Any fulfillment chain is only as strong as the moment your inventory hits the dock. One mislabeled pallet stalls your entire Amazon business with charge-backs, lost sell-through, and nightmare vendor performance metrics. Use this 25-point warehouse receiving checklist to guarantee every carton, pallet, and master case meets Amazon’s exacting standards—whether you ship to FBA or rely on a UK 3PL for FBM. Download the printable PDF at the end to hand straight to your warehouse manager.
Section 1 – Pre-Arrival Documentation
| # | Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create an accurate ASN (Advance Shipment Notice) | Amazon appointments auto-match pallets; errors cause rejection. |
| 2 | Verify FNSKU vs. SKU map | Ensures each unit scans into the correct ASIN. |
| 3 | Send carton contents list (CCL) to 3PL | Helps schedule labor and space. |
| 4 | Attach commercial invoice + packing list outside carton | Customs and 3PL intake need instant access. |
| 5 | Book delivery slot (if Amazon FC) or GRN slot (3PL) | Avoids detention fees and refused trucks. |
Section 2 – Transport & Pallet Specs
| # | Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Use heat-treated EUR or 4-way pallets | Non-compliant pallets are destroyed at FCs. |
| 7 | Shrink-wrap to top deck only (no pallet overhang) | Forklifts need clear entry; overhang increases damage. |
| 8 | Keep pallet height ≤ 1.8 m and weight ≤ 500 kg | Exceeding limits triggers re-palletizing fees. |
| 9 | Label pallet with pallet ID + ASN barcode on two sides | Fast inbound scanning. |
| 10 | Stack cartons by SKU, not mixed | Reduces mis-picks and speeds cycle count. |
Section 3 – Carton Compliance
| # | Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Double-wall cartons for fragile or > 15 kg items | Prevents crush during LTL moves. |
| 12 | Limit carton weight to 23 kg (Amazon heavy label at 15 kg) | OSHA & Amazon policy; overweight = penalty. |
| 13 | Apply FNSKU label on flat face, not seams | Prevents scan errors at FC receive. |
| 14 | Remove legacy barcodes or cover fully | Dual barcodes confuse conveyer scanners. |
| 15 | Use H-tape pattern with 2-inch tape | Amazon requires fully sealed seams. |
Section 4 – Quality Control on Arrival
| # | Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Count cartons vs. ASN before unloading | Immediate discrepancy reporting. |
| 17 | Inspect for visible damage; photograph any dents / tears | Proof for freight claims. |
| 18 | Weigh random sample carton to validate declared weight | Detects pick/pack errors. |
| 19 | Verify barcode legibility with handheld scanner | Confirms no print or placement issues. |
| 20 | Check expiration or manufactured dates (if applicable) | Amazon requires ≥ 105 days shelf life. |
Section 5 – System Intake & Put-Away
| # | Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Receive against ASN in WMS within 24 h | Real-time stock accuracy; prevents overselling. |
| 22 | Capture lot / batch numbers for regulated products | Enables FEFO picking and recalls. |
| 23 | Print internal license plate label (LPN) | Traces location instantly inside 3PL. |
| 24 | Assign products to proper pick faces (fast movers eye-level) | Maximizes outbound speed. |
| 25 | Update Shopify / Amazon Seller Central inventory via API | Live stock prevents overselling penalties. |
Download the Printable PDF Checklist
Download the 25-Point Receiving Checklist (PDF) — perfect for clipboards, onboarding, and quarterly audits.
Pro Tips to Streamline Receiving
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Schedule pre-peak audits every August to avoid Q4 bottlenecks.
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Use 3D carton dimensioners to auto-capture size/weight for charge-back defense.
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Implement RF-guided put-away to cut 15 % travel time per pallet.
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Color-code QC stages (red = hold, green = cleared) to visualise status at a glance.
FAQ
Q1. Does Amazon allow mixed-SKU cartons?
Only in small-parcel shipments; LTL/FTL pallets must be single SKU or clearly separated.
Q2. How quickly must I reconcile receiving discrepancies?
Amazon gives 30 days for reconciliation; 3PLs typically require notice within 48 hours.
Q3. What happens if my pallets arrive without an appointment?
Most FCs refuse the load, and carriers charge redelivery + storage fees.
Conclusion & CTA
A bulletproof receiving process pays for itself through lower charge-backs, faster sell-through, and pristine account health. Follow this 25-point checklist, and turn the warehouse dock from a profit leak into a competitive advantage.
Ready for hands-free compliance? Talk to UK Pre Fulfilment for an inbound audit and same-day barcode relabeling.
