Labeling errors are one of the most common reasons Amazon FBA shipments get delayed or rejected. A single misplaced label can cause your entire shipment to be returned — at your expense.
This guide explains every type of label Amazon requires, how to create them, where to place them, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Types of Amazon FBA Labels
Amazon FBA involves three main types of labels:
| Label Type | Purpose | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| FNSKU label | Identifies your product as yours | On each individual unit |
| Carton/box label | Identifies shipment contents | On each shipping carton (outside) |
| Pallet label | Identifies pallet for warehouse processing | On all four sides of the pallet |
Additional labels you may need:
| Label | When Required |
|---|---|
| Suffocation warning | On poly bags 5"+ opening |
| "FRAGILE" label | On fragile product cartons |
| "THIS SIDE UP" arrows | On liquid product cartons |
| "Team Lift" label | On cartons 30+ lb |
| Expiration date label | On products with shelf life |
| Hazmat warning label | On dangerous goods (batteries, aerosols, etc.) |
FNSKU Labels Explained
The FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is Amazon's unique identifier for your products. It's different from your product's UPC/EAN.
FNSKU vs UPC: What's the Difference?
| Aspect | UPC/EAN | FNSKU |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | GS1 (global standard) | Amazon |
| Format | 12-digit (UPC) or 13-digit (EAN) barcode | Starts with "X001" or "B001" |
| Purpose | Universal product identification | Amazon-specific product tracking |
| Required for FBA? | Yes (to list the product) | Yes (if not using Amazon's brand registry stickerless option) |
| Unique per seller? | No — same product has same UPC | Yes — different sellers get different FNSKUs |
When Do You Need FNSKU Labels?
| Scenario | FNSKU Required? |
|---|---|
| Selling a private-label product | ✅ Yes — must label each unit |
| Selling branded products (Brand Registry) | Optional — Amazon can use manufacturer barcode |
| Selling wholesale products | ✅ Yes — to track your specific inventory |
| Bundling multiple products | ✅ Yes — bundle needs its own FNSKU |
Best Practice: Always apply FNSKU labels, even if you're enrolled in Brand Registry. This ensures Amazon tracks your specific inventory and prevents commingling issues.
How to Create and Print FNSKU Labels
Step 1: Enable FNSKU Barcodes in Seller Central
- Go to Settings → Fulfillment by Amazon
- Under Product Barcode Preference, select Amazon Barcode (FNSKU)
- Click Save
Step 2: Download FNSKU Labels
- Go to Manage Inventory
- Select the products you want labels for
- Click Action on Selected → Print Item Labels
- Choose label format: - 30-up labels (1" × 2-5/8" on letter-size sheets) — most common - 50-up labels (smaller, for tiny products) - Thermal printer format — for Dymo/Zebra printers
- Download the PDF
Step 3: Print Labels
| Printing Method | Cost | Quality | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkjet/Laser printer | Low | Good | For small batches; use 30-up label sheets |
| Thermal printer (Zebra/Dymo) | Medium | Excellent | For high-volume; no ink needed |
| Professional printing service | Higher | Best | For large batches (1,000+ labels) |
| Supplier-applied labels | Lowest | Varies | Train supplier to apply during production |
Critical: Use white, opaque labels. Do not use transparent or semi-transparent labels — Amazon's scanners cannot read through them.
