Short answer: For Amazon Easy Ship / self-ship orders, pack every order in new outer packaging (a sturdy box, padded envelope or courier bag of at least 50 microns), keep it under 18 kg and 70 × 70 × 45 cm, and stick a clear 4 × 6 inch shipping label flat on the top. For Flipkart, use packaging that matches Flipkart’s current Seller Hub rules (check Seller Hub before you buy in bulk). Both platforms reject or penalise flimsy, reused and badly labelled parcels.
This guide puts the rules that matter for small sellers in one place, with the exact packaging you need for each kind of product. Updated November 2026.
Amazon packaging rules at a glance (Easy Ship and Amazon Shipping)
Amazon Shipping India publishes these packing and labelling rules for sellers (source: Amazon Shipping):
| Rule | What Amazon asks for | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Outer packaging | Mandatory, even if the product already has a manufacturer’s box | Courier bags for soft items, corrugated boxes or mailer boxes for everything else |
| Packaging type | Sturdy six-sided boxes, padded envelopes or poly bags; new material only | Never reuse old boxes: old barcodes confuse sorting |
| Minimum size | At least 20 × 16 cm | 6 × 8 inch bags are about 15 × 20 cm, just under this; for Amazon Shipping orders use 8 × 11 inch or bigger |
| Maximum weight and size | Under 18 kg and within 70 × 70 × 45 cm | 5 ply boxes for heavy items |
| Poly bags | Recyclable, thicker than 50 microns, with manufacturer details | Our tamper-proof bags are 55 microns |
| Label | Minimum 4 × 6 inch, on a flat visible side, not over edges or folds; no A4 sheets | 4 × 6 thermal label roll |
| Invoice | Inside the package | POD bags have a clear pocket if you prefer it outside |
| One order, one parcel | Combine all items of one order in a single package | Pick a bag or box that fits the whole order |
| Not allowed | Flimsy boxes or tape, plastic strapping or banding, oversized or very heavy parcels | BOPP tape, H-taping on boxes |
Flipkart packaging: what to check
Flipkart sells seller packaging through its own channels, and its rules on which packaging is accepted (and what is needed to claim protection on lost or damaged orders) change from time to time. Before you buy packaging in bulk for Flipkart orders:
- Open Flipkart Seller Hub → Help / Packaging guidelines and read the current rule for your category.
- Check whether your category requires Flipkart-supplied packaging for protection claims.
- Match the bag size codes (NSB0 to NSB5) and the tamper-evident seal that the guidelines ask for.
The general rules are the same as Amazon’s: new material, tamper-evident seal, at least 50 micron bags, the right size, a clear label and enough cushioning.
Which packaging for which product
| Product | Packaging | Cushioning |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes, sarees, soft toys | Tamper-proof courier bag, see the courier bag size chart | None needed |
| Jewellery, cosmetics, small accessories | White mailer box inside a courier bag | Bubble wrap or shredded paper |
| Shoes | Outer 3 ply box over the shoe box | Fill gaps |
| Electronics, glass, ceramics | 3 ply or 5 ply box, 2–5 cm bigger than the product | Bubble wrap 2–3 layers; see how to pack fragile items |
| Liquids | Box, cap taped, product sealed in a poly bag | Bubble wrap |
| Heavy items (5–18 kg) | 5 ply box or double box | Corner protection, H-tape |
| Books | Mailer box or courier bag with card stiffener | Bubble wrap on corners |
Save on courier charges: pick the smallest safe size
Amazon and Flipkart charge shipping on the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000). A box that is too big costs you every single order. Use the volumetric weight guide and the box size chart to choose the smallest size that still fits the product with cushioning.
Packing checklist before you hand over the parcel
- New bag or box, the right size, no old labels.
- Product cushioned, no movement when you shake it.
- Bag sealed with the tamper-evident flap, or box sealed with H-tape.
- Invoice inside (or in the POD pocket).
- 4 × 6 thermal label flat on the top, barcode not folded or covered by tape.
- Weight and size match what you entered on Seller Central / Seller Hub.
Starter kits for new sellers
If you are just starting, our Amazon seller starter kit has 200 courier bags in two sizes, a 4 × 6 label roll and printed tape in one order. For other packing material, see all packaging at SecureShip. We ship small packs across India.
FAQ
Do I need packaging if my product already has its own box?
Yes. Amazon says outer packaging is mandatory even for manufacturer’s boxes, so that the product box is not damaged or opened in transit.
What is the minimum courier bag thickness?
Amazon asks for bags thicker than 50 microns. SecureShip tamper-proof bags are 55 microns.
What label size does Amazon need?
At least 4 × 6 inches, printed clearly (a thermal label works best), on a flat side of the parcel.
Can I reuse old Amazon or Flipkart boxes?
No. Use new packaging; old barcodes and labels can send your parcel to the wrong place.
What is the maximum parcel weight for Amazon Easy Ship?
Amazon Shipping lists under 18 kg and within 70 × 70 × 45 cm. Larger items need a different shipping mode.
