Amazon FBA Labeling Guide
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What shipping and barcode labels do you need for FBA compliance?
If you’re a small business getting ready to sell on Amazon, it’s important to label your shipments correctly. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you meet Amazon’s requirements for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and avoid delays or rejections.
Once you know which type of Amazon FBA labels you need, use the free Avery barcode generator to quickly create and order your barcode labels.
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Amazon FBA barcode labels
Amazon uses barcodes to keep orders and shipping running smoothly, and each item sent to an Amazon fulfillment center must have a barcode label. These Amazon FBA labels identify both your product and you as the seller so you get credit for every sale.
Types of barcodes Amazon uses:
- Manufacturer barcodes (UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN)
- Amazon barcodes (like FNSKU)
- Brand owner barcodes (Some items may also need a Transparency authenticity code to prevent counterfeits. Avery is an Amazon-approved provider of Transparency labels.)
What to include on Amazon FBA labels
If you’re printing labels yourself, be sure to follow these FBA labeling requirements:
- White space: ¼” on each side, ⅛” on top and bottom
- ASIN or SKU
- Product name
- Item condition (new or used)
Barcodes must be printed in black ink on matte white removable labels. Amazon FBA label sizes should be between 1″ x 2″ and 2″ x 3″. Amazon recommends Avery 1″ x 2⅝” labels for laser printing. For larger jobs, use direct thermal roll labels or packaged thermal labels with a thermal printer.
It’s smart to test your labels regularly to ensure they scan properly. Bad scans can result in rejected items and lost revenue.
Barcode label printing options
- Print them yourself using Amazon Seller Central and blank printable or thermal labels
- Use the product’s existing manufacturer barcode (if eligible)
- Let Amazon label the products for you (fees apply)
- Order custom printed barcode labels
Applying barcode labels
Don’t just stick the FBA label anywhere. Make sure it covers the original barcode and is placed flat—no wrapping around edges or corners. If your item is inside polybags or other outer packaging, place the Amazon FBA labels on the outside where it’s clearly visible and scannable.
For stickerless commingled inventory, ensure the original barcode is visible through the packaging or apply an Amazon label on the outside.
Need extra help? Watch this short Amazon video on FBA labeling requirements.
Other labels to consider
There are other labels you should consider using to keep your products safe, secure, and organized at the Amazon fulfillment center.
Polybag suffocation warning
Bags with an opening of more than 5 inches (when flat) must display a suffocation warning in the correct font size:
| Bag Size (L x W) | Minimum Font Size |
|---|---|
| 60″ or more | 24 pt |
| 40–59″ | 18 pt |
| 30–39″ | 14 pt |
| Less than 30″ | 10 pt |
Ready to ship
If your item is already packaged for the customer, mark it with a “Ready to Ship” or “Do Not Open” label. Then place it in a separate box for shipping.
Sold as a set
When multiple items are sold as one unit, wrap them together in a polybag, box, or shrink wrap and label them with “Sold as Set” so Amazon doesn’t separate them.
Expiration dates
For products with expiration dates, Amazon requires the date on both the master carton (in 36-point font or larger) and each unit. Dates must be in MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY format. If your packaging uses a different format, cover it with a correct label.
For more information on expiration-date requirements read Amazon’s expiration-dated FBA inventory.
Warning labels
It’s easy to create your own warning labels with Avery. Customize and order printed labels with your message, or choose blank labels by the sheet in a variety of bright colors and print them yourself using our free templates.
Amazon shipping label requirements
Once your barcode and warning labels are applied, it’s time to ship. Amazon shipping label requirements say all boxes and pallets should have shipping labels that meet the following guidelines:
- Every box needs a unique FBA box ID label
- Do not photocopy or reuse labels
- Place labels on flat surfaces—not seams or openings
- Each box must also have a carrier label (e.g., UPS, FedEx)
- Each pallet requires four pallet labels—one on the top center of each side
- For master cartons with case packs inside, apply the FBA box ID to the outside of the master carton only
How to order Amazon shipping labels
Avery makes it easy to get your FBA shipping labels. You can:
- Order custom shipping labels with your logo or branding
- Create and print your own using blank shipping labels
- Get fast turnaround and no setup fees no matter what option you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon requires barcode labels between 1″ x 2″ and 2″ x 3″. Avery 1″ x 2⅝” labels are recommended for laser printing.
Yes. Every item must have a scannable barcode label that meets Amazon’s FBA labeling requirements.
Yes, you can print labels through Amazon Seller Central using compatible label sheets or thermal labels.
Need more help?
Do you need more help creating your Amazon FBA labels? Please call our friendly customer care team at (800) 462-8379.
