 856 ASN (EDI Specifications for 856 ASN 5010 →v2.0→Sample ASN Files→Collect/Prepaid ASN
→TL/LTL Sample Files) on the Vendor Central for SOTPI/SOTI ASN sample files.
6.2.4 Use the Shipments portal or EDI 856 to transmit ASNs with details about shipment contents and
configurations. The Shipment portal shows shipments pending ASN submission. Use the Operational Analytics
portal to view data compliance issues with EDI-transmitted ASNs.
6.2.5 Before implementing changes to EDI or internal warehouse/ordering systems, please test them using the Self-
service EDI setup portal in Vendor Central. This tool allows EDI 856 ASN test scenarios to be verified and
completed prior to install to avoid failures in the transmission or accuracy of 856 ASN data. Additionally, if you
are making changes to production to correct a current non-compliant issue, please contact us under EDI
Integration and provide raw data for Amazon EDI review.
6.2.6 ASNs cannot be deleted or canceled, but can be edited for 60 days from submission date or until the
corresponding shipment arrives at our fulfilment centers, whichever is sooner. ASN must be in the ‘Received’
state for EDI and ‘Submitted’ in Vendor Central—and not in ‘Draft/Edited’ state—when the shipment is received.
ASN can be edited via EDI 856 and Vendor Central’s ASN Edit feature. Go to the Edit Advance Shipment
Notifications training for more information.
6.2.7 If you transmit ASNs via EDI, we always recommend sending a single ASN transmission with all PO and carton
details via EDI for the entire Truckload (TL) or Less than Truck Load (LTL) shipment. However, each TL/LTL
shipment can have up to 100 ASNs, meaning you can send separate ASN transmissions at PO level or carton
level only if the total number of individual ASNs are less than or equal to 100 for that shipment.
6.2.8 For Small Parcel shipments, every carton must have a unique tracking number and you must provide required
ASN information for every carton. Vendors must list each tracking number in their ASNs. Amazon considers a
shipment to be Small Parcel if it is shipped through UPS Standard Ground, FedEx Ground Service, and OnTrac.
6.2.9 Vendors can request a block (set) of PRO numbers from each of Amazon’s Contracted LTL Carriers. Go to Amazon
Contracted LTL Carrier PRO Distribution Guide for more information.
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6.2.10 ASNs must accurately reflect the following parameters:
Data Element Requirements Description & Notes
Unique ASN ID. This field will be a Unique ID (uniqueness is

Shipment Identification Mandatory for all shipments. defined within context of the vendor) which represents this ASN.
Failure to provide a “Shipment Identification” will result in
rejection of ASN.
Departure date from vendor warehouse. This date should be
either within the past 7 calendar days (from the ASN Submission
Shipped Date Mandatory for all shipments.
Date) or up to 2 calendar days in the future (from the ASN
Submission Date).
Date expected for vendor shipment to be delivered to Amazon's
fulfillment center. This can be an estimate based on the average
Estimated Shipment
Mandatory for all shipments. transit time for the carrier. This information helps Amazon to plan
Arrival Date
for the shipment if an Estimated Delivery Date is not received
from the carrier.
Number of cartons present in the shipment. This number must
Carton Count Mandatory for all shipments.
reflect the actual number of cartons being shipped.
Mandatory for all shipments,
Number of pallets present in the shipment. This number must
Pallet Count if your ASN uses tare/pallet
reflect the actual number of pallets being shipped.
ASN structure.
Shipment Weight & Optional but recommended
Total weight and total volume of shipment or carton.
Volume for all shipments.
Code that identifies the carrier for the shipment. The Standard
Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two- to four-letter code
used to identify a carrier. Carrier SCAC codes are assigned and
maintained by the NMFTA (National Motor Freight Association).
For information on SCACs that are commonly used by carriers
Standard Carrier Alpha that deliver to Amazon, refer to the Carrier tracking number
Mandatory for all shipments.
Code (SCAC) support page. For small parcel shipments, ensure that SCAC is
one of the following:
• UPS Main: UPSN / UPSS / UPSZ
• Federal Express: FDE / RPSI / FXSP / FDEG / FEDX / FEDZ
• United States Postal Service: USPS
• DHL Airways: DHLC
BOL number is the unique number assigned by the shipper in
creating the Bill of Lading document that accompanies the
physical shipment. BOL number present in the ASN must match
Bill of Lading Number
Mandatory for all shipments. the paper BOL provided with the shipment. All Vendor Central
(BOL)
and EDI ASNs have a 64-character BOL restriction. BOL numbers
must be unique (not repeated) for every shipment, and cannot be
a date/time or single character.
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The PRO number is a unique number assigned by the carrier. It is

