Amazon sellers ask all the time about poly bags: when to use them, why they matter, and how to get it right without getting dinged by compliance. The truth is, poly bags are one of those small details that can cause big problems if you overlook them.
This guide breaks down the “when, why, and how” behind using poly bags for FBA. I’ll keep it practical, lean on Amazon’s own standards, and draw from real experience helping brands stay retail-ready.
Why Poly Bags Matter for FBA
Amazon requires poly bags in certain situations to protect inventory during fulfillment. They’re designed to prevent dust, dirt, moisture, and damage. If your prep doesn’t meet the requirements, Amazon can refuse inventory, repackage it (and charge you), or mark it noncompliant. That means delays, fees, and unnecessary friction.
Beyond compliance, poly bags offer protection and professionalism. A bagged plush toy stays clean. A bundled set doesn’t get separated. An apparel item doesn’t show up with scuffed edges or warehouse dust. Details like that keep customers happy and reviews positive.
Amazon’s Core Poly Bag Requirements
Before you start bagging everything in sight, understand Amazon’s rules. Here are the essentials:
Suffocation Warning
Bags with a 5″ opening or larger need a clear suffocation warning—printed or labeled. Font size is based on the bag’s combined length and width. For example, bags 60″+ need 24 pt font.
Bag Specs
Minimum thickness: 1.5 mil Bags must be fully sealed and transparent (unless you’re selling adult items—more on that later) Barcodes must be scannable through the bag or labeled on the outside. The bag shouldn’t hang more than 3″ past the product
Special Cases
Adult products require black or opaque poly bags. Highly scented items should be bagged to avoid scent transfer.
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When to Use Poly Bags (and Why It Matters)
Here’s where most sellers get tripped up. Poly bags are required in some situations, strongly recommended in others, and overkill in a few. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Insecure or Open Packaging
If a product has openings, flaps, or perforations, it’s likely going to fail Amazon’s drop test. If the contents spill or shift, you’re looking at noncompliance. Bag it.
2. Apparel and Plush Toys
Textiles and soft goods collect dust fast. Bag them. Amazon requires shoes, clothes, and stuffed toys to be sealed, with no fabric exposed. It’s about cleanliness and presentation.
3. Multi-Unit Sets or Bundles
Selling a kit? Keep it together. Bag it and label it clearly: “Sold as Set. Do Not Separate.”
4. Leakable Products
Liquids and gels must be double-sealed. That usually means taping the cap and placing the product in a poly bag. Bonus points if you compress the bag to avoid pressure bursts in transit.
5. Strong Scents
If it smells strong, seal it. Items like candles or dog treats can affect other products in storage. Bagging keeps your inventory from cross-contaminating other sellers.
6. Adult Products
These require opaque packaging—think solid black poly bags. Barcodes still need to be accessible, and the same suffocation label rule applies.
Pro Tip
Use bags labeled “Amazon compliant.” Double-check barcode visibility. Don’t overbag unnecessarily. If your retail packaging is airtight and secure, you may not need a bag. Keep a variety of bag sizes on hand. Oversized bags waste material and trigger rework. Run your own drop test. If your bagged unit survives a 3ft drop, you’re probably in the clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to poly bag every item I send to Amazon FBA?
No. Only use poly bags when required by Amazon policy or when it adds necessary protection. Focus on items that are loose, leakable, scented, made of fabric, or sold as sets.
What happens if I skip the suffocation warning?
Amazon may re-bag the product at your expense or reject the inventory entirely. Any poly bag with an opening of 5 inches or more must have a suffocation warning clearly displayed.
Can I use zip-top or resealable bags?
Yes, as long as they meet Amazon’s requirements: minimum 1.5 mil thickness, transparent, sealed completely, and labeled appropriately. Resealable is fine—unsealed is not.
Are poly bags reusable?
Not in Amazon’s eyes. Once an item has entered the fulfillment network, it should not be opened and reused. Always use fresh, clean poly bags when prepping shipments.
What size poly bags should I keep in stock?
Keep a mix. Common sizes include 9×12, 11×14, 14×20, and 19×24 inches. Match the bag to the product without leaving more than 3 inches of excess plastic.
What if the barcode isn’t scannable through the bag?
Place the FNSKU or ASIN label on the outside of the poly bag. That way, Amazon’s systems won’t miss it or get confused by multiple visible barcodes.
Can I skip poly bagging if my item is in a box?
Sometimes. If the box is secure, sealed, and passes a drop test, you may not need a poly bag. But if there are openings, flaps, or risk of leakage, it still needs one.
Are there exceptions for certain categories?
Yes. Adult products require opaque bags. Expiration-dated items need external labeling. Plush toys, textiles, and liquids typically require special prep, including poly bags.
Final Thoughts
If you’re prepping FBA shipments and unsure whether to poly bag something, default to caution. A few extra seconds of prep can save hours of rework or fees later.
At BellaVix, we build operational processes that anticipate these challenges—so our clients stay compliant, efficient, and customer-focused. Poly bags might seem basic, but they’re a key part of doing Amazon right.
Stay sharp. Stay compliant. Keep your FBA shipments retail-ready.
Struggling with FBA Prep Headaches?
You’re not alone. Every week, we see sellers lose money—not from bad products—but from small prep mistakes that snowball into major problems. Poly bag issues? Noncompliance fees? Rebagging costs? It adds up fast.
At BellaVix, we don’t just help brands sell—we help them scale smart. That means getting the boring stuff right: packaging, labeling, check-in prep. Because when your operations run smoothly, everything else—ads, reviews, conversion—performs better too.
If you’re serious about cutting out the chaos and streamlining your FBA operations, let’s talk. Our team has helped brands move millions in inventory while avoiding the pitfalls that trip up most sellers.
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Fill out the form below. We’ll take a look at your current process and show you how to get retail-ready the right way—from packaging to performance.
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