What Products are Considered Hazmat on Amazon?

When most people think of hazmat material, they imagine something like a nuclear reactor or a biochemical weapon. However, some surprisingly mundane products can be considered hazardous on Amazon. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the more surprising items regarded as hazmat on Amazon, and we'll discuss why these products might be classified as such. We'll also provide tips for business owners who need to ship these products to do so safely and within the bounds of the law. 

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What is Hazmat Product on Amazon?

Hazmat products refer to dangerous products which can include toxic or flammable parts other than explosives, narcotics substances, and weapons. Some of the notable examples of Hazmat products on Amazon include battery-operated lithium products, items with non-harmful chemicals, or magnetic materials. Therefore, an everyday product like deodorant or hairspray can qualify as hazardous material on Amazon. 

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Why is Hazmat Product Classification Important?

After finding answers to 'what are hazmat products,' sellers must focus their attention on classifying them. Hazmat goods or dangerous goods are the same, and the FBA Dangerous Goods Program helps brands categorize hazmat products. The FBA Dangerous Goods Program enables you to qualify for selling hazmat products without any issues on Amazon. The classification of products under the hazmat umbrella helps sellers earn buyers' trust. The safety information about products with hazardous materials serves as a promising boost for customer trust in the product. 

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Everyday household cleaners, such as bleach and drain cleaners, are considered hazardous materials (hazmat) because they are poisonous. Similarly, many cosmetics and personal care products contain hazmat ingredients. Amazon requires sellers to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to the storage and transportation of hazmat products.

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To ensure the safety of our customers and employees, Amazon has established the following guidelines for the transportation and storage of hazmat products:

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-Hazmat products must be appropriately labeled and packaged by applicable laws and regulations.

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-Hazmat products must be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat or open flame.

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-Hazmat products must be kept out of reach of children and pets.

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-Hazmat products must not be used or consumed while on Amazon property.

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Dangerous Goods Review Process

If you want to sell a product classified as a dangerous good, you will need to submit the product for review. To do so, please get in touch with Amazon Seller Support. We will review your request and provide you with instructions on proceeding.

In general, we allow the sale of products that are considered dangerous goods if they meet the following criteria:

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-The product is labeled correctly and packaged following applicable laws and regulations.

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-The product is stored in a cool, dry place away from heat or open flame.

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-The product is kept out of reach of children and pets.

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-The product is not used or consumed while on Amazon property.

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Related: 3 Critical Steps to Successful Amazon FBA Product Research

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Products That Cannot Be Sold on Amazon

Certain hazardous materials are prohibited from being sold on Amazon. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

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-Compressed gases (such as aerosolized oxygen, scuba tanks, and fire extinguishers)

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-explosives (such as fireworks and ammunition)

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-flammable liquids (such as gasoline and kerosene)

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-flammable solids (such as charcoal briquettes)

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-oxidizers and organic peroxides (such as bleach and pool chlorine)

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-toxic substances (such as arsenic and mercury)

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-corrosives (such as car batteries, lye)

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Tips for Identifying Amazon Hazmat Products

Rather than worrying about "what's the difference between hazmat and dangerous goods on Amazon," you must focus on classifying the hazmat goods. Hazmat and dangerous goods are practically the same. Here are a few helpful pointers for organizing hazmat goods on Amazon. 

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1. Search for the ASIN categories offered in the Seller Central section of Amazon to find any dangerous products in your product listings. 

2. Verify the Safety Data Sheet or SDS for hazard classifications of different types of items. 

3. Please register for the FBA Dangerous Goods Program and verify the eligibility of the hazmat products before submitting them. 

4. In addition, you need to ensure proper compliance on your behalf for the Amazon hazmat review process. Sellers must comply with the relevant guidelines by the US Department of Transport and Federal Aviation Administration alongside other authorities. 

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FBA Dangerous Goods Program

If you are selling products classified as hazmat, you'll need to sign up for the FBA Dangerous Goods Program. This program is designed for brands that sell FBA-eligible items considered dangerous.

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To sign up for the program, you'll need to create a new account on Amazon's website. Once you have an account, you can then enroll in the program. After you're registered, you'll be able to list your hazmat products on Amazon.

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If you're not sure your product is considered hazmat, you can check the Product Classification Guidelines. If you have any questions about the program, you can contact Amazon's customer support.

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FBA Storage of Hazmat Products

There are four main categories of FBA storage for hazmat products:

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1. General Storage‍

This is the most common type of FBA storage and can be used for various hazmat products. The main thing to remember with this type of storage is that the containers must be compatible with the stored product. For example, you would not want to store corrosive material in a carbon-steel container because it would eventually eat through the container.

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2. Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

These are specially designed containers used to store hazmat products. IBCs are made of various materials depending on what they will be used to hold. The most common type of IBC is the steel drum.

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3. Hazardous Waste Storage

This type of storage is specifically for hazardous waste. There are special regulations that must be followed when storing dangerous waste. These regulations vary from country to country, so it is essential to check with your local authorities before storing any hazardous waste.

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4. Flammable and Combustible Liquids (FCL)

These liquids are either flammable or combustible. FCL storage must be in a specially designed area away from any ignition sources. Your local authorities must also approve the containers used to store FCL.

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Related: How to Choose Between FCL and LCL Freight

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Amazon Seller Compliance and Responsibility for Hazmat

There are strict regulations governing the sale of hazmat items, both at the federal and state levels. As an Amazon seller, you must ensure that your products comply with applicable laws and regulations.

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Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines and jail time.

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Here are some things to keep in mind when selling hazmat items on Amazon:

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-You must have a valid license to sell hazmat items.

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-You must comply with all labeling requirements for hazmat items.

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-You must provide proper packaging and handling instructions for hazmat items.

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-You must ship hazmat items using an approved shipping method.

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-You must maintain proper records for hazmat items.

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Conclusion 

While some of the items on this list might surprise you, it's important to remember that any product can be considered hazmat if mishandled. If you're in charge of hazardous shipping material, reach out to an expert for help. At Simpl, we have years of experience fulfilling orders for all kinds of eCommerce sellers. Get in touch today and let us know how we can help.

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Recommended: Top Amazon Categories 2021