If you sell heat‑sensitive goods, you need Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules to work for you. This 2025 guide shows who qualifies, the exact meltable dates, and what to do when FBA won’t take chilled or frozen items. You’ll learn how to package, when to switch to FBM/SFP, and how to plan inventory to avoid refusals and write‑offs.
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Which SKUs qualify under Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules (meltable vs. perishable)?
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What are the 2025 meltable inventory dates and what changes this season?
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How do you package for FBM/SFP with gel packs vs. dry ice?
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When are refrigerated/frozen items never FBA‑eligible—and what are your options?
What qualifies under Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules in 2025?
Short answer: Shelf‑stable or meltable items (e.g., chocolate, gummies) can use FBA during the cool season; products requiring refrigeration or freezing are not FBA‑eligible year‑round. Cold packs don’t make an ineligible product eligible, and FBA facilities don’t provide chilled storage.
In practice: If your SKU remains safe at ambient warehouse temperatures, FBA is viable. If it must stay under fridge temps to remain safe, use FBM/SFP or a cold‑chain 3PL. For 2025, Amazon’s meltable fulfillment pauses May 1–Oct 13; receiving to stage Q4 inventory reopens Sept 22 and fulfillment resumes Oct 13. Plan send‑ins around those dates.
Meltable vs. perishable—where Amazon draws the line
Meltable = heat‑sensitive but not continuously refrigerated; allowed at FBA only outside the hot season.
Perishable = requires refrigeration/freezing at all times; not allowed at FBA any time of year.
A cold pack can protect a shipment, but it cannot convert a refrigerated SKU into FBA‑eligible inventory.
| Decision point | If “Yes” | If “No” | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKU remains safe at ambient temps | Likely FBA‑eligible | Use FBM/3PL | FBA for shelf‑stable; avoid cold‑dependent SKUs at FBA.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
| Item is meltable but in season (Oct–Apr) | FBA is OK | Switch to FBM | Respect the May–Oct pause to avoid refusals.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
| Product requires refrigeration/freezing | Not FBA‑eligible | FBM/3PL with cooling | FBA doesn’t chill or freeze, ever.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
Practical tips and quick wins
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Summer strategy: Run a shelf‑stable lineup at FBA; switch meltables to FBM during the pause.
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Q4 prep: Land meltable FBA restocks Sept 22–Oct 12 for a clean Oct 13 restart.
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Don’t use dry ice inbound: It’s Class‑9 hazmat for air and not appropriate for FC storage. Use it only for FBM/SFP.
Real case: A candy brand paused FBA in summer, switched to FBM with gel packs, and prestaged FBA inventory Sept 22–Oct 12. Refunds fell and Q4 sales rose once FBA resumed Oct 13.
Are refrigerated or frozen SKUs allowed under Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules?
No. Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules never allow items that require refrigeration or freezing. A cold pack in the box does not change eligibility, and FCs do not provide chilled storage or last‑mile cooling. Use FBM/SFP or a temperature‑controlled 3PL for these products.
What to do instead: Store in a cold facility, ship with insulated packaging and the right refrigerant, and limit transit time (1–2‑day service where possible). For frozen goods, dry ice is permissible for FBM/SFP with proper venting and labels; for chilled (32–60 °F), gel packs are typical.
Gel packs vs. dry ice—when to use which
Gel packs (refrigerated): Aim for 32–60 °F; no hazmat; watch condensation.
Dry ice (frozen): Keeps products frozen; Class‑9 for air; box must vent; label net weight.
Rule of thumb: Gel for chilled, dry ice for frozen—and never use dry ice for inbound FBA cartons.
| Pack‑out element | Chilled (gel) | Frozen (dry ice) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Foam cooler / thick liner | Foam cooler / thick liner | Reduce headspace; tighter pack = longer hold.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
| Coolant | Multiple gel packs | Dry ice, vented | Balance coolant mass with transit time.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
| Moisture control | Poly bag + absorbent | Poly bag + absorbent | Protect labels, retail boxes, barcodes.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
| Timing | Ship Mon–Wed | Ship Mon–Wed | Avoid weekend dwell to cut warm‑up risk.
Do they qualify for Amazon FBA … |
Field‑tested suggestions
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Hot lanes: Upgrade to faster service and add 1–2 extra gel packs in heat waves.
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Condensation guard: Bag SKUs and wrap gel packs; add absorbent pads.
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Proof: Spot‑test with temperature indicators or loggers to validate hold time.
Short case: A supplement brand stopped leaks by moving to foam coolers + multiple gel packs and avoiding Friday shipments; returns dropped materially.
