Amazon FBA Sellers Face Rising Shipment Rejection Risks

This article provides an in-depth analysis of common reasons for Amazon FBA shipment rejection, such as unpaid duties, non-compliance with delivery standards, and canceled shipments. It offers detailed solutions, including using DDP Incoterms, selecting cooperative carriers, and timely communication, to help you avoid pitfalls and ensure smooth warehouse entry, reducing operational risks. By understanding these issues and implementing the proposed solutions, sellers can significantly improve their FBA performance and minimize the chances of rejection, leading to a more efficient and profitable operation.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having your carefully prepared Amazon FBA shipment rejected? The feeling is akin to watching a cooked duck fly away—not only does it delay sales but also creates unnecessary complications. This article examines the common reasons for Amazon shipment rejections and provides detailed solutions to help sellers navigate these challenges successfully.

Why Does Amazon Reject Shipments?

Amazon rarely rejects shipments from partnered carriers without cause. However, when rejections occur, they typically stem from one of the following issues:

Unpaid Duties or Fees: For international shipments, especially those sent via air carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL, unpaid tariffs or brokerage fees at delivery will result in immediate rejection.
Noncompliance with Amazon's Standards: Amazon enforces strict requirements for packaging, labeling, and palletization. Any deviation may lead to rejection.
Cancellation or Deletion: Shipments canceled or deleted in transit will not be accepted.

Preventing Duty-Related Rejections

Understand Thresholds: In the U.S., shipments valued under $800 typically avoid duties, but other countries may impose thresholds as low as $100.
Use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): For shipments exceeding thresholds, opt for DDP terms to ensure duties are prepaid by the shipper.

Managing Non-Partnered Carrier Issues

Amazon applies stricter scrutiny to non-partnered carriers. Even minor violations can trigger rejections, often incurring significant costs for remediation.

Partnered vs. Non-Partnered Differences: For example, pallets with slight overhang might be accepted with a warning when shipped through partnered carriers but rejected outright if sent via non-partnered carriers, requiring expensive repalletization.

Common Rejection Reasons: Non-partnered carrier rejections frequently involve violations of Amazon's preparation guidelines, including:

Overhanging or oversized pallets
Non-standard pallets
Insufficient palletization
Inadequate spacing in floor-loaded containers
Mixed-SKU pallets

Responding to Rejections

If your shipment is rejected:

Obtain Detailed Reasons: Request a written explanation from the carrier.
Contact Amazon's Freight Refusal Team: Email toc-ib-na-freight-refusals@amazon.com with your FBA shipment ID.
Reach Out to the FC Inbound Team: Contact the specific fulfillment center (e.g., ONT8-inbound@amazon.com).
Take Corrective Action: Address the issues and reschedule delivery.

Handling Canceled Shipments

With Amazon increasingly canceling shipments after 90 days, consider these strategies:

Expedite shipments within the 90-day window
Schedule carrier appointments promptly
Use Amazon Global Logistics for guaranteed acceptance
Request shipment reopening via email if canceled

Preventive Measures

To minimize rejection risks:

Thoroughly review Amazon's preparation guidelines
Select reputable carriers familiar with Amazon's requirements
Maintain clear communication with carriers
Consider shipment insurance

Conclusion

Shipment rejections remain a significant challenge for Amazon sellers, particularly with inconsistent enforcement between partnered and non-partnered carriers. By understanding Amazon's requirements and implementing proactive measures, sellers can substantially reduce rejection risks and maintain smooth operations.