Guide on measuring dimensions, estimating Amazon FBA fees, and preparing a reimbursement claim to Amazon for excess fees.

Amazon's reimbursement policy for excess fees

Amazon will reimburse excess storage and fulfillment fees (FBA) if they confirm such fees were charged using inaccurate weight measurement and dimensions of the product.

When the weight or dimensions that the seller provides vary from Amazon’s verified measurement, Amazon’s measurement will govern.

Amazon's policy on dimensions and weights

Amazon applies unit weight (measured on a scale) and package dimensions when calculating:

• Fees for processing of shipments and returns at Amazon's warehouse (FBA fulfillment fees)
• Monthly storage fees
• Long-term storage fees
• FBA inventory storage overage fees
• FBA removal order fees
• FBA disposal order fees
• Fulfilment fees for Multi-Channel Fulfillment orders
• Fees for inventory placement on Amazon’s warehouse (FBA inventory placement service fees)
• FBA preparatory service fees

Amazon applies dimensional weight in some cases, when calculating:

• Fees for processing of shipments and returns at Amazon's warehouse (FBA fulfillment fees)
• FBA removal order fees
• FBA disposal order fees
• Fulfillment fees for Multi-Channel Fulfillment orders
• Fees for inventory placement on Amazon’s warehouse (FBA inventory placement service fees)

When calculating Amazon's fees:

• For small standard-size items, use the unit weight
• For large standard-size and oversize items, use the greater of the unit weight or the dimensional weight
• For special oversize items, use the special rate charts listed on Amazon's websites in the countries of operation of the marketplace
• For items contained in MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfillment) orders, use the dimensional weight for all large standard-size items, as well as for all small, medium, and large oversize items

Product size tiers (for Amazon US)

• Small standard-size items must meet all the criteria
• Large standard-size goods must meet all the criteria
• Items are considered and charged as special oversize if they meet one of the criteria for special oversize tier

For special oversize items, Amazon applies special fee rates. To calculate fees for such items, use the unit weight only.

Measurement of dimensions and unit weight, calculation of girth and dimensional weight of a unit

‘Item package weight and dimensions’ refers to the weight and dimensions of each individual unit that you’re listing under a FNSKU - an individual box or polybag. The item, item package, and case stacked with several items can all have distinct weight and dimensions. FBA fees are based on item package weight and dimensions.

Example:

In this example, the FBA fee calculation will be applied to the dimensions 8x8x8 cm at 0.08kg (80g) - these are the dimensions and weight of a duck in an individual box.

• 7x8x8 cm, 0.05 kg (50 g) - dimensions and weight of a duck without packaging
• 16x16x8 cm, 0.4 kg (400 g) - dimensions and weight of several ducks in a transport case

Measuring the dimensions and weight of an individual item package (FNSKU) and calculating the girth and dimensional weight of a unit:

Amazon uses a variety of sensors instrumented throughout fulfillment centers to capture item measurements. The measurement sensors will capture your item packaging edge-to-edge, including loose material, such as plastic bags, or loose parts, such as handles.

On a flat surface, fully extend loose packaging material, such as polybag flaps and package handles, to capture the maximum item package dimensions. Measure the item package’s longest edge as its length, its second longest edge as its width, and its shortest edge as its height.

Algorithm for measuring dimensions and calculating the product volume:

1. Take a single item package, with the item inside, as it would be received by a customer
2. On a flat surface, fully extend loose packaging material, such as polybag flaps, package handles, etc. (if they aren’t additionally taped to the main packaging)
3. Measure the longest edge - this will be the length of the package
4. Measure the second longest edge - this will be the width of the package
5. Measure the shortest edge - this will be the height of the package
6. Determine the girth using the formula: (Width + Height)*2
7. Determine the sum of the Girth and Length indicators using the formula: Girth + Length of a unit
8. Calculate the product volume using the formula: Length*Width*Height

9. To calculate the FBA storage fees, convert the product volume from cubic inches to cubic feet using this formula: (Product volume in inches) / 1728

   Warning: When converting the volume value from cubic inches to cubic feet, we recommend rounding to the second decimal place, always upwards.
   Warning: The fees are calculated in cubic meters for countries using the metric system. To convert the volume calculated based on the dimensions measured in cm, divide the result obtained by 1 000 000.

10. To calculate fees based on the dimensional weight, calculate the dimensional weight using the formula: (Product volume in inches) / 139

    Warning: The dimensional weight for oversize items assumes a minimum width and height of 2 inches.

Example: A product with dimensions of 47x12x10 inches.

3. The length is 47 inches
4. The width is 12 inches
5. The height is 10 inches
6. Girth = (12 + 10) x 2 = 44 inches
7. Girth + Length = 44 + 47 = 91 inches
8. Product volume = 47x12x10 = 5640 cubic inches
9. Product volume in cubic feet = 5640 / 1728 = 3.26 cubic feet
10. Dimensional weight = 5640 / 139 = 40.58 lb.

Amazon’s policy requires the edges to be measured along the longest section. So, for example, if a package has handles, you must measure its length/width together with the handles fully unfolded.

If an ASIN is sold as a set of items, its weight and dimensions must be indicated based on the combined total of all the items in the set packaged together.

If Amazon detects that the packaging of the same product has different dimensions in different units, the largest package in terms of dimensions will be measured.

To reduce the risk of incorrect dimensional measurements by Amazon

In order for Amazon's measurements to give the correct dimensions, it is important to ensure that all loose items, such as handles, decorative box pieces, ribbons, fasteners for hanging on supermarket racks, etc., are firmly attached to the main packaging.

For packages with many such items, Amazon recommends that they be vacuum bagged, wrapped in an extra, close-fitting bag, or taped. Amazon also recommends controlling the uniformity of the dimensions of all items.

It is better to do special packaging for sale on Amazon:

1. Avoid dimensions that are close to the size-tier boundaries (Amazon's product size tiers may differ from country to country)
2. Do not make the packaging much larger than the product - it will not stand on a supermarket shelf and does not need the extra dimension. Packaging should be snug against your product
3. Avoid handles, flaps, fasteners, and other excess material necessary when selling products in offline supermarkets but excessive when selling on Amazon
4. Avoid deformation-prone structures and materials: extra soft padding, bloating due to air ingress during packaging, etc.
5. Ensure uniform size around the edge of the package and, if possible, a simple geometric shape
6. For products sold as a set, produce additional packaging combining the items of the set into a single unit for which the dimensions and weight will be measured

Sources:

1. Understanding item package weight and dimensions
2. FBA fees reimbursement policy: Weight and dimensions
3. FBA fulfillment fee
4. Product size tiers
5. Product dimensions and volume
6. Unit weight
7. Dimensional weight