Selling Hazmat Products on Amazon: A Complete Guide 2024

Hazmat refers to a category of products containing hazardous substances and materials that can pose a threat to health, safety, or the environment if mishandled. It includes a wide range of items, from household chemicals to batteries, paints, aerosols, and other substances.

The sale of such products on Amazon is regulated by strict requirements from both the platform itself and governmental organizations. Amazon has stringent rules regarding the labeling, packaging, storage, and shipping of hazmat products. These measures are aimed at ensuring safety for its employees, customers, and the environment. If you want to sell hazardous products through FBA, you must undergo an Amazon review and obtain the necessary Amazon FBA hazmat approval.

Amazon has a specific hazmat products list. It is divided into two groups: hazmat products that are allowed to be stored in FC Amazon, and products that are prohibited from being sold through FBA.

Permitted categories of hazardous substances:

• Flammable liquids and solids (lighter fluid, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, matches, fish oil)
• Flammable gases (lighters, pepper spray)
• Non-flammable and non-toxic gases
• Oxidizers/organic peroxides (bleach, hydrogen peroxide)
• Toxic substances (rodenticides)
• Corrosive substances (drain cleaners, paint, mercury thermometers, and barometers)
• Other hazardous materials (magnets, lithium batteries, or dry ice)

You can sell these through FBA with the appropriate approval.

Prohibited categories of hazardous substances:

• Explosives (fireworks, inflatable airbag devices)
• Toxic gases (chlorine, cyanide)
• Substances hazardous when wet (metallic sodium)
• Substances liable to spontaneous combustion (some types of oil-soaked rags)
• Radioactive materials (radioactive medicines, X-ray machines)
• Infectious substances (medical waste)

Attempting to sell these products through FBA can lead to serious consequences, including account suspension and legal sanctions.

You can find out which category your product belongs to by searching its ASIN in Seller Central.

The absence of the ‘hazmat’ marking on the label does not guarantee that the product is not classified as hazardous materials.

Amazon checks every ASIN that enters the Fulfillment by Amazon system. If you provide accurate and complete information about the product, the review will take about two business days. However, any changes to the data may require a recheck. It is important to ensure that your product is not subject to any restrictions, as sometimes the product category may change.

The starting point for determining whether your product falls under the hazmat products is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the supplier. This document, compiled by the manufacturer, contains information about the product’s hazard level, as well as all necessary instructions and rules for handling it.

To check whether your product falls into the Hazmat category on Amazon before sending it to FBA, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Seller Central account.
2. Navigate to the Amazon FBA Dangerous Goods Program page.
3. Select the option “Manage Dangerous Goods Classification”.
4. Choose the option “Look Up an ASIN” and click “Next”.
5. Enter the ASIN of your product and click “Check Status”.

This will allow you to quickly and efficiently determine any restrictions or warnings related to selling your product on Amazon.

If you are new to selling Hazmat products on the platform, you should understand the nuances you will encounter:

• Dangerous goods are stored in a separate Amazon warehouse. This can lead to increased costs for storage and delivery compared to regular items.
• Amazon requires sellers to provide appropriate documentation confirming the safety of such products for their sale.
• The company imposes strict requirements on the packaging, labeling, and transportation of dangerous goods.
• Amazon reserves the right to conduct its own analysis of products at any time to ensure their safety and compliance with standards.
• In case of providing incomplete or contradictory information, the company may refuse to sell dangerous goods on the platform.

If you still decide to sell dangerous goods through FBA, you will need:

• Choose a product for sale: It’s important to ensure that your product falls into the Hazmat category allowed for sale on the platform.
• Request permission to sell it: Provide Amazon with documentation confirming your product’s compliance with safety standards. If the information is provided in full, the company will approve your product for sale within two business days.
• Prepare the product according to Amazon’s requirements: The company adheres to strict rules regarding the packaging and labeling of dangerous goods. It is essential to strictly adhere to them to avoid refusal during warehouse acceptance or potential penalty sanctions.
• Ship the product to the FBA warehouse: Before shipping, ensure that your cargo is packed in appropriate packaging and has warning labels. The transportation of Hazmat goods requires strict compliance with requirements and limitations. It is crucial to choose a reliable carrier experienced in handling dangerous goods and capable of ensuring their safe and timely delivery to the Amazon warehouse.

For selling hazmat products through FBA, Amazon offers the Dangerous Goods Program. What is this program and how can one become a participant? Read on to find out.

The Dangerous Goods Program is an initiative implemented by Amazon to ensure safety and compliance when selling hazmat products on the platform through FBA.

As part of the program, sellers must demonstrate that they have the proper procedures, training, and resources to safely prepare and transport hazardous goods in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

One of the key aspects of Amazon Dangerous Goods Program is the strict requirements for packaging and shipping goods to the FBA warehouse. These requirements are designed to ensure safety during transportation and minimize risks to people and the environment.