used to identify and track the shipment that goes out for delivery.
The PRO number on the ASN must be used by the carrier
delivering the shipment to Amazon, and you must update this
Mandatory for all Truckload
number on the ASN if it changes while freight is in-transit. For
(TL) or Less than Truck Load
small parcel shipments, a valid PRO number (Tracking ID) must be
PRO Number (LTL) shipments, and every
provided for each carton in the PRO field of the ASN, so number
carton in small parcel
of PRO numbers should be equal to number of cartons in the
shipments.
physical small parcel shipment. PRO numbers should be unique
(not repeated) for every shipment, and should not be a date/time
or single character. PRO number must match PRO standard
carrier alpha codes (SCAC) logic rules on the Carrier tracking
number support page.
The ARN is a unique identifier generated by Amazon for all Collect
(WePay) shipments when a routing request is submitted. ARNs
Mandatory for all Collect are generated for each routing request, and there should be a
Amazon Reference (WePay) shipments. Not one-to-one mapping between routing request and ASN. When
Number (ARN) applicable for Prepaid multiple routing requests are sent for the same shipment, the
(TheyPay) shipments. ASN must match the routing requests and individual ARNs
mentioned in each ASN. For more information, refer to file
Shipping Guidelines (We Pay).
The postal code for the Ship-From address on the ASN must be a
Origin Warehouse (Ship- Optional but recommended
valid postal code that represents the origin warehouse/
From) Postal Code for all shipments.
distribution center of the shipment.
Shipping Location (Ship- Address and facility ID of the Amazon location where your
To) products are being shipped.
The Amazon Purchase Order Number; written authorization for a
supplier to ship products at a specified price, which becomes a
Purchase Order legally binding contract once the supplier accepts it. POs are
Number(s) transmitted to you by Amazon in Vendor Central or EDI 850. For
more information about POs, refer to Section 2: Purchase Order
Requirements.
For all your carton labels you applied, make sure you include the
corresponding container identification number from your
barcode label in your ASN. Unit of measure in your ASN must
Carton Container Code
match the unit of measure on your purchase order. For example,
(SSCC, AMZNCC, 2D-BPS, Mandatory for each carton on
if your purchase order is for 8 eaches and your ASN indicates 1
or GTIN-14 barcode all shipments.
case (8 units per case in this example) it will lead to a chargeback.
identifier)
Your ASN must also indicate 8 eaches to match the PO and not
indicate cases. For more information on carton labels, refer to
Section 4.2: Carton Label Requirements.
Single-ASIN pallet SSCC or AMZNCC License Plate container
identification numbers let you provide specific information about
Mandatory for all single-ASIN each pallet in the shipment. Providing pallet-level information
Pallet Container Code
pallet LP shipments. Not helps Amazon fulfillment centers with faster and automated
(SSCC or AMZNCC
applicable for multi-ASIN receiving, helping reduce product out-of-stock and shortage risk.
barcode identifier)
pallet shipments. Note that pallet-level SSCC or AMZNCC is not a substitute for
carton-level SSCC/AMZNCC container identification numbers on
the ASN. If you use single-ASIN pallet container identification
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numbers, your ASN must also include “Number of Cartons”. SSCC

must be entered with a 2 Digit Application Identifier (00),
followed by the unique 18-digit identification code. For more
information on License Plate, refer to Section 7: License Plate (LP)
Receive Process
Name and product ID (UPC, EAN, GTIN-12, JAN, ISBN, ASIN, etc.)
for the unique items on the Amazon purchase order that you are
Mandatory for each item on shipping. If you transmit ASNs via EDI 856, ensure that the correct
Item Identification
all shipments. item identifier is used. For example, UA for UPC, IB for ISBN and
BP for ASIN. For further information, refer to the EDI X12 856 ASN
technical specifications doc.
Number of units shipped for a specific item. You must ensure that
Mandatory for each item on
Quantity the quantities listed on your ASNs are representative of the
all shipments.
actual shipment contents.
Lot or batch number associates an item with information the
Mandatory for each item that manufacturer considers relevant for traceability of the trade item
expires (products with Is to which the Element String is applied. The data may refer to the
Lot Number*
Product Expirable attribute trade item itself or to items contained. For example, the number
set to “Yes” in Catalog). may be a production lot number, a shift number, a machine
number, a time, or an internal production code.
The date that determines the limit of consumption or use of a
product. Its meaning is determined based on the trade item
Expiration Date*
context. Ensure expiration date printed on the carton matches
the expiration date on the ASN.
Each item that expires must The date when goods were packaged or manufactured. Its
Manufacture Date*
have Expiration Date or both meaning is determined based on the trade item context.
Manufacture Date and Shelf Duration that product is valid for consumption or use after the
Life. manufacturing date. If you are only providing manufacture date
and shelf life—and not providing expiration date—on your ASN,
Shelf Life
verify the Fulfillment Center Shelf Life attribute in your Catalog is
set correctly before we receive your goods so we can correctly
calculate the expiration date.
* Expiration date, manufacture date, and lot number should be defined at an item level. A case/pallet can have multiple ASINs,
each with individual expiration dates, manufacture dates, and lot numbers. However, one ASIN should not have multiple
expiration dates, manufacture dates, or lot numbers within the same case/pallet, failure to comply with these requirements may
lead to relevant chargebacks.
31
License Plate (LP) Receive Process
32
7. License Plate (LP-SSCC/AMZNCC) Receive Process

