Sephora Packaging Guidelines

Yes, packing lists are required for all purchase orders and each packing list must be enclosed inside a clear sleeve and adhered to the outside of the lead carton. The packing list must contain the brand name and shipping address, Sephora Distribution Center address, Sephora PO number, Sephora SKU number(s), description of item(s) being shipped, item UPC number, and all shipping details.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Jan 1, 2021

Yes, separate packing lists are required for each purchase order (PO). One carton per PO must be clearly marked "LEAD CARTON" and contain a clear and legible copy of the packing slip. The packing list must be enclosed inside a clear sleeve and adhered to the outside of the lead carton.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Jul 1, 2024

Pallets should not be double stacked. They must be labeled "NO DOUBLE STACKING" on all four sides to prevent carriers from doing so.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides 2023 - Jan 1, 2023

Purchase orders (POs) can be mixed within a single pallet, but with specific requirements: - Pallet C can have two complete POs together. - Pallet D can have three complete POs together. - Mixing more than specified POs or having incomplete separation of POs is unacceptable.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Jul 1, 2024

Yes, SKUs can be mixed on a single pallet. The requirements are: 1) Maximum height for multiple SKU pallets is 72"/183cm, 2) Label the pallet "MIXED PALLET" to help Sephora DCs recognize multiple POs on a pallet, 3) Ensure heavier cartons are at the bottom with lighter on top, and 4) Cartons cannot overhang the perimeter of the pallet.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Mar 1, 2023

SKUs from multiple POs cannot be mixed within a single carton. Each carton can only contain UPC/EANs from one PO.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Jan 1, 2021

Standard grade A wooden stringer pallets (48" x 40") in good condition are allowed. Plastic, Euro, and Block type pallets are not permitted.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Mar 1, 2023

Minimum size: 250 mm x 250 mm x (H) 100 mm. Maximum size: 400 mm x 400 mm x (H) 250 mm.

Source: Sephora Supplier Logistics Specifications 2021 - Jun 1, 2021

The maximum weight for shipping cartons is 12 kg. No minimum weight is specified for shipping cartons.

Source: Sephora Supplier Logistics Specifications 2021 - Jun 1, 2021

For cartons, Sephora requires the VICS standard GS1-128 label format with scannable barcodes. Labels must be applied to the lower-right corner of the carton (short side). Labels must include ship from, ship to, ship to post, carrier name, PO number, department number, carton count, final destination barcode, final destination text, and SSCC-18. For pallets, labels for boxes must be visible on the pallet without prior stripping. Only one label per package should be visible, and all pallets should be wrapped with clear film to make counting easier.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Mar 1, 2023

Sephora does not recommend the use of inner packs except for non-sellable items. If inner packs are used for sellable items, each must include a label with the Sephora item code (if possible), item description, number of units, and Innerpack GTIN in a scannable EAN14 format. The label should hide any other visible bar codes. Each inner pack is considered an intermediate packaging for picking, grouping together units (UVCs). Cases, or "Full boxes" (PCB), group several units or inner packs of the same product and batch. Each unit must have a GTIN bar code (UPC-A/E, EAN-13/8) with GS1-128 symbology followed.

Source: Sephora Supplier Logistics Specifications 2021 - Jun 1, 2021

Sephora requires the VICS standard GS1-128 label format with scannable barcodes on all cartons. Carton labeling for shipments to US Distribution Centers should have labels applied to the lower-right corner of the carton (short side). The GS1-128 includes elements like Ship From, Ship To, Ship to Post (zip/area code), PO Number, Dept. Number, Carton Count, Final Destination Barcode, Final Destination Text, and SSCC-18. Additional carton markings include item description, SKU number, and expiry date if applicable, with prior approval for minimum label exceptions.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Mar 1, 2023

Single SKU pallets have a max height of 58"/147cm, while Multiple SKU pallets have a max height of 72"/183cm. For air freight shipments, the max height is 58"/147cm.

Source: Sephora Brand Relations Handbook and Routing Guides - Jul 1, 2024