Step 4: Apply Labels
- Apply the FNSKU label on a flat, smooth surface of the product packaging
- Place it where it's easily scannable — not on curved edges or corners
- Ensure the label is flat and wrinkle-free
- Cover any existing barcodes with opaque labels
Label Placement Requirements
| Product Type | Label Placement |
|---|---|
| Boxed products | On the largest flat face, away from edges |
| Poly-bagged products | On the outside of the poly bag, flat surface |
| Bottles/cylinders | On a flat label panel if available; otherwise wrap around |
| Multiple items in one package | One FNSKU on the outside of the master package |
| Apparel | On the poly bag or hangtag; not directly on fabric |
| Shrink-wrapped items | On a flat surface over the shrink wrap |
Do NOT place labels on: - The bottom of the product - Curved or rounded edges - Over existing barcodes (unless covering them) - Opening seals (label may tear when opened)
Carton Labels for FBA Shipments
When you ship multiple units in cartons to Amazon FBA, each carton needs a shipping label:
How to Generate Carton Labels
- Create your FBA shipment plan in Seller Central
- After confirming shipment contents, Amazon generates carton labels
- Download the PDF — each carton gets a unique label
Carton Label Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Placement | On the top and one side of each carton |
| Visibility | Must not be covered by tape or other labels |
| Unique per carton | Each carton has a unique carton ID (e.g., FBA15ABCD123) |
| Box content info | Includes FBA shipment ID, carton number, and total carton count |
| Do not fold or cut | Labels must be intact and scannable |
Carton Content Labels (Optional but Recommended)
Amazon recommends including a carton content label inside each carton listing: - ASINs contained in the carton - Quantity of each ASIN - FBA shipment ID
Pallet Labels
For large FBA shipments shipped on pallets:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Label placement | On all four sides of the pallet (at eye level) |
| Pallet dimensions | 40" × 48" (GMA standard), max 72" tall (including pallet) |
| Overhang | No product overhang beyond pallet edges |
| Shrink wrap | Entire pallet must be shrink-wrapped with labels on top of the wrap |
| Weight limit | Max 1,500 lb per pallet |
| Stacking | Do not double-stack pallets unless Amazon approves |
Common Labeling Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Missing FNSKU on units | Shipment rejected; prep fees | Check every unit before shipping |
| Covering carton labels with tape | Scanner can't read; shipment delayed | Place labels on flat areas; avoid tape |
| Using transparent labels | Scanner can't read; unit unidentifiable | Use only white opaque labels |
| Wrong FNSKU on product | Wrong product shipped to customers | Double-check ASIN-to-label mapping |
| Labels on curved surfaces | Scanner can't read; manual processing | Place on flat surfaces only |
| Multiple barcodes visible | Confuses Amazon's system | Cover all barcodes except FNSKU |
| Faded or smudged labels | Scanner can't read | Use thermal printer or high-quality inkjet |
| Labels on bottom of carton | Warehouse can't find label | Place on top and one side |
Label Printing Best Practices
- Use a thermal printer: Zebra ZD421 or Dymo 550 are popular choices. No ink, no smudging, fast printing.
- Buy labels in bulk: 30-up label sheets cost $0.02–$0.05 each when bought in quantities of 1,000+.
- Print a test page: Always print one sheet and scan it with your phone camera to verify readability.
- Apply labels at the factory: Provide your supplier with pre-printed labels and clear instructions — saves $0.15–$0.30 per unit.
- Use a label applicator: For high volumes, a handheld label applicator speeds up the process and ensures consistent placement.
- Keep spare labels: Always print 5–10% extra labels in case some are damaged or misplaced.
Need Help Shipping From China?
Get a free quote from Skyler Logistics. We reply within 2 hours.
Request a QuoteFAQ
Q: Can I write on FNSKU labels? A: No. Do not write on, mark, or modify FNSKU labels in any way. If a label is damaged, print a new one.
Q: What size should FNSKU labels be? A: The standard size is 1" × 2-5/8" (25mm × 67mm). For small products, you can use 1" × 1" labels, but ensure the barcode is still scannable.
Q: Can I use my manufacturer's UPC instead of FNSKU? A: Only if you're enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry and have enabled "Stickerless, Commingled Inventory." However, using FNSKU is still recommended for better inventory tracking.
Q: How many carton labels do I need? A: One unique carton label per shipping carton. Place on the top and one side. If you have 20 cartons, you need 20 unique labels (40 printed total).
Need Professional Labeling Help?
Skyler Logistics offers professional FBA labeling services at our Shenzhen warehouse. We print, apply, and verify every label before shipping — ensuring 100% compliance with Amazon's requirements.
🏷️ Contact us at skylerlog.com — we handle labeling, prep, and shipping all in one place!