The License Plate (LP) receive is our preferred method to receive your shipments by automatically pairing information
in your Advance Shipment Notification (ASN) with the physical LP labels.
Your ASN transmission creates a pre-receive record. Scanning the LP label on a pallet or carton (box) allows us to
automatically locate the container content data from that ASN to see the exact contents that we are receiving. This
single-step process is efficient and provides a high level of accuracy by receiving products in the container according to
item quantities and purchase orders specified in the ASN.
7.1 Benefits of LP Receive

LP receiving is the optimal path for reducing risk of shortage claims. This method reduces the risk of delays or defects
to our receipt record that could prevent us from matching invoice and receipt records by the invoice due date. LP
receiving removes the need to scan individual units during initial receiving by automatically identifying the purchase
order record to assign our receipt record. It is also less time consuming, meaning shorter time from unload to receive
at fulfillment centers. Go to Reduce shortage claims in Vendor Central for more information.
7.2 Advance Shipment Notification Specifications for LP Receiving

License Plate receiving requires both compliant LP labels that meet the requirements below, and timely, accurate, and
complete Advance Shipment Notifications. We must receive your ASN before the shipment arrives to our fulfillment
center.
For successful LP receiving, your ASN must include:

✓ Purchase order
✓ Container code: Serial Shipment Container Code (SSCC) or Amazon Container Code (AMZNCC)
✓ Product name and ID
33
✓ Per-item quantity
✓ For applicable shipments: Pallet or carton quantity
✓ Perishable items only: Expiration date or production date, depending on the Product expiration type you have
selected for products in your Catalog.
Without correct and complete mapping of the points above on the ASN, LP labels cannot be used for LP receiving.
For direct and fast transmissions, we recommend sending ASN data via the 5010 version of EDI 856 (DESADV). Review
Section 3: Advance Shipment Notification and download EDI X12 856 ASN for more information.
7.3 Carton LP Label Specifications

The carton LP program allows us to automatically receive all products in a carton by scanning a unique Serial Shipment
Container Code (SSCC) or Amazon Container Code (AMZNCC) barcode and referencing the information for that
container identifier on the Advance Shipment Notification. This efficient process avoids the need to individually scan
units during receiving, reducing the likelihood of under-counting units or other receiving errors that may cause shortage
claims.
To enable carton LP receiving, you must use LP labels with Serial Shipment Container Code (SSCC) or Amazon
Container Code (AMZNCC) barcodes. These labels should meet the following requirements:
• All cartons must follow the physical carton preparation requirements in Section 4: Carton Preparation.
• Each carton label with an SSCC number must have a unique code bought from GS1. Amazon accepts SSCCs in
the following symbology: GS1 128, Code128, C39, C93, ITL25. Go to http://www.gs1us.org for more information
on GS1 128 standards and implementation.
• Each SSCC label should have a minimum width of 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) and minimum height of one inch
(25.40 mm) for optimal scanning. SSCC labels should contain the word "SSCC", the SSCC number, and the
scannable SSCC-18 barcode preceded by the two leading 00s as the application identifier. Barcode values must
be coded as numeric values only, with no spaces or additional characters such as parenthesis.
• Once an SSCC number is assigned to a shipping container, you cannot reuse it to identify another shipping
container for a minimum of 12 months from the time you send us your shipment.
• If you use AMZNCC labels, you must provide detailed item-level information through Shipments for every carton.
We then generate a unique AMZNCC linked to this information and provide labels for download to affix to
cartons. AMZNCC uses Code128 symbology.
• Place the label one to two inches from the side and the top edges of carton. Do not place the label over a carton
seam, on the top of the carton, or in a place where it might get obstructed by tape or another label, rendering
it unscannable.
• When loading a pallet of LP receive cartons for shipment, build pallets with the labels facing outwards and clearly
visible whenever possible, so that each barcode may be scanned without breaking down the pallet.
34
7.4 Single-ASIN Pallet LP Label Specifications

