Amazon FBA Labeling & Shipping Checklist

Unit Labeling

Every product unit must have a scannable barcode — either the manufacturer’s UPC or a unique FNSKU label — clearly affixed to the outside of the packaging. The FNSKU label is strongly recommended even if you are the sole seller, because it ties inventory to your seller account and prevents mix-ups.

• Apply one FNSKU barcode to every individual unit
• Do not place multiple barcodes on a single unit — it causes inventory stranding
• Use a thermal printer for crisp, scannable labels
• Ensure labels are firmly adhered and cannot peel off during transit

Product Packaging

Each product must be packaged so it arrives at the Amazon warehouse undamaged and ready for customer shipment. Amazon has specific rules for polybags, suffocation warnings, and oversized items.

• Use sturdy boxes or transparent polybags (sealed and properly labelled)
• Polybags larger than 5 inches must carry a suffocation warning
• Items over 20kg require a “Team Lift” sticker on the box
• Ensure packaging protects the product from damage during long transit

Box Specifications

Cartons sent to Amazon fulfillment centers must meet size and weight limits. Oversized or overweight boxes are commonly refused and incur additional fees.

• Standard cartons: minimum 5.9″ × 3.9″ × 0.9″, no side over 25″
• Oversized boxes: no side exceeding 29″
• Any box over 33 lbs must be marked “Heavy” or “Team Lift” on all sides
• Keep carton dimensions and weights accurate in Seller Central

Shipping Labels

Each outbound box must carry two labels: the FBA shipping label (containing the Amazon box ID) and the carrier’s bill of lading. Place them on adjacent sides of the carton. If shipping on pallets, shrink-wrap each pallet and apply Amazon’s pallet label to all four sides and the top.

• Apply FBA shipping label and carrier label on adjacent box sides
• Pallets must be shrink-wrapped and labelled on all four sides and top
• Confirm the correct shipment ID appears on every label
• Never cover existing labels — remove them or use opaque stickers

Quality and Consistency Checks

Before finalising any FBA shipment, run through these final checks to prevent warehouse rejection.

• Confirm every unit has exactly one scannable barcode
• Verify mixed-SKU cartons are separated by SKU — one SKU per carton
• Check that all carton weights in Seller Central match actual weights
• Inspect packaging for damage, loose seals, or missing warnings