Amazon Carton Compliance and Accuracy | Simply explained

Carton Compliance and Accuracy

Carton Content Accuracy

Carton Content Accuracy refers to a compliance standard ensuring that the actual contents of a carton match the details provided in an Advance Shipment Notification (ASN). This is crucial for vendors shipping to Amazon fulfillment centers to maintain operational efficiency and avoid financial penalties.

Types of Content Accuracy Defects

There are three primary types of carton content accuracy defects:

  • Unexpected Item Overage: Occurs when an item not listed in the ASN is included in the shipment.
  • Unexpected Quantity Overage: Triggered when more units of an item are present than specified in the ASN.
  • Shortages: Happen when fewer units are included than indicated in the ASN.

Associated Penalties

Failure to maintain carton content accuracy results in chargebacks with the following fee structure:

  • €0.22 per unit for unexpected items
  • €0.30 per unit for unexpected quantities
  • €0.75 per unit for shortages

Carton Information Compliance

Carton Information Compliance ensures proper barcode readability and carton identification when shipments are received at Amazon fulfillment centers. This requirement focuses on the technical aspects of carton labeling and data transmission.

Compliance Requirements

To meet carton information compliance standards, vendors must:

  • Affix compliant carton content labels displaying a 20-digit number (SSCC or AMZNCC)
  • Include carton-level identification in the Advance Shipment Notification (ASN)
  • Ensure all barcodes, including GTINs, are scannable and readable

Non-Compliance Penalties

A Carton Information Compliance chargeback of €0.14 per non-compliant unit occurs when:

  • Amazon cannot recognize or scan a barcode (such as a GTIN)
  • Box-level information is missing from the ASN
  • Carton content labels are unreadable
  • GTIN data is missing

Exemptions

The following Amazon programs are excluded from carton information compliance chargebacks:

  • Amazon Fresh
  • Prime Now
  • Advantage
  • Vendor Flex
  • Beer Wine & Spirits

Benefits of Compliance

Maintaining both carton content accuracy and information compliance:

  • Reduces manual processing costs and time
  • Improves operational efficiency in fulfillment centers
  • Minimizes financial penalties through chargebacks
  • Supports seamless inventory management
  • Ensures accurate ASN data prevents discrepancies and associated costs
Back to top