The single-ASIN pallet LP program allows us to automatically receive all products in a single-ASIN pallet order. This
process helps reduce shortage claim risk and time between unload and receive processes at Amazon fulfillment centers.
Pallets eligible for this program consist of units that are the same unique ASIN.
We do not support pallet LP labels for pallets with multiple ASINs. Pallets that do not qualify for the single-ASIN pallet
5LP program must still meet our label requirements. See Section 5: Pallet Preparation for more information.
To enable single-ASIN pallet LP receive, you must use LP labels with Serial Shipment Container Code (SSCC) or Amazon
Container Code (AMZNCC) barcodes. These shipments and labels should meet the following requirements:
• All pallets must follow the physical pallet building requirements in Section 5: Pallet Preparation.
• The physical pallet must consist of units that are the same unique ASIN.
• The physical pallet must be a GMA grade B or higher, 40 x 48 inches / 1 x 1.25 meters, four-way access, wood
pallet.
• Double stackable pallets
• Double Stackable Single ASIN LP pallet height should not be taller than 49” (44” of inventory + 5” of pallet
height), with solid, flat tops that can be stacked for best truck utilization. Non-stackable single ASIN pallets
must not exceed 72” height (67” of inventory + 5” of pallet height)
Note: Non-Stackable clampable single ASIN pallets over 72’’ height will be broken down and cannot be pallet
LP received
• The pallet LP label must include a GS1 standard SSCC and it must be identified with the phrase “Pallet SSCC”.
• The pallet LP label should be a minimum of 4 x 6 inches and placed on the outside of the pallet stretch-wrap.
• The pallet LP label must clearly identify the SKU/ASIN/UPC on the pallet with a printed statement mentioning
that this is a single ASIN pallet.
• Each carton (box) in the pallet must also have an individual carton SSCC or AMZNCC label, in accordance with
the LP requirements outlined above.
• Attach the pallet LP label to all four sides of the pallet. Each pallet must be associated to one unique SSCC or
AMZNCC.
35
7.4.1 Carton Specifications for Single-ASIN Pallets with LP Labels

Each carton in a single-ASIN pallet must also have an individual carton content label. Please refer to Section 4: Carton
Preparation for more information.
• A carton is generally considered the outermost container with which an Amazon associate can interact. A carton
may be the sellable each or it may contain many sellable eaches. In both configurations in the image below, the
carton is the master pack, so an EDI-transmitted ASN for the single-ASIN pallet should contain the total number
of master packs (cartons) on the pallet in the TD1 at the tare level.
36
• If your pallet does not contain cardboard cartons or if the sellable each is the first
container that an associate can move off of the pallet, then you must consider the sellable
each as a carton.
• For example, if every box of copier paper on the pallet to the right is a sellable unit and
there are 48 boxes of copier paper on the pallet, then there must be 48 cartons in the TD1
at the tare level on the ASN.
7.4.2 ASN Requirements for Single-ASIN Pallets

You can use single-ASIN SSCC labels regardless of ASN submission method, but can only use single-ASIN AMZNCC labels
if you transmit ASNs via Vendor Central. Amazon uses SSCC and AMZNCC labels exactly the same way when receiving.
If you transmit ASNs via Vendor Central, go to the Advance Shipment Notification for single-SKU pallets page in Vendor
Central for instructions on printing single-ASIN AMZNCC labels or providing single-ASIN SSCCs.
If you transmit ASNs via EDI 856, ensure you meet the following requirements:
• You must trade the 5010 version of the EDI 856 (DESADV) with Amazon and have completed the integration
testing via the Self-service EDI setup portal in Vendor Central.
• You must utilize the SOTPI (Shipment, Order, Tare, Package, Item) hierarchy in the 5010 version of the ASN. The
Pallet SSCC must be at the tare level and any carton level SSCCs must be at the Package level.
• SSCCs should never be repeated within the ASN and may not be used more than once per year.
• While defining a tare loop, you must to define the number of cartons per pallet in the TD1 segment. See Section
1.2.4.1: Carton Requirements for Single-ASIN Pallets with LP Labels, immediately above, for more details.
• The Package loops may contain either a MAN segment with the unique SSCC on each carton or a TD1 segment
with the carton identifier (CTN) if SSCCs are not used at the carton level. It should not contain the pallet SSCC.
• If the items on the pallet are subject to expiration date, then they must all have the same expiration date. The
expiration date must be noted in the ASN at the Item level. Refer to the example ASN transmission below.
• The ASN must be timely – arriving prior to unloading at the Amazon fulfillment center – accurate, and complete.
Example ASN transmission of single-ASIN pallet with carton SSCCs, starting from Order Loop
2 units per carton with 2 cartons on the pallet for a total of 4 units on the pallet:
37
Example ASN (EDI856) Structure Requirements. For more details, refer to section EDI X12 856 ASN (EDI Specifications for
856 ASN 5010 →v2.0→Sample ASN Files→Collect/Prepaid ASN →TL/LTL Sample Files) on the Vendor Central for ASN sample
files.
38
Checklist to Reduce Chargebacks and

