Shipping dangerous goods (Hazmat) to Amazon FBA requires special documentation, packaging, and handling. Many sellers don't realize their products are classified as Hazmat until Amazon flags them — by which point their inventory is stranded.
This guide explains everything you need to know about shipping Hazmat products from China to Amazon FBA warehouses.
What Are Dangerous Goods (Hazmat)?
Dangerous goods (also called hazardous materials or Hazmat) are items that pose risks during transport, storage, or handling due to their chemical or physical properties.
Hazard Classes
| Class | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Explosives | Fireworks, ammunition |
| Class 2 | Gases | Aerosol sprays, propane, butane lighters |
| Class 3 | Flammable liquids | Nail polish, perfume, alcohol-based cleaners |
| Class 4 | Flammable solids | Matches, self-heating substances |
| Class 5 | Oxidizing substances | Bleach, hydrogen peroxide |
| Class 6 | Toxic & infectious substances | Pesticides, biological samples |
| Class 7 | Radioactive material | (Rare in e-commerce) |
| Class 8 | Corrosives | Batteries (acid), drain cleaners |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous | Lithium batteries, magnets, dry ice |
Most common Hazmat for Amazon sellers: Class 9 (lithium batteries) and Class 2 (aerosols) and Class 3 (flammable liquids).
Amazon's Dangerous Goods Program
Amazon requires all Hazmat products to go through their Dangerous Goods review process before they can be sent to FBA warehouses.
How Amazon's Hazmat Review Works
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. List product | Create listing as normal | — |
| 2. Amazon flags Hazmat | Amazon identifies potential Hazmat based on product details | 1–3 days after listing |
| 3. Submit SDS | Provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to Amazon | Within 7 days of notification |
| 4. Amazon review | Amazon's Hazmat team reviews documentation | 2–7 business days |
| 5. Approval or rejection | Amazon approves for FBA or requires further action | — |
| 6. Convert to FBA | Once approved, convert listing to FBA and create shipment | — |
If you don't submit SDS within 7 days: Amazon may suppress your listing or mark it as "stranded inventory."
Common Amazon FBA Hazmat Products
Definitely Hazmat
| Product Type | Hazard Class | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion batteries | Class 9 | Fire risk; thermal runaway |
| Lithium metal batteries | Class 9 | Fire risk |
| Power banks | Class 9 | Contains lithium battery |
| Products with embedded batteries | Class 9 | Bluetooth speakers, wireless earbuds, etc. |
| Aerosol sprays | Class 2 | Pressurized gas |
| Nail polish and remover | Class 3 | Flammable liquids |
| Perfume/cologne | Class 3 | Alcohol-based |
| Lighters (butane) | Class 2 | Flammable gas |
| Hand sanitizer | Class 3 | Alcohol content |
| Cleaning products | Class 5/8 | Oxidizing or corrosive |
| Matches | Class 4 | Flammable solid |
| Magnets (strong) | Class 9 | Can affect aircraft navigation |
Sometimes Hazmat (Requires Review)
| Product Type | May Be Hazmat If... |
|---|---|
| Electronics with batteries | Battery is lithium-ion >100Wh or lithium metal >2g |
| Cosmetics | Contains alcohol or flammable ingredients |
| Adhesives and glues | Contains flammable solvents |
| Paint and coatings | Contains volatile organic compounds |
| Supplements | Contains certain regulated ingredients |
Required Documentation for Hazmat Shipping
Documents for Amazon FBA Hazmat Review
| Document | Purpose | Who Provides |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Details hazards, composition, and safe handling | Supplier or manufacturer |
| Battery Test Summary (UN38.3) | Proves lithium batteries passed safety testing | Battery manufacturer |
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | Older format of SDS; some suppliers still use this | Supplier |
Documents for Shipping Hazmat from China
| Document | Purpose | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| DG Declaration | Declares shipment as dangerous goods | All Hazmat shipments |
| UN specification packaging certificate | Proves packaging meets UN standards | All Hazmat shipments |
| IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) | Air freight-specific Hazmat declaration | Air freight only |
| IMDG Declaration | Sea freight-specific Hazmat declaration | Sea freight only |
| MSDS in English | Provides hazard information to carriers | All Hazmat shipments |
| UN38.3 Test Report | Lithium battery safety test | Products with lithium batteries |
| Battery Test Summary | New ICAO requirement for lithium batteries | Products with lithium batteries |
How to Ship Hazmat from China to Amazon FBA
Step 1: Confirm Hazmat Classification
Before shipping, confirm whether your product is Hazmat:
- Ask your supplier for the SDS/MSDS
- Check Amazon Seller Central → Manage Dangerous Goods
- Review the product's hazardous materials classification
- If unsure, consult a DG specialist or your freight forwarder
Step 2: Obtain Required Documentation
| Document | Where to Get It | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| SDS (English) | Ask your supplier | 3–5 days |
| UN38.3 Test Report | Battery manufacturer | 1–2 weeks (if not already available) |
| Battery Test Summary | Battery manufacturer | 1–2 weeks |
| DG Packaging Certificate | Packaging supplier or forwarder | 1 week |
Step 3: Complete Amazon Hazmat Review
- Go to Amazon Seller Central → Manage Dangerous Goods
- Upload SDS for each Hazmat ASIN
- Wait for Amazon review (2–7 business days)
- Once approved, proceed to create FBA shipment
Step 4: Use DG-Certified Packaging
Hazmat products require UN-certified packaging:
| Packaging Type | UN Code | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| 4G fiberboard box | UN4G | Lithium batteries, flammable liquids |
| 4H plastic box | UN4H | Corrosives, oxidizers |
| Combination packaging | UN4GV | Inner + outer packaging system |
Your freight forwarder can provide DG-certified packaging or help you source it.
