In our previous article, For Amazon Sellers: How to Pack Your Products for FBA, we covered the very first step to prepare for Amazon FBA delivery. In this article, we are going to address another equally important issue: how to label your inventory. Actually this step is closely tied to the packing process, so we recommend you study these two steps together.
Today, we’ll mainly focus on the types of labels required for FBA, as well as labeling requirements you need to follow to keep your delivery streamlined. Let’s get started!
FNSKU labels are the most important label type for FBA. You have to label it on the packaging, otherwise, FBA warehouses won’t accept your inventory. In this article, Amazon FBA Labels: A Quick and Easy Guide for FBA Sellers , we introduced FNSKU barcodes in detail. Today, we will simply show you its compartments and some important requirements.
An FNSKU barcode looks like this.
There are three parts on it: Amazon barcode, Product name and product condition. Each unit you sell need a FNSKU barcode. If you are selling one water bottle, you label one FNSKU label; if you are selling four separate water bottles, you label four FNSKU labels on each of them.
If you are selling four water bottles together, you are selling it as a set. This set is a unit. So you only apply one FNSKU label on it. Except for the FNSKU label, for products sold as a set, you are also required to apply a “Sold As Set“ or “Ready to Ship” label on it.
Note: If you already have your UPC barcode or any type of barcode, you must remove them or cover them with a FNSKU label.
2. Country of Origin Label
If you are importing products outside of USA, you are required to mark country of origin in English according to US Customs . For example, products that are exported to the United States form China must be labeled with “Made in China”. Some sellers choose to print this directly on the packing material or together with other labels, like suffocation labels, to save time and improve efficiency. Some food sellers print this together with food gradients.
3. Suffocation Labels
We have listed in the packaging requirements for poly bagged products that a poly bag must have a suffocation label if it is with an opening larger than 5 inches (12.7 cm). Some bag suppliers print a suffocation warning directly printed onto the bags. This is very convenient. However, if you wish to have a separate suffocation label applied on your product for aesthetic reasons，you can print it out. This is totally okay.
4. Brand Name Labels
This is not a necessarily required label. But if you want to register your brand on Amazon or require a GTIN exemption using your brand name, you must have your brand name on the product.
5. Outer Carton and Pallet Label
An outer carton means the box that carry many units in it to ship to FBA fulfillment center. Don’t get confused. It’s not the single unit you are going to sell.
Outer Carton Label and Pallet Label Requirements:
Size: The standard size for each label is 3 1/3 x 4 inches (8.4 x 10.2 cm). Labels can also be printed in 4 x 6 inches (10.2 x 15.2 cm) if you have a thermal printer.
Location: Place the label in a flat position, away from the box seams, and in an uncovered space to make scanning easier for the warehouse.
Carrier data: Include the carrier label along with the FBA box ID label.
Place both the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) box ID label and the carrier label (UPS, FedEx, or other SPD carrier) on a flat surface of the box so the barcodes don’t fold over the edges or corners.
If you’re shipping multiple case packs in a larger box, apply the FBA box ID label to the larger box. You don’t need to apply labels to the individual case packs
If you ship by sea：
A pallet is required if you ship by sea. If you are sending a lot of inventories and need to use a pallet，check the policy for less than truckload (LTL). Each pallet you send requires four pallet labels, one on the top center of each side.
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6. Expiration Dates Labels
If you are selling a products with an expiration date, they must be applied with an expiration date label.
· Expiration Date Format
Must be clearly displayed in MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY format.
If the product shows a different date format (e.g., DD-MM-YYYY), you must:
Apply a new sticker with the correct format.
Cover the original expiration date completely.
· Label Visibility and Size
The expiration date must be printed in 36-point font or larger.
· Special Packaging
For products that require additional packaging (e.g., poly bags or bubble wrap):
The expiration date label must be:
Applied on the outside of the final packaging.
Still follow the correct date format and font size rules.
7. Overweight Labels
According to Amazon's regulations, the maximum weight for carton packaging is 22.5 kg (50 lbs). If a single item being sold exceeds 22.5 kg (50 lbs), a clearly visible “Team Lift” label must be affixed to the carton to indicate that team handling is required.
If the carton weighs more than 45 kg (100 lbs), a clearly visible “Mech Lift” label must be affixed to indicate that mechanical assistance is required for handling.
Marketing materials are not allowed
In Amazon fulfillment center, the following marketing materials are not allowed. They may affect the Amazon pricing system and decrease the delivery efficiency.
Pre-priced labels. For example, priced product tag, eg., $9.99 sticker.
Pamphlets. Any form of advertising flyers or brochures are not allowed.
Price tags. Any individual price tags, whether printed or handwritten are not allowed.
Non-Amazon labels. Any branded labels, promotional Stickers, or third party barcode labels unrelated to Amazon are not allowed.
IMPORTANT WARNING: UNPLANNED SERVICE FEES
If your shipment arrives at the fulfillment center without the required labels or prep, FBA will charge an unplanned service fee for every unit. These charges can add up quickly and impact your profitability. Please review the requirements carefully before shipping. To check the fee rates, refer to this link .
Where to buy FBA Shipping Labels
If you’re looking for a reliable source for FBA-compliant shipping labels, Betckey is a great option. Betckey offers a wide variety of label sizes that are fully compatible with Amazon’s requirements — including FNSKU barcode label, Sell As Set label and 4" x 6" thermal shipping labels for outer cartons and pallets. for country of origin labels, suffocation warning labels, brand labels, and expiration date labels, you can also find suitable sized labels.
Whether you're a first-time seller or a high-volume shipper, having the right labels on hand makes your workflow more efficient and helps you stay compliant with Amazon’s FBA standards.
Conclusion
Labeling your products correctly for FBA isn’t just about compliance — it’s about making your workflow efficient and preventing costly delays or fees. From FNSKU barcodes to outer carton labels, every detail matters. Take the time to prepare properly, and you’ll set your business up for smooth, hassle-free FBA deliveries.
In the series article, How to Create an Amazon FBA Inbound Plan A Step-by-Step Guide (2025), we introduced the entire process of creating FBA inbound plan using the latest Amazon interface. Check it out to complete the final step for your FBA delivery!
About Betckey
Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit betckey.com and get 10% off purchases over $150 with code Betckey10 and 15% off over $400 with code Betckey15! Sign up now and we'll send you a $5 discount code towards your first purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!
Efficient Labeling Solution for FBA with Betckey Thermal Labels
We have used these for the last 2 years, and they are much better than the previous labels we used. They do not fade, or curl, and printing is crisp with no bleed.