Shortages
39
8. Checklist to Reduce Chargebacks and Shortages

Vendor Action Items
Are you shipping only the products and quantities that you acknowledged (confirmed) on your PO?
Have you verified your case pack quantities and catalog information in Vendor Central? Verify these
General details for your full catalog at least once per quarter and whenever adding a new product to your
Instructions assortment.
Do you review your chargebacks in the Operational Performance dashboard in Vendor Central on a weekly
basis?
Does your product require ‘prep’ or have you received any prep chargebacks? You must prepare items
marked with Prep instructions required in your Brand Analytics product catalog in your own warehouse to
Pick and Pack
avoid prep chargebacks.
Instructions
Are your cartons 6-sided and weigh between 1 and 50 lbs.? Do your cartons have minimum dimensions of
6” x 4” x 1”?
Do all of your cartons have one of the four approved carton label types: SSCC, AMZNCC, 2D-BPS, GTIN-14?
Does every label include information in both text and barcode?
Have you removed or covered any scannable barcodes that do not specifically interact with our receiving
process?
Have you applied all required warning labels in prominent places with highly visible colors?
Are your labels placed on the side of your cartons and away from corners and seams?
Are your labels free of wrinkles, rips, or tears?
Are your printers and printer heads regularly serviced to ensure your print quality is crisp and clear? Any
smudges, lines, or poor print quality can impact our ability to scan and utilize the carton label.
If you use SSCC barcodes:
• Are your SSCC barcodes compliant with GS1 Standards?
• Does each carton label have a unique code from GS1 that has not been used on another shipping
container for at least the last 12 months?
• Do each of your labels include the acronym ‘SSCC’, the SSCC number, and a scannable SSCC-18
Carton Labeling barcode preceded by two leading 00s?
Instructions • Do each of your labels include vendor name and location, delivery location, and PO numbers on
each carton?
If you use AMZNCC barcodes:
• Did you submit your ASNs via Vendor Central? You cannot use AMZNCC labels if you submit ASNs
via EDI.
• Have you applied each AMZNCC label to the corresponding carton and completed the ASN within
Vendor Central?
If you use 2D-BPS barcodes:
• Does the data in your barcodes reflect the correct hierarchy of variables? Do the data segments
use proper comma and colon placement and no spaces?
• Are your 2D-BPS barcodes in Data matrix, PDF417, or QR code format?
If you use GTIN-14 barcodes:
• Have you shared all required catalog details with Amazon using the GTIN-14 Gold List template?
After submission, have you received confirmation from Amazon that the products are eligible for
GTIN receiving?
• Are your GTIN barcodes in GS1-128 or ITF-14 format?
Pallet Labeling Are there pallet labels on every pallet you ship? Does each carton on the pallet have a compliant carton
Instructions label?
40
Are your pallet labels placed squarely (not on an angle) on at least two sides adjacent sides of the pallet?
We recommend labeling all four sides.
Are your pallet labels placed on the outside of the plastic wrap?
Do your pallet labels include all of the required fields below?
✓ Purchase order number(s) contained within the pallet. PO number(s) must be barcoded.
✓ SKU# or ASIN (for single-ASIN pallets), or “Mixed SKU” (for mixed-ASIN pallets)
✓ Pallet # __ of __
✓ Ship From and Ship To locations
✓ Bill of Lading (BOL) number
✓ PRO (carrier tracking number)
If you ship single-ASIN pallets:
• Are there pallet SSCC or AMZNCC labels on each of your single-ASIN pallets?
• Does every carton on your single-ASIN pallet have a carton-level label with a unique carton-level
SSCC or AMZNCC barcode? Do not use pallet-level SSCC or AMZNCC codes on carton-level labels.
• If you use SSCC, does each pallet have a unique code from GS1 that has not been used on another
shipping container for at least the last 12 months?
• If you transmit ASNs via EDI, are your ASNs compliant with the specifications for the 5010 version
of EDI 856? Do your pallet SSCC numbers follow tare Hierarchy?
Did you send your ASN within 30 minutes of your goods departing from your facility and at least 6 hours
before the appointment at an Amazon fulfillment center? If you use batch process to send your ASNs, did
your ASNs leave your system before the shipment reached our facility?
Does your ASN include all corresponding label information for each of your cartons? If you use single-ASIN
pallet License Plate (SSCC/AMZNCC) labels, does your ASN include all corresponding label information for
