Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) Product Packaging Requirements

Fulfillment

Summary

What are the key packaging requirements sellers must follow when sending products to TikTok Shop’s Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) warehouses?

  • Sellers must use appropriate, secure packaging with protective materials like bubble wrap or air pillows; loose fill materials, large staples, rubber bands, or nylon tape are prohibited. Packages must be fully sealed and clearly marked if special handling is needed.
  • Cartons must minimize empty space, securely position products, use high-strength tape, and include cushioning materials. Bundled products require unique barcodes, sealed packaging, and specific labels like “Sold as a Set” and “Do Not Open.”

What are the specific requirements for expiration-dated products and batch codes in FBT?

  • Expiration-dated products must display clear expiration or production dates in approved formats and meet minimum remaining shelf-life requirements plus a 90-day buffer at arrival; non-compliance risks rejection.
  • Certain consumables and personal care items require manufacturer batch codes on each product and carton, with matching codes entered in the merchant portal to ensure accurate inventory management and avoid delays.

How does TikTok Shop enforce packaging quality, and what must sellers do if their products fail drop testing?

  • TikTok Shop may require drop testing for fragile or questionable packaging by dropping products from 3 feet in five orientations; products must pass all tests and provide certification upon request.
  • Failed products must be repackaged with reinforced cartons, polybags with warnings, or double-wall cartons for heavy items; failure to comply can cause delays, rejection, or additional fees.

What are the consequences for sellers who do not comply with FBT packaging policies, and how can they appeal enforcement actions?

  • Non-compliance can lead to inventory rejection, delays, additional fees, blocked inbounding, removal of listings, health point deductions, or suspension of selling privileges.
  • Sellers should adhere strictly to packaging guidelines and can appeal enforcement decisions by providing evidence of compliance or corrective actions taken.

What product-specific packaging preparations are recommended to ensure safe handling and acceptance by FBT?

  • Products like adult content, apparel, fragile items, liquids, powders, sharp objects, and small items have tailored packaging instructions, including polybags with suffocation warnings, bubble wrap, reinforced cartons, and barcode placement.
  • Sellers should consult the product prep reference guide and image examples to meet these requirements and avoid rejection or damage during fulfillment.

Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) is a warehousing and fulfillment service designed to help sellers efficiently deliver products to TikTok Shop customers. To ensure a safe and efficient fulfillment process, all products inbounded to FBT must meet the specific packaging requirements outlined below.

FBT Product Packaging Requirements

TikTok Shop reserves the right to inspect all inbound inventory.
If FBT packaging requirements are not met, inventory may be rejected, returned, destroyed, or delayed during receiving, and additional service fees may apply. Non-compliance may also result in future inventory being blocked from inbounding.
The following requirements apply to all products shipped to FBT warehouses. You must ensure that:
  • Appropriate packaging materials of suitable size and type are used to securely enclose each product.
  • Protective materials are added, such as bubble wrap, air pillows, or full paper void fill.
  • DO NOT USE:
    • Loose fill materials such as foam peanuts or shredded paper.
    • Large staples or nylon-fiber tape.
    • Rubber bands, tape, or straps to bundle multiple cartons together.
  • You must securely seal packaging using tape, glue, or other reliable methods.
    • If alternative sealing methods are used, the package must remain fully enclosed and secure throughout transportation.
  • For packages requiring special handling (such as perishable, fragile, hazardous, liquid, or battery-powered products), clear markings must be placed on the outer packaging.

Carton Packaging

Carton packaging must be used when required by the logistics service provider (LSP), or when other packaging methods do not provide sufficient protection.
You must ensure that:
  • Empty space inside cartons is minimized.
  • Products are securely positioned to prevent movement during transportation.
  • Cartons are sealed using high-strength tape.
  • Protective cushioning materials are added as needed, such as foam inserts, air pillows, corrugated boards, kraft paper, plastic pads, or rubber pads.

