Blog | Royal Chemical

Hazardous Materials Packaging for Ecommerce | Royal Chemical

Written by Garrett Browne | Jan 28, 2026 2:00:00 PM

Why Hazardous Materials and Ecommerce Are a Complex Combination

Online marketplaces have become critical channels for manufacturers of industrial, institutional and cleaning products. But hazardous materials present unique challenges when sold through ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart.

These products must not only meet DOT, EPA and OSHA standards, but also retailer-specific packaging and labeling requirements such as GS1 barcodes and UCC labeling. Noncompliance can result in rejected inventory, delayed deliveries or safety risks in transit.

With over 85 years of toll manufacturing experience, Royal Chemical has helped clients navigate this complexity with compliant, scalable solutions tailored for ecommerce.

Step 1 – Understand the Regulatory Landscape

Manufacturers must comply with overlapping regulatory and platform requirements when preparing hazardous materials for online distribution.

Agencies and Requirements to Know:

  • DOT: Packaging and shipping rules based on hazard classes

  • EPA: Chemical registration and labeling requirements

  • OSHA: Hazard communication standards like GHS and SDS formatting

  • Amazon and Walmart: Both sellers have additional rules like GS1 barcode compliance, UCC labeling, and RFID tracking

This complex environment requires careful coordination between regulatory standards and ecommerce fulfillment expectations. Royal Chemical supports both areas, ensuring your product is ready for digital shelves and compliant with all applicable regulations.

Step 2 – Get Labeling Right — Or Risk Being Rejected

Labeling is a primary reason products are rejected by Amazon, Walmart or freight carriers. Incomplete, incorrect or noncompliant labels can result in shipping delays, safety concerns or costly inventory write-offs.

Required Labeling Elements:

  • GHS-compliant formatting with pictograms and hazard statements
  • UN identification numbers and proper shipping names
  • Precautionary statements and signal words
  • UCC barcodes, case, and pallet labels per platform specs

Royal Chemical ensures all required labels, at the unit, case and pallet level, are applied correctly to spec. Additionally, our in-house regulatory support team stays current on evolving platform requirements, like Walmart’s RFID mandates and Amazon’s Hazmat Program.

Read more about how our quality assurance team supports labeling accuracy

Step 3 – Choose the Right Packaging to Protect Product and Brand

Hazmat packaging must be robust, compatible with your product, and aligned with ecommerce delivery demands.

What to Consider for Ecommerce Packaging:

Make sure your ecommerce packaging is compliant, protective and cost-effective by choosing:

  • Leak-proof, chemically resistant materials that preserve your product’s integrity during shipping and storage
  • Durable formats designed to withstand long-distance transport and warehouse handling
  • Packaging that meets ecommerce platform specifications for size, weight and labeling requirements

Royal Chemical offers a wide range of packaging formats, from 8-ounce bottles and pouches to 2.5-gallon containers and spray bottles. Our packaging lines are built for quick changeovers, allowing you to run ecommerce-specific packaging configurations efficiently.

Step 4 – Inventory Preparedness for Hazmat Ecommerce

While Royal Chemical does not offer fulfillment services, we do support clients with warehousing and compliant inventory preparation.

Key considerations include:

  • Pre-labeled inventory with GS1/UCC barcodes
  • Proper documentation and storage for hazmat classifications
  • Fast delivery enabled by five strategically located U.S. plants

Our network and 350,000+ square feet of warehousing space allow for efficient staging and product readiness, reducing risks of noncompliant stock and shipping disruptions.

Navigating the Risk of Hazardous Materials in Ecommerce

Getting hazardous materials ready for ecommerce is high-stakes, missteps in labeling, documentation or packaging can lead to rejected shipments, costly delays or safety issues. Many manufacturers simply aren’t equipped to meet both federal regulations and ecommerce platform standards.

Royal Chemical brings over 85 years of experience helping clients avoid these pitfalls. Our team manages blending, packaging and labeling with precision, ensuring your products stay compliant and on track. With five U.S. facilities and a proven technology transfer process, we make it easy to switch partners and scale without disruption.

Ready to Partner with Royal Chemical?

Let our experts help you navigate the complexities of hazardous materials packaging and labeling for ecommerce.

👉 Talk to an Expert

👉 Request a Quote