Amazon FBA Box Labels: A Guide for Sellers in 2025
Navigating the different labels required for Amazon FBA can feel overwhelming at first. However, once you understand the purpose of each label, the entire process becomes much clearer and easier to manage.
Ensuring that your Amazon FBA box labels are correctly applied is crucial. Mistakes in labeling can lead to delays or even rejection of your inventory at Amazon’s warehouse. This means your products won’t be available for sale, potentially disrupting your cash flow and business operations.
Let’s break down the essential labels needed for your Amazon FBA shipments and their specific functions.
Essential Labels for Amazon FBA Shipments
While the number of required labels might seem extensive, each one plays an important role in the fulfillment process. Here’s a detailed look at the key labels you’ll need:
FBA Box ID Label
This label is placed on each shipping box and allows Amazon to identify its contents. There are strict guidelines for formatting and placement, which we’ll cover later in this guide.
Shipping Carrier Label
As the name suggests, this label is for the shipping company you use (such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS) to send your products to Amazon FBA. Every box must have this label, but it’s important to place it without covering the FBA Box ID Label to ensure smooth processing.
FNSKU Label
This barcode label is crucial for Amazon to scan and track your inventory accurately. You can generate and print this label directly from Seller Central. Each product unit must have its own FNSKU label. If you’re selling a bundled product set, you only need one FNSKU label for the entire set, not for each individual item inside.
To avoid scanning errors, ensure that no other barcodes are visible on your product. Using poly bags with a barcode-blocking surface is an effective way to prevent accidental scans.
Country of Origin Label
If your products are imported (e.g., manufactured in China), they must have a visible country of origin label. Many imported items already include this label, but it’s best to double-check to remain compliant with customs regulations.
Suffocation Warning Label
If your products are packaged in poly bags with an opening of 5 inches (12.5 cm) or larger, you must include a suffocation warning label. Some poly bags come with this warning pre-printed, but if yours don’t, you’ll need to add a separate label.
Team Lift Label
For boxes weighing more than 50 lbs, you must attach a “Team Lift” label. This serves as a safety precaution to indicate that multiple people are needed to lift the box safely.
Mechanical Lift Label
For boxes exceeding 100 lbs, Amazon requires a “Mechanical Lift” label. This informs warehouse workers that special equipment is needed to handle the package.
Fragile Label
If your products are delicate or prone to breaking, applying a “Fragile” label is a good practice. This helps ensure that your shipments are handled with extra care during transport and storage.
Amazon FBA Labeling Requirements & Best Practices
Each box you send to Amazon FBA must have a unique FBA Box ID Label. Amazon enforces strict rules on labeling, so following these guidelines will help you avoid delays or issues with your shipments.
FBA Box ID Label Size
Amazon specifies that these labels should be 3 1/3 x 4 inches (8.4 cm x 10.2 cm). If using a thermal printer, you can print them on 4×6 inch labels instead.
Include All Necessary Labels
Every box must have both an FBA Box ID Label and a Shipping Carrier Label (FedEx, USPS, etc.). These labels should be placed close to each other to streamline the receiving process at Amazon’s warehouse.
Proper Label Placement
Labels should be applied smoothly and flatly, avoiding any seams or box openings. Place them at least one inch away from the box edges to prevent damage during handling.
Label Every Box in Your Shipment
Failing to label all boxes properly can result in delays and, in some cases, Amazon may block your future shipments. Always double-check to ensure each box is correctly labeled before sending them.
Pallet Labeling
If you’re shipping a palletized load, you need to attach four pallet labels—one on the center of each side of the pallet.
Shipping Multiple Case Packs
When sending multiple case packs within a larger box, only the outer shipping box requires an FBA Box ID Label. The individual case packs inside do not need their own FBA labels.
Avoid Printer Scaling Issues
You can print your labels using a laser printer or a thermal printer. Amazon’s Seller Central tools are optimized for thermal printers, but a laser printer works just fine if that’s what you have. Just make sure your printer settings don’t scale or resize the labels, as this could affect readability.
General FBA Box Weight Limits:
Standard Limit: 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per box.
For Oversized or Heavy Items: Up to 100 lbs (45.4 kg) (requires labeling as “Team Lift”).
For Extremely Heavy Boxes: Over 100 lbs (requires labeling as “Mechanical Lift”).
Rules:
- If a single unit weighs over 50 lbs, Amazon allows it, but the box must be labeled accordingly.
- Boxes exceeding 50 lbs must be labeled as “Heavy Package” on the top and sides.
- No single side of the box should be longer than 25 inches, unless it’s an oversized item.
- Follow Amazon’s fragile product and hazardous materials guidelines if applicable.
Most commonly question asked is the difference between SKU labels and FBA Shipment labels?
The difference between SKU labels and FBA shipment labels lies in their purpose and placement in Amazon’s fulfillment process.
SKU Labels (FNSKU Labels)
- Purpose: Identify individual products uniquely within Amazon’s fulfillment network.
- Format: Usually contains a FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) barcode and product details.
- Placement: Placed directly on each unit of the product.
- Required for: All products sent to FBA, unless using manufacturer barcodes (UPC/EAN).
- Example Use: If you are selling a private-label product, you must apply an FNSKU label to each unit so Amazon can track it to your seller account.
FBA Shipment Labels
- Purpose: Identify and track the entire shipment sent to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Format: Contains Amazon’s shipment ID barcode and carrier tracking details.
- Placement: Affixed to the exterior of each shipping box/carton.
- Required for: Every box or pallet sent to Amazon’s warehouse.
- Example Use: When shipping a case of products to Amazon, you print and attach an FBA shipment label to the box so Amazon can scan and process the entire shipment.
FBA SKU Sticker Label Dimensions
Amazon allows multiple label sizes to accommodate different product types and packaging. Here are the standard dimensions for FBA SKU labels:
Common Label Sizes:
- 1″ x 2-5/8″ (25.4 mm x 66.7 mm) – Most commonly used.
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2″ x 3″ (50.8 mm x 76.2 mm) – Ideal for larger products.
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40 mm x 30 mm – Suitable for smaller items.
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50 mm x 25 mm – Another small-size option.
These can be directly purchased on Amazon from Here.
These sizes ensure that the label is readable and scannable while fitting properly on your product packaging.
Final Thoughts on Amazon FBA Box Labels
After reading this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the different types of labels required for Amazon FBA shipments. Proper labeling is essential to ensure smooth processing, avoid delays, and maintain your cash flow.
If handling labels yourself seems overwhelming, you can always outsource this task to an Amazon prep center service. The choice depends on the scale of your business and how much time you want to dedicate to fulfillment.
By following Amazon’s labeling guidelines correctly, you can ensure your products reach their destination without any unnecessary complications. Happy selling!
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