Bundled Product Packaging Requirements

Bundled products (multiple items sold as a single unit) must be securely packaged and clearly labeled.
You must ensure that:
  • All items in the bundle are packaged together to prevent separation.
  • A unique barcode is affixed to the bundle packaging (not to individual items).
  • Individual item barcodes are not visible and cannot be scanned.
  • Durable, sealed packaging materials are used to protect products from pressure and damage.
  • The following labels must be affixed to the outer packaging:
    • “Sold as a Set”
    • “Do Not Open”

Expiration-Dated Product Packaging Requirements

FBT considers any product with a shelf life (or that becomes ineffective over time) to be an expiration-dated product. This includes food, personal care products, and pet products.
  • All expiration-dated products must clearly display expiration information on the outer packaging.
  • Non-compliant products may be rejected.

Minimum Shelf-Life Requirements by Category

At the time products arrive at an FBT warehouse, they must have sufficient remaining shelf life to cover the full usage period, plus an additional 90 days.
The table below lists the minimum shelf-life requirements by category, including the usage period and the additional 90-day buffer:
Product Category
Minimum Shelf Life Requirement
Snacks90 days
Baked goods270 days
Beverages270 days
Instant food270 days
Shelf-stable dairy products270 days
Pantry food270 days
Staple foods and cooking essentials270 days
Bird food270 days
Dog & cat food270 days
Fish & aquatic animal supplies270 days
Bath & body care365 days
Hand, foot & nail care365 days
Skincare365 days
Dietary & nutritional supplements365 days
Personal care products with drug labeling365 days
Dog & cat grooming supplies365 days
Dog & cat health supplies365 days
Reptile & amphibian supplies365 days
Small animal supplies365 days

Expiration Date Labeling Requirements

All products requiring expiration labeling must display one of the following types of date information:
  • Expiration date
  • Best before / best by date
  • Production date with full shelf-life information
Dates must be displayed in one of the following formats:
  • Month, Day, Year
  • Month, Year
The month may be displayed using numbers, full English words, or abbreviated English words.
Single-use medical devices must use the Year–Month–Day date format.

Lot / Batch Code Requirements

image
For specific product categories, lot or batch code information must be marked on each product and provided during the FBT inbound process.
Lot/batch code requirements apply to the following categories:
  • Consumable products for humans or animals
  • Certain beauty and personal care products, including but not limited to:
    • Sunscreen
    • Acne treatment products
    • Hand sanitizers
You must fulfill the following responsibilities:
  • Each product package must display a clearly printed manufacturer batch code.
  • Accurate batch codes must be entered when creating inbound orders on the FBT merchant portal.
  • Each carton may only contain products with the same batch code.
  • The batch code printed on carton labels must match the batch code on product packaging and the information entered in the merchant portal.
FBT warehouses store inventory by batch code to ensure accurate inventory management.
Failure to provide batch codes or submission of inaccurate information may result in processing delays or inbound SLA violations.

Drop Test

Drop testing is used to evaluate packaging durability.
The test method requires dropping the packaged product from a height of 3 feet onto a hard surface in the following five orientations:
  • Bottom face down
  • Top face down
  • Longest side down
  • Shortest side down
  • Corner impact

When Drop Testing Is Required

TikTok Shop may require drop testing at its discretion based on factors such as product type, packaging quality, or fulfillment history.
Drop testing is mandatory if the product:
  • Uses packaging with tear lines or openings
  • Is packaged using bubble wrap only
  • Is fragile or prone to damage during transportation
  • Has questionable packaging integrity, such as thin materials, weak seals, insufficient internal protection, or visible wear or damage

Certification

You must ensure that applicable products pass all five drop orientations and obtain certification. Certification documents must be provided upon request. Products that fail drop testing may be required to be repackaged, delayed during receiving, or rejected.

Remediation for Failed Drop Tests

If a product fails drop testing, you must take the following actions:
  • Place lightweight items in polybags with suffocation warnings
  • Reinforce packaging using an outer carton (especially for fragile, hazardous, or heavy items)
    • Outer carton reinforcement means placing the original product packaging inside an additional external carton.
    • For products weighing more than 10 pounds, double-wall corrugated cartons must be used.

Enforcement and Appeals

TikTok Shop regularly audits merchant compliance with this policy.
If violations are identified, TikTok Shop may take enforcement actions at its discretion, including removing listings, deducting health points, or suspending or revoking selling privileges.