each of your pallets?
Do the values in your Catalog for External Product ID and External Product ID Type match the values on
your ASN and labels? Does your ASN include every product in your shipment?
If you received a notification from Amazon about shipments with inaccurate ASNs, did you take corrective
Advance Shipment actions to avoid chargebacks? Keep your Primary and EDI Contacts updated in Vendor Central to ensure
Notification (ASN) the correct members of your team receive notifications.
Instructions Did you record the carrier PRO number before your shipment departed from your warehouse? If your PRO
number changed, did you update it in your ASN immediately?
If you use License Plate (SSCC/AMZNCC) labels:
• Are all your SSCC or AMZNCC carton labels listed in your ASN?
• If you transmit ASNs in Vendor Central, does your ASN include all SSCC or AMZNCC identification
numbers and their contents for each carton and single-ASIN pallet?
• If submitting via the 5010 version of EDI 856, is carton information included in the MAN*GM
segment of your ASN?
• If you transmit ASNs via EDI, is carton information included in the MAN*GM segment of your ASN?
If you ship products that expire, does your ASN include all relevant lot numbers for the shipment?
41
If you ship products that expire, your ASN must include expiration date or both manufacture date and
shelf life. ASINs with GTIN labels can only have one expiration date per shipment:
• If your ASN includes expiration date and you transmit ASNs via Vendor Central, has the expiration
date been included for the ASINs requiring them?
• If your ASN includes expiration date and you transmit ASNs via EDI, have you provided expiration
date at item level hierarchy and in the correct format (YYYYMMDD)?
• If your ASN includes shelf life, have you verified the Fulfillment Center Shelf Life attribute in your
Catalog for ASINs you are shipping?
If you are shipping a small parcel, does your ASN include a tracking number (PRO) for each and every
carton in the small parcel?
Does your ASN include the Bill of Lading (BOL) number for your shipment? If you are shipping via TL/LTL,
did you provide your BOL to the carrier? BOL numbers are limited to 64 characters.
If you are a Collect (WePay) vendor, does your ASN include your Amazon Reference Number (ARN)?
42
Returns
43
9. Returns
9.1 Refer to the Returns topic in Vendor Central for additional details about product returns.
9.2 Keep Return Addresses and Product Returns Contacts updated in Vendor Central.
• Note: Updating the return address will only impact new removal orders. Cut a Contact Us case or inform
your Amazon point of contact about any address changes so that returns that are already in process can be
updated.
9.3 Product returns are processed per your purchasing terms, which are viewable in Agreements under
Accepted/Rejected > Purchasing terms. Refer to Return type definitions for each return type referenced in
your purchasing terms.
9.4 All non-compliant deliveries that do not meet the requirements of fulfilling a purchase order – such as
overages, damaged product, wrong delivery location – may be rejected or returned to you at Amazon’s
discretion and your expense (e.g., freight and handling charges). These returns are not subject to your
standard purchasing terms, since they are considered to be caused by vendor non-compliance.
9.5 Before refusing any returned items, you must attempt to resolve return issues by filing a Contact Us case
under Payments > Co-Op / Vendor Returns VRET (VRET) / Freight Cost Issues.
9.6 Follow the Dispute a Product Return instructions if you believe your items were incorrectly returned to you. If
your dispute for rejected product is found valid by Amazon, we may ask you to send the rejected product back
to Amazon. If we ask you to send the rejected returns to Amazon but you do not have the address of the
proper Amazon warehouse, request the address within your dispute case. Never send rejected returns to
Amazon’s billing address.
9.7 The Amazon Returns Shipment ID, located on the returns packing slip, must be included with your credit
memo.
• Note: In most cases, a credit memo must not be sent for returns. You only need to submit a credit memo
to Amazon for returns if your account is not set up to deduct from payment. You can check whether your
agreements are set up for deduct from payment in Agreements. In this portal, click Accepted/Rejected,
select “Accrual” under the Funding Type refinement, and click the title of a current agreement. The text of
the agreement will identify how payments are made.
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)

