Selling on Amazon – especially consumables or FDA‑related products – requires strict compliance with packaging, labeling, and product testing policies. Failing to adhere risks suspensions, costly redesigns, or enforced inventory destruction. This comprehensive guide offers actionable steps and SEO-rich headlines to help new sellers succeed.
1. Amazon Packaging & Labeling Requirements for FDA‑Regulated or Consumable Items
Amazon enforces strict compliance if you’re selling consumables, supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, or food items:
FDA compliance: Do not use the FDA logo or claims like “FDA Approved” unless the product is officially registered with FDA and your use is permitted—misuse can lead to seizure
Label must include:
Product identity (“Dietary Supplement”, “Facial Cleanser”)
Net quantity (e.g. “120 capsules” or “500 g”)
Manufacturer name & address or distributor info
Ingredients list (ISO 22715 style, descending order by weight)
Lot/batch number and manufacture date (helps recalls/tracing)
Expiration or best-before date (common for food/medicines)
Storage instructions (e.g. “Keep refrigerated after opening”)
Warning statements (e.g. “Consult your doctor if pregnant”)
Supplement facts panel, if applicable (for dietary supplements)
Why it matters: Amazon’s “Product Compliance Requests” tool in Seller Central flags missing or non-compliant labels .
2. Pre‑Launch Testing Plan: Avoid Costly Mistakes with Packaging or Inventory
Before investing in expensive packaging or large FBA shipments:
Sample production: Create a small batch (10–50 units) with final packaging.
Internal QA review: Inspect label clarity, legibility, ingredient accuracy, date codes.
User testing: Send samples to beta testers/customers for feedback on usability, packaging damage, allergen clarity.
Amazon trial shipment: Send a small inventory to FBA (e.g., 10–20 units). Monitor for removals, listing flags, slow sales, or customer complaints.
Collect & act on feedback: Adjust packaging elements (font size, warnings, labeling) before mass production.
Redesign stage: Only after trial feedback should you scale to large quantities or premium packaging designs.
- Why: Many sellers get FBA removals due to non-compliant packaging and wasted design costs. Reddit sellers report Amazon taking weeks to review compliance documents  Testing early helps avoid this.
3. Plan of Action (POA) to Appeal Compliance Issues
If Amazon suspends your listing or requests compliance docs:
Diagnose the issue:
Use Account Health → Product Compliance Requests or Policy Compliance to review flags
Gather documentation:
Manufacturer/supplier invoices, lab tests, certificates of analysis, FDA documentation, label mockups.
Draft a strong POA:
Intro: Accept the issue (“We acknowledge the compliance request…”) 
Root Cause: E.g., “Our label was missing batch number and storage instructions.”
Corrective steps: “Label redesigned with all required info; test batch shipped to FBA; trained team for QA checks.”
Preventive measures: “Monthly audits, updated packaging SOPs, ongoing supplier compliance verification.”
Use bullet points and concise sentences .
Submit via Seller Central:
Navigate to Account Health → Product Compliance Requests → Add/Appeal Compliance 
Upload POA and relevant docs.
Follow up promptly:
Wait 3–5 business days. Don’t open multiple cases to avoid delays 
If denied, escalate through Performance team or include more documentation.
Remember: Many sellers get stuck in loops resubmitting the same docs; persistence and direct appeals through Account Health are crucial
4. Alternative Options If Appeal Fails
If you’re blocked:
Change Category: Move to a category with less strict compliance—only if equally applicable and ethical.
Adjust product listing: Remove claims like “FDA approved” or remove problematic keywords (e.g. cosmetic vs medical device language).
Use new ASIN: Relaunch similar product with corrected packaging and new ASIN.
Report other sellers: If competitors with similar products are still selling, you can file a complaint or brand registry claim to highlight inconsistency
âś… Summary for Sellers
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Design Phase | Ensure packaging includes product ID, ingredients, weight, batch/date, address, warnings |
| Testing Phase | Produce small run, QA check, FBA trial, collect feedback |
| Compliance Issue | Diagnose via Account Health; gather documents; write clear bullet‑point POA; submit; escalate if needed |
| Plan B | Change category/ASIN, update listing content, or report inconsistencies if competitors still sell |