Product Prep Reference Guide

To ensure product safety during transportation and handling, some products require additional preparation prior to inbounding.
The table below lists applicable product categories, descriptions, examples, and packaging recommendations.
Note: This table is for reference only and does not guarantee acceptance. Packaging requirements may vary depending on the product type and actual circumstances.
Category
Description
Examples
Prep Guidelines
Adult ProductsProducts containing potentially offensive content, such as explicit language or nude imageryPackaging with nude models or explicit language1. Package the product in a black or opaque polybag2. Add a suffocation warning label3. If the polybag is not self-sealing, ensure it is securely sealed4. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Apparel with HangersTextile products originally designed to be stored or displayed on hangersScarves / Shirts / Jackets1. Remove the hanger2. Package the product in a transparent polybag or shrink wrap3. Add a suffocation warning label4. If the polybag is not self-sealing, ensure it is securely sealed5. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Apparel, Fabrics, Plush & Textile ProductsTextile products that are easily damaged by dust, stains, or moistureShirts, belts, plush toys1. Package the product in a transparent polybag or shrink wrap2. Add a suffocation warning label3. If the polybag is not self-sealing, ensure it is securely sealed4. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Baby ProductsProducts intended for children under 3 years old, or packaging with openings larger than 1 square inchTeethers, bibs, exposed toys1. Package the product in a transparent polybag2. Place a suffocation warning label in a prominent location3. If the polybag is not self-sealing, ensure it is securely sealed4. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Fragile / Glass ProductsFragile items or liquid products packaged in glass containersPicture frames, mirrors, olive oil bottles1. Wrap the product with bubble wrap or place it in a bubble bag2. For additional protection, reinforced outer box packaging is recommended3. Seal the polybag or carton securely with tape4. Drop testing is recommended5. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Liquids (Non-Glass Containers)Liquid or viscous products without double sealingHand soap, lotion, honey1. Package the product in a transparent polybag2. Add a suffocation warning label3. If the polybag is not self-sealing, ensure it is securely sealed4. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Perforated PackagingPackaging with tear strips or perforationsCandy boxes, chocolate display boxes1. Package the product in a transparent polybag2. Add a suffocation warning label3. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Powder, Granular & Particulate ProductsLoose materials in powder or granular formLoose powder, sugar, laundry detergent1. Package the product in a transparent polybag2. Add a suffocation warning label3. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Sharp ItemsProducts with sharp edges or pointed parts that may cause injury or damage packaging during handlingKnives, blades, scissors, peelers, graters, hardware nails, wires, tools, swords1. Fully cover all sharp edges and points2. Use cut-resistant and puncture-resistant packaging materials to prevent exposure3. Ensure packaging remains secure throughout handling and delivery4. Reinforced blister packaging is recommended for stability and full coverage5. Bubble wrap or standard cartons alone are not allowed6. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Small ItemsProducts with the longest side less than 2.125 inches (approximately the width of a credit card)Jewelry, USB drives, keychains1. Package the product in a transparent polybag2. Add a suffocation warning label3. If the polybag is not self-sealing, ensure it is securely sealed4. Affix a scannable barcode on the outside of the bag
Sold-as-a-Set ProductsMultiple items sold and shipped as a single unitMulti-pack products, toy sets, case packs1. Clearly label the outer packaging with “Sold as a Set”, “Do Not Separate”, or similar wording2. Assign a unique product ID if required3. Cover individual item barcodes or orient them inward so they are not visible4. Ensure the bundle barcode is scannable
No-Prep Required ProductsProducts that do not require packaging preparation, but may require labelingBooks, DVDs, video game discs1. Ensure the product barcode is clear and scannable2. Apply required labels if applicable

Image Reference Examples

The following examples are intended to help illustrate correct and incorrect packaging methods for specific product types. You may refer to these visual examples to better understand the packaging requirements outlined in this policy.
image

Cushioning Materials

image
Sealed Polybag PackagingThe image below shows an example of a granular product that is properly packaged and has passed the vigorous shake test (VS test).
image
The image below shows an example of polybag packaging used for large-sized products (such as apparel):
image

Aluminum Can Products

image

Products Containing Adult Content

image

Loose Powder Cosmetics

image

Double Sealing

Double sealing is defined as: the product cap is tightly secured and is equipped with one of the following secondary sealing methods:
image