Here are the main requirements of the Dangerous Goods Program:

• Proper packaging: Products must be packaged and shipped to Amazon in accordance with applicable dangerous goods regulations (DOT requirements and ICAO regulations). This includes using certified containers, proper labeling, and the application of warning signs.
• Quantity and weight limits: There are restrictions on the maximum quantity and weight of dangerous goods that can be shipped in a single package. These limits are specified in Section 49 of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
• Segregation of incompatible goods: Some hazmat products are incompatible with each other and must be packaged and shipped separately to avoid chemical reactions or other dangerous situations.
• Use of Amazon-approved carriers: For shipping Hazmat goods, you must use carriers that are certified and approved by Amazon.
• Delivery to the Amazon-designated fulfillment center: Shipping to the specified fulfillment center helps ensure that the entire process meets Amazon’s safety standards and requirements.
• Documentation and labeling: Each Hazmat shipment must be accompanied by proper documentation, such as a dangerous goods declaration, and labeling that indicates the contents and handling instructions.
• Staff training: All personnel involved in the packaging and shipping process of dangerous goods must undergo appropriate training and hold valid certifications.

Strict compliance with these requirements is a mandatory condition for participating in the Amazon Dangerous Goods Program and successfully selling them through FBA.

Due to heightened safety requirements and limited resources, the program has a waiting list. To get on this list, you need to:

Step 1. Log in to your Seller Central account using your credentials.

Step 2. Go to the “Manage Dangerous Goods Classification” section.

Step 3. Within the section, select the FBA “Dangerous Goods” option and click “Next.”

Step 4. Click on “Apply to FBA Dangerous Goods Program.”

These actions will initiate the application process for participation in the program. If your product is in an Amazon fulfillment center and has been reclassified as Hazmat, you will automatically be added to the waiting list.

If Amazon has categorized your product as prohibited for sale, it doesn’t mean you can’t sell it on the platform. All items not eligible for FBA fulfillment can be sold through FBM. Of course, you can attempt to request another review, but this process can take a lot of time. During the review period, you won’t be able to sell the items through FBA, resulting in profit loss. If you’ve already sent the product to an Amazon warehouse and it’s identified as potentially hazardous, it’s more advantageous to remove it from FBA inventory and sell it through FBM.

Using your own warehouse for storing and preparing hazardous goods is challenging and costly. Complying with all safety regulations requires time and expensive resources. Another complex aspect of selling hazmat products is logistics. Not all logistics companies offer delivery services for hazardous goods. You will need to find a reliable carrier with appropriate licenses and conditions. Also, keep in mind that transportation of such goods will be more expensive.

In this case, a prep center would be an excellent solution. Prep centers have all the necessary resources and knowledge for handling and delivering hazardous goods. For example, Fulfillment-Box offers a comprehensive solution. We can prepare and ship hazardous goods to an FBA warehouse while complying with all Amazon requirements, or we can store and fulfill orders through FBM.

Here’s why working with a prep center like Fulfillment-Box can be a beneficial solution:

• Compliance with requirements at no extra cost: Prep centers already have all the necessary infrastructure, trained staff, and certifications for handling hazmat products. You don’t need to invest in creating your own procedures and training employees. They ensure that your products are packaged and labeled according to Amazon rules and relevant state regulations.
• Time and resource savings: Managing Hazmat items on Amazon requires significant time and financial investment. Prep centers will take care of all these tasks, including compliance checks, packaging, labeling, and shipping. You can focus on business development rather than operational details.
• Logistics optimization: As we’ve mentioned, logistics for Hazmat items is a complex and costly task. Prep centers, with their experience and established connections with carriers, will ensure more efficient and cost-effective delivery. This includes adhering to all necessary safety measures and using optimal routes and transportation methods.
• Risk reduction: Working with an experienced prep center will reduce the risks of rule violations and associated penalties or sales suspensions.
• Flexible approach and personalized service: Prep centers offer flexible solutions that can be tailored to the needs of your business. This is particularly important for growing companies that require rapid scaling of operations without significant investments in infrastructure and personnel.

Regardless of the chosen approach, successfully selling hazmat products on Amazon requires thorough examination of all rules and requirements, and strict adherence to them. This not only helps maintain a high level of trust among buyers on the platform but also ensures the creation of a safe trading environment for all market participants.

1. What is the difference between Hazmat and dangerous goods?

Hazmat and dangerous goods are used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between them. Hazmat is a broad term encompassing materials that may pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during transportation. Dangerous goods refer to substances that may be classified as Hazmat due to their properties or composition.

2. What is a safety data sheet (SDS) and how to obtain it?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document containing information on the safe use, storage, and handling of hazmat products. It can be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of the product.

3. Which carriers offer delivery of hazmat products?

Delivery of hazardous goods is offered by carriers such as FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL.

4. How to properly mark Hazmat shipments?

For Hazmat shipments, it’s necessary to label the correct product name for transport on the label, along with the identification number, hazard class, and packaging group. The accompanying documentation should include the same details, as well as information on emergency response.

5. What to do if you have sent hazmat products to an Amazon warehouse without the appropriate permission?

If your product arrives at an Amazon warehouse without the appropriate permission, the company will provide you with 14 days to submit the required documents. If the documents are not provided within this period, your product will be disposed of. Alternatively, you can remove the product from FBA inventory and sell it through FBM from your own warehouse or through a prep center.

6. What to do if Amazon has rejected the documentation for Hazmat?

If Amazon has rejected the Hazmat documentation, it is necessary to review and correct any errors or deficiencies in the documents and resubmit them for reconsideration.

7. How to sell dangerous goods on Amazon outside of the Dangerous Goods Program?

You can sell items through the FBM program from your own warehouse or utilize the services of a 3PL provider.