Step 5: Book DG-Certified Shipping
Not all carriers and freight forwarders can handle dangerous goods. You need a DG-certified forwarder:
| Shipping Method | DG Capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight (DG container) | ✅ Most Hazmat classes | Requires IMDG-certified forwarder |
| Air freight (cargo aircraft) | ✅ Most Hazmat (no passenger aircraft) | Requires IATA DGD; higher rates |
| Express courier | ⚠️ Limited | DHL/FedEx/UPS have strict Hazmat rules; lithium batteries under 100Wh often OK |
| Passenger aircraft | ❌ Very limited | Most Hazmat prohibited on passenger flights |
Action: Confirm your freight forwarder is DG-certified before booking. Ask for their IMDG/IATA certification number.
Step 6: Label DG Shipments Correctly
Hazmat shipments require specific labels:
| Label | When Required |
|---|---|
| Class 9 hazard label | Lithium batteries |
| Lithium battery mark | Packages with lithium batteries (UN3481, UN3091) |
| "Cargo Aircraft Only" label | Air freight of lithium batteries |
| Handling label (this side up) | Liquid Hazmat |
| DG shipping name | On outer packaging |
| UN number | On outer packaging |
Hazmat Shipping Restrictions by Method
| Method | Lithium-Ion Batteries | Aerosols | Flammable Liquids | Magnets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | ✅ (with docs) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Air Freight (Cargo) | ✅ (≤100Wh cells; ≤20Wh batteries) | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ (with testing) |
| Air Freight (Passenger) | ⚠️ Very limited | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ Limited |
| Express Courier | ✅ (≤100Wh; packed with equipment) | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ Most | ⚠️ Limited |
Key Insight: Sea freight has the fewest restrictions for Hazmat. If your product contains large lithium batteries or significant quantities of flammable liquids, sea freight may be your only viable option.
Hazmat Labeling and Packaging Requirements
Lithium Battery Packaging Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| UN specification packaging | Must use UN3480/UN3481 certified boxes |
| Inner packaging | Each battery in individual plastic bag or blister pack |
| Cushioning | Non-conductive material between batteries |
| Max weight per package | 35 kg (UN3480, cargo aircraft); 5 kg (passenger aircraft) |
| State of charge | ≤30% for standalone lithium-ion batteries (air freight) |
| Short circuit protection | Terminals must be protected (tape, caps, etc.) |
General Hazmat Labeling
| Label Type | Size | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard class label | 100mm × 100mm minimum | On one side of outer packaging |
| UN number | 12mm minimum height | Near hazard label |
| Proper shipping name | Readable text | Near hazard label |
| Orientation arrows | Standard arrows | Two opposite sides |
| Cargo Aircraft Only | 110mm × 120mm | Adjacent to hazard label (air freight) |
Common Hazmat Shipping Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not submitting SDS to Amazon | Listing suppressed; inventory stranded | Submit SDS immediately when Amazon requests |
| Shipping Hazmat without DG declaration | Shipment seized by customs; fines | Use DG-certified forwarder; include DGD |
| Using non-DG packaging | Package fails; leaks/hazards in transit | Use UN-certified packaging only |
| Incorrect battery documentation | Air freight rejected | Obtain UN38.3 test report and battery test summary |
| Shipping lithium batteries by passenger aircraft | Illegal; shipment seized and destroyed | Use cargo aircraft or sea freight |
| Not labeling Hazmat packages | Carrier refuses shipment; fines | Apply all required DG labels |
| Exceeding battery state of charge | Air freight rejected | Discharge batteries to ≤30% before air shipping |
Need Help Shipping From China?
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Request a QuoteFAQ
Q: How do I know if my product is Hazmat for Amazon FBA? A: Check Amazon Seller Central → Manage Dangerous Goods. Amazon will flag potential Hazmat after you create your listing. You can also search Amazon's Hazmat guide by keyword or ASIN.
Q: Can I ship lithium batteries to Amazon FBA? A: Yes, if they meet Amazon's requirements. You need: SDS, UN38.3 test report, battery test summary, and Amazon Hazmat approval. Use DG-certified packaging and a DG-certified freight forwarder.
Q: Does Hazmat shipping cost more? A: Yes. DG shipping typically costs 20–50% more than standard shipping due to special handling, documentation, and packaging requirements.
Q: Can I ship Hazmat by express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS)? A: It depends on the hazard class. Lithium batteries under 100Wh shipped with or in equipment are often acceptable. Aerosols and flammable liquids are usually prohibited by express courier. Check with the specific carrier.
Need Hazmat Shipping Help?
Skyler Logistics is DG-certified and experienced in shipping dangerous goods from China to Amazon FBA. We handle all documentation, DG packaging, and carrier coordination.
⚡ Contact us at skylerlog.com — your Hazmat shipping specialist!