9.8 Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) allows you to query and authorize your own returns in Vendor
Central. We automatically email you for removals requiring your authorization.
9.9 Use the Returns portal to review and authorize removals. You can authorize the entire return or approve
individual items.
9.10 You must action return authorization requests by the auto-process date listed on the return authorization
request, or we will auto-process the return or dispose/liquidate.
9.11 When we need to return units to you across an international border – for example, US to CA or CA to US – we
must have the broker’s name, email, and phone number to process the return.
44
Glossary and FAQ
45
Glossary of Terms
• 2D-BPS (Barcode Packing Slip): The 2D barcode shipping label indicating the contents of the carton.
• AMZNCC (Amazon Container Code): A 14-digit number prefixed with ‘AMZNCC’ text that gets generated within
Vendor Central; used for License Plate (LP) Receive process.
• ARN (Amazon Reference Number): The ARN is a reference number that Amazon generates when a shipment has
been routed and a Carrier has been assigned to make a pick-up. This number is only generated for Collect (We Pay)
shipments.
• ASIN (Amazon Standard Item Number): A unique identifier for all products in the retail catalog.
• ASN (Advance Shipment Notification): An electronic notification of pending deliveries; a virtual packing list that
needs to be sent before the arrival of physical shipment at fulfillment centers for proper labor resource planning.
• BOL (Bill of Lading): A document issued by an entity providing transportation services that serves three purposes:
1) serves as receipt for the goods delivered to the carrier for shipment, 2) defines the contract of carriage of the
goods from the point of origin to the point of destination according to the responsibilities of the service provider
listed on the bill of lading, 3) under certain conditions, provides evidence of title for the goods.
• BOL (Bill of Lading) Number: A unique number assigned by the shipper when creating the Bill of Lading. All Vendor
Central and EDI ASNs have a 64-character BOL restriction.
• Carrier Central: Web based portal that carriers utilize to request a delivery appointment at Amazon’s fulfillment
center.
• Collect (WePay): The consignee (Amazon) pays the freight charges.
• Consolidation: Occurs when multiple shipments are combined into one truck.
• Direct Imports: An ordering method in which Amazon takes ownership of freight at origin, manages shipping to
destination, and manages customs clearance and distribution to destination FCs.
• EAN (European Article Number): A 13-digit product identifier representing products as a barcode used
internationally.
• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange): A method of transmitting data in formatted messages electronically between
Amazon, vendors, carriers, and drop shippers using the EDI standards X12 (for US and JP) or EDIFACT (for EU).
• Expiration Date: The date on which a product loses effectiveness or its shelf life ends. A product is considered
expirable if it (1) has a printed expiration date, (2) is a topical or consumable product for either human or animal
use, or (3) has recommended shelf life.
• FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon): A service purchased by third party sellers worldwide to have Amazon store and then
pack, ship, and provide customer service for their products.
• FC (Fulfillment Center): Amazon facilities, designed to hold goods for extended periods of time and ship product
directly to our customers.
• GTIN-14 (Global Trade Item Number): A 14-digit number using either GS1-128 or ITF-14 symbology to indicate the
contents of the carton. Before using GTIN-14 labels, you must first download and submit the GTIN-14 Gold List
template for all products you ship, then receive confirmation from Amazon that we have validated your submission.
• Hazmat (Hazardous Materials): Products which are classified as dangerous goods under the European Agreement
concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) because they contain flammable,
pressurized, corrosive, environmentally hazardous or otherwise harmful substances.
• ISBN (International Standard Book Number): Global industry-standard identifier, used principally for books and
used some DVDs, CDs, etc.
• ISTA (International Safe Transit Association): Leading industry developer of testing protocols and design standards
that define how packages should perform in the global distribution environment. See the ISTA website for more.
• IXD (Inbound Cross dock): An Amazon warehouse that accepts freight from vendors/sellers and ships product to
various fulfillment centers. IXDs do not ship customer orders.
46
• Lot Number: An identification number assigned to a certain quantity or group (lot/batch) of product units from a
single manufacturer. Lot numbers allow Amazon to track product units, and may help us identify affected inventory
during recalls, quality control, or quarantine actions.
• LP (License Plate) Receive: Receive process where items are received by scanning a barcode (SSCC/AMZNCC) on
the outside of the package, thus eliminating the need to scan each item.
• LTL (Less than Truckload): Typically, a shipment that fills <50% of a 53-foot trailer. Freight is consolidated by the
carrier before moving to its destination.
• ORM-D: Marking for consumer commodities in the United States that identifies other regulated materials for
domestic transport only. Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous material in a limited quantity that presents
a limited hazard during transportation, due to its form, quantity, and packaging.
• Packing List: A vendor prepared document that lists all items and quantities of those items in a particular shipment.
• Pallet: Movable platform used to stack cases or boxes to facilitate handling.
• PO (Purchase Order): The actual contract that Amazon has with the vendors representing our product orders from
those vendors.
• Prepaid (TheyPay): The consignor (Vendor) pays the freight charges.
• PRO Number: A unique number assigned by a motor freight carrier to identify a specific shipment.
• Retail Representative: Person from Amazon side who purchases goods/manages inventory and/or manages the
Amazon/Vendor relationship.
• RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization): A process that enables the vendor to query and authorize their own
returns in the Vendor Central or Advantage website.
• Routing Request: A vendor-facing, web-based application (routing can be done in Vendor Central and EDI 753 / 754
for EDI live) that facilitates the movement of inventory from a vendor’s distribution center to an Amazon fulfillment
center. Required for all Collect shipments regardless of weight.
• SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code): A unique, four-letter alpha code used to identify a carrier.
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A merchant-specific identifier for a purchasable good.
• SIOC (Ship In Own Container): Inbound sellable unit packaging is shipped out to the customer without additional
boxing.
• SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code): An 18-digit number with 2 zero prefix used to identify logistics units; used
for License Plate (LP) Receive.
• UPC (Universal Product Code): A standard type of barcode widely used in North America for tracking trade items.
• Vendor: The company from whom Amazon purchases goods.
FAQ
1. How do I obtain access to Vendor Central or Advantage Central website? Contact your company’s Vendor Central
or Advantage Central website account administrator.
• Vendor Central is available at http://vendorcentral.amazon.com/ and Advantage Central is available at
https://advantage.amazon.com for US vendors.
• Vendor Central is available at http://vendorcentral.amazon.ca for Canadian vendors.
2. How do I add additional users to Vendor Central or Advantage Central website? Contact your company’s Vendor
Central or Advantage Central website account administrator. An existing account administrator must send an
invitation to the new user for login creation.
3. Where can I download the latest copy of this manual? Go to the Vendor Manual support page in Vendor Central.
47

