Packaging sharp units

On this page, you will learn how to properly prep products that have exposed sharp edges so that they are protected throughout the fulfillment process.

Sharp items include any product that has a sharp or pointed edge that, when exposed, presents a safety hazard to associates, carriers or customers receiving or unpacking the product. Sharp items must be packaged so that the sharp or pointed edge will not become exposed during the normal course of order fulfillment (i.e. receipt, stocking, shipment preparation and transit to the customer). Any sharp items that pose a safety risk may be rejected at the dock and returned at the expense of the seller.

Watch this brief video for examples of how to prep your products for shipment to and storage in Amazon fulfillment centers (Japanese).

Packaging guidelines

Do...

Do Not...

Ensure that packaging completely covers the sharp object. Use blister packs when possible. The blister pack must cover the sharp edge and be securely fastened to the Unit so that the Unit does not slide around within the blister pack. Secure the sharp Unit to a footprint with a plastic fastener or similar restraint and wrap the Unit in plastic if possible. Ensure that the Unit cannot cut through the packaging.

Pack sharp products in unsafe molded footprints with plastic covering. Pack sharp products with cardboard or plastic sheaths alone unless the sheath is of a rigid, durable plastic and secured to the product.

Shake test and drop test

All Units must meet the following criteria when an impact test (shaken vigorously 30 times) is conducted:

• the content of the package does not become exposed
• the sharp edge of the content does not damage the package
• the object stays secured and enclosed in the package

All Units must meet the following criteria when a drop test is conducted (at 80 cm):

• the content of the package does not become exposed
• the sharp edge of the content does not damage the package
• the object stays secured and enclosed in the package

Additional notes

• Tuck-in flap top type are recommended for outer packaging boxes
• If telescope-type boxes are used, wind the box around with paper or plastic tape or use a sleeve* to keep the base and the lid together. Cover with shrink film or place in a plastic bag for added protection.
  Note: *Sleeves are used as a means of protecting the box within and prevents the box from being opened during the transport.
• Use removable tapes on presentation boxes so the box is reusable in case the buyer decides to return the item.
• Cover the knife-tip with multiple layers of paper or other covering materials.
• Use plastic blister packs to prevent the blade or sharp point from perforating the package on impact.

Permitted packaging materials:

• Boxes
• Dunnage
• Labels

Examples of prepped Units

Not permitted: The sharp edge is exposed.	Permitted: The sharp edge is covered.
Not permitted: The sharp edge is exposed.	Permitted: The sharp edge is covered.

To provide the safest packaging, pack sharp items in a blister pack. The blister pack must cover the sharp edge and be securely fastened to the item so that the item does not slide around within the blister pack.

An example of good packaging where the items are in fully enclosed stiff plastic packaging and are fastened securely to the footprint.

Sharp items secured to a footprint and wrapped in plastic may also be allowed provided that the item is secured to the footprint (i.e., it does not slide around), the plastic is rigid enough to withstand handling and exterior contact does not cause the sharp item to perforate the plastic.

An example of good packaging. The item is housed and secured in a cut-out material so it can be safe and snug inside.	An example of good packaging. The item is secured onto the mount and the point is covered with thick plastic material.

An example of bad packaging where exposed sharp items are in an open-faced box presenting a safety hazard.	An example of good packaging where the items are fastened within a sealed container, without an open face or exposed product.

Sharp items contained in molded footprints with plastic coverings are not typically safe and are not recommended.

Cardboard or plastic sheaths alone on the sharp blade are not sufficient, unless the sheath is made of a rigid, durable plastic and is secured to the product so that it cannot slide off.

An example of bad packaging where the sharp edge is exposed, creating a safety hazard.

If arrived sharp edge item:

Sharp items must be packaged so that the sharp or pointed edge will not become exposed during the normal course of order fulfilment (i.e. receipt, stocking, shipment preparation and transit to the customer). Failure to comply with FBA product preparation safety requirementsmay result in the refusal of inventory at the Amazon fulfillment center, disposal or return of inventory, blocking of future shipments to the fulfillment center.

Examples of sharp edge items