Can cold packs “qualify” inbounds under Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules?
No. Cold packs don’t make a cold‑dependent product eligible for FBA, and dry ice in inbound cartons can trigger hazmat issues (Class‑9 for air). Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules address seller‑fulfilled packing guidance—not cold storage inside FCs. Keep coolants for FBM/SFP shipments to customers.
Inbound do’s and don’ts (quick check)
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Do: Send shelf‑stable and in‑season meltables to FBA.
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Don’t: Include dry ice or cold packs for in‑FC temperature control—FBA isn’t chilled storage.
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Do: Meet barcode, leak‑proof, and drop‑test basics to avoid refusals.
Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules 2025: dates, planning, and inventory
Key dates (U.S. 2025): No meltable fulfillment May 1–Oct 13. Receiving reopens Sept 22 to stage inventory; FBA fulfillment resumes Oct 13. Build your calendar and merchandising around these cut‑offs.
2‑minute qualification check (interactive)
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Does your SKU remain safe at ambient temps with no continuous refrigeration?
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Is it non‑meltable, or if meltable, will you avoid FBA during May–Oct?
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Do your cartons exclude hazardous coolants and meet labeling/leak‑proof rules?
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Is the ASIN non‑hazmat (or pre‑approved) and properly prepped?
All “Yes” → Likely FBA‑eligible; any “No” → FBM/SFP or cold‑chain 3PL.
Action plan you can run this week
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Classify SKUs: Shelf‑stable, meltable, or perishable.
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Map channels: FBA for shelf‑stable/in‑season meltables; FBM/3PL for chilled/frozen.
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Stage Q4: Land meltables Sept 22–Oct 12; flip listings to FBA Oct 13.
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Codify SOPs: Insulation, gel/dry‑ice, labeling, and Mon–Wed ship cadence.
2025 cold‑chain developments and trends
What’s new: Amazon communicated meltable windows earlier and affirmed the Sept 22 intake for 2025. Brands standardized liners, absorbents, and “ship‑by‑Monday” rules. Carriers continue strict dry‑ice compliance for air. Bottom line: plan around the seasonal FBA window, and mature your FBM kit for summer.
Quick snapshot
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Earlier staging: The Sept intake helps you pre‑position for Q4 without heat risk.
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Clearer coolant guidance: Gel packs for 32–60 °F; dry ice for frozen.
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Operational rigor: More teams adopt documented pack‑outs and QA checks.
Market insight: Successful brands pair FBA (shelf‑stable) with FBM/3PL (temp‑controlled) to sell year‑round while staying within Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can cold packs make a refrigerated product FBA‑eligible under Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules?
No. If a SKU requires refrigeration/freezing, it’s prohibited at FBA year‑round; use FBM/SFP or a cold‑chain 3PL.
2) Can I send inbound FBA cartons with dry ice?
Avoid it. Dry ice is Class‑9 for air, and FCs aren’t temperature‑controlled; use dry ice only for FBM/SFP to customers.
3) What dates matter for meltables in 2025?
No fulfillment May 1–Oct 13; receiving reopens Sept 22; fulfillment resumes Oct 13. Verify your marketplace region.
4) What’s the simplest packing rule for FBM?
Insulate → add the right coolant → control moisture → ship early week. Gel for chilled, dry ice for frozen.
5) Does Amazon ever chill or freeze inventory for Marketplace sellers?
No. FBA is ambient. Temperature‑controlled storage requires your own FBM workflow or a 3PL.
Summary & recommendations
Key takeaways: Amazon FBA cold‑pack rules allow meltables only in cool months and never accept refrigerated/frozen goods. Cold packs protect shipments but don’t change FBA eligibility. Plan around the May–Oct pause, stage inventory Sept 22–Oct 12, and harden your FBM pack‑out (insulation, gel/dry‑ice, labels, timing).
Next steps: Classify SKUs, align channels, calendar the 2025 dates, and implement a documented FBM SOP. Need help? Book a 20‑minute consult with Tempk’s cold‑chain team to audit your catalog and pack‑outs.
About Tempk
We’re a cold‑chain packaging and analytics company helping Amazon brands ship chilled or frozen items via FBM/SFP and keep shelf‑stable lines optimized at FBA. Our kits include tested gel‑pack configurations, liner/absorber specs, and dry‑ice SOPs mapped to carrier/DOT rules—so your team spends less time troubleshooting and more time selling.
CTA: Talk to Tempk specialists for a tailored cold‑pack spec and an FBA/FBM switch‑over plan.