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North American Vendor

Shipment Preparation: Packaging and Labeling

Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN)

7. License Plate (LP) Receive Process.................................................................................................................... 32

8. Checklist to Reduce Chargebacks and Shortages………………………………………………………………………………………………….39

Glossary and FAQ .................................................................................................................................................. 45

Summary of Latest Changes

1. Supply Chain Overview

Process Stage Resources

2. Purchase Order Requirements

2.2 Collect (WePay) PO Requirements

2.3 Prepaid (TheyPay) PO Requirements

2.4 Small Parcel Requirements

3.2 Item Labeling Requirements

General Item Labeling Requirements

Inner Pack and Master Pack Item Labeling Requirements

Expiration Date & Lot Number Item Labeling Requirements

Specification Minimum Maximum

* For Jewelry/Watches, maximum weight is 40 lbs.

Fulfillment Center Type Length Width Height Length + Girth* Weight

Carrier Choice Length Width Height Length + Girth Weight

* Girth = (2 x width) + (2 x height). Length is the longest side of the carton.

4.2 Carton Labeling Requirements

General Carton Labeling

Expiration Date & Lot Number Carton Labeling Requirements

Carton and Item Labeling Printing Requirements

2D-BPS (Barcode Packing Slip) Labels

GTIN-14 (Global Trade Item Number) Labels

Acceptable GTIN-14 Symbology Barcode Number Requirement

4.3 Warning Labels on Cartons

Warning Label When to Apply

Affix this warning label to every carton that either:

Acceptable Pallet Types

Pallet Building Guidelines

5.2 Pallet Labeling Requirements

Mixed ASIN Pallets

Advance Shipment Notification

6. Advance Shipment Notification (ASN)

6.2 ASN Information Required for Shipment

6.2.10 ASNs must accurately reflect the following parameters:

Data Element Requirements Description & Notes

Unique ASN ID. This field will be a Unique ID (uniqueness is

The PRO number is a unique number assigned by the carrier. It is

numbers, your ASN must also include “Number of Cartons”. SSCC

License Plate (LP) Receive Process

7. License Plate (LP-SSCC/AMZNCC) Receive Process

7.1 Benefits of LP Receive

7.2 Advance Shipment Notification Specifications for LP Receiving

For successful LP receiving, your ASN must include:

7.3 Carton LP Label Specifications

7.4 Single-ASIN Pallet LP Label Specifications

7.4.1 Carton Specifications for Single-ASIN Pallets with LP Labels

7.4.2 ASN Requirements for Single-ASIN Pallets

Checklist to Reduce Chargebacks and

8. Checklist to Reduce Chargebacks and Shortages

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)

Glossary and FAQ

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