Amazon Shipping Label Requirements | Tips for FBA Sellers

Sellers rely on Amazon FBA for good reason. The program lets merchants use Amazon’s supply chain to store, pick, pack and ship items. It’s simple and convenient. However, some brands still have trouble understanding the rules of FBA. One main example are the Amazon shipping label requirements.

Proper labeling is key to Amazon FBA. It’s what lets Amazon keep track of your inventory.

Thus, any mishap in your shipping label translates to delays in logistics and sales.

To prevent this scenario, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you comply with Amazon’s shipping label requirements.

Let’s dive right in.

What is an Amazon Shipping Label?

FBA sellers can use 3 shipping modes:

• Small Parcel Delivery (or SPD). These are product bulks packed inside individual boxes. The service provides delivery via UPS, FedEx and DHL, across the US.
• Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL). This option is for package bulks. The idea is to set up shipping pallets that weigh over 150lbs.

As for labeling, it does not matter which shipment option you choose. All your boxes and pallets should include an Amazon FBA Label.

Source: ProjectFBA

FBA is a big operation, managing thousands of products daily. It’s key that Amazon knows where to locate each box at a moment’s notice.

Shipping labels help the warehouse manage your inventory for you. This includes package collection, storage, shipment and distribution.

Amazon Shipping Label Requirements

Now, Amazon is very strict when checking ID labels for FBA boxes.

There are several requisites to create a proper FBA box ID label.

Here is the full list:

• Size matters. The standard measure for each label is 3 1/3 x 4 in. (or 8.4 x 10.2 cm). You can also print in 4×6 in (10.2 cm x 15.2 cm), provided you own a thermal printer.
• Location. Place the label in a flat position, away from the box seams. Also, make sure it’s in an uncovered space. This will make scanning easier for the warehouse.
• Carrier data. Include the carrier label along with the FBA box ID label.
•  Pallet labels. Your pallets require 4 ID labels. Place one on the top middle of each side before shipment.

There are also a few considerations to note for printing Amazon shipping labels:

• Print each label separately. FBA labels are unique to each package. So, avoid reusing a single label for several boxes.
• Printing. Shipping labels should be readable and scannable for up to 2 years. To help ensure this, set the resolution at 300 dpi, and the scaling to none or 100%.
• Printer options. Amazon optimizes seller documents for thermal printers. You can also use laser printers. However, always abstain from using inkjet printers.
• Label paper. Print all FBA labels with black ink, on white, non-reflective paper. Also, use a font size 8 to improve readability
  • Use a font that distinguishes the letter O from the number 0, and the lowercase L from the uppercase I.

When using SPD delivery, each box must feature a unique FBA box ID label. Amazon will return or dismiss any unlabeled package.  

You can also use only one FBA label, provided you ship various packages in one large box. This is the best option for LTL or FTL shipping parcels.

And remember, always use the FBA box ID label format. Also, make sure you comply with these specifications. Improper compliance could force Amazon to block your shipments.

Amazon Shipping Label Specifications

Proper labeling is the key to fast deliveries in Amazon FBA. Not only that, but labels also store your seller and product’s data.

Therefore, shipping labels ensure that buyers get the right item from the right brand. Merchants

can help the process by designing standard FBA box ID labels.

Here’s an example:

Source: Amazon Seller Central 

Let’s review the label specifications, one by one:

• Ship From. Submit the seller’s name and address.
• Ship To. Include the Amazon warehouse address.
• FBA Shipment Identifier. This is the barcode that distinguishes your parcels. Each SPD box should have a unique code.
• Internal Use Only. This is the data below the FBA barcode, which states the following:
  • Product unit quantities.
  • “Mixed SKUs” statement, for parcels containing products with different SKUs.
  • “Partial case” statement, for a large box containing multiple parcels.
• Prep Required. State if boxes need any preparation at the warehouse. This section appears at the left of “Internal Use Only”.
• Seller Use Only. Place any seller-specific data below the “Internal Use Only” section.
• Item Type. Indicate if the parcel contains “media” or “non-media” products.

Effective labels are simple and easy to scan. So, don’t overstuff. Make sure you include the essential details to speed up the shipping process.

Here are the key details to include in your Amazon shipping label:

• Product name and conditions
• Seller information
• Amazon FNSKU barcode

Related content:

Amazon FNSKU Barcode

Products already feature a manufacturer’s barcode. Think of ISBN, UPC or EAN codes, which brands use to track their own stock.

Amazon uses said codes to track items, and to deem if a product is fit for shipment. But Amazon also has the FNSKU barcode.

FNSKU stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit. The code is exclusive to Amazon.

We recommend all sellers use the FNSKU code, if possible. How so? This barcode helps Amazon distinguish similar items from different sellers.

An Amazon FNSKU barcode will help you ensure your products stand out in the warehouse. Plus, it’ll speed up the fulfillment process, and reduce delivery mishaps.

Related content: How to Get the Amazon FNSKU Number

How Do I Create a Shipping Label on Amazon?

Sellers have three main options to print Amazon shipping labels. Let’s take a look at each:

Amazon FBA Label Service

The first option is to let Amazon print your labels.

To do so, you need to enroll in Amazon’s FBA Label service.

All you need to do is send your product to the warehouse. From that point on, Amazon takes care of labeling each product, at $0.55 per item.

You can also take advantage of the FBA Prep and Label services. By using this program, you also give Amazon permission to pack your items. You can consult the service’s fees here.

Enroll in Amazon Partnered Carrier

This service connects you with Amazon-approved carriers to fulfill orders.

Here are the program’s key benefits:

• Cut shipping rates down for sellers.
• Stock your products at any convenient warehouse.
• Amazon assumes responsibility for damaged or lost items.
• The warehouse gives priority management to your stock.
• Easy tracking from Amazon Seller Central.

Amazon personally negotiated shipping rates with approved carriers. This way, enrolled sellers can supply stock at cost-effective prices.

Related content: Inside Amazon Partnered Carrier

Do It Yourself

You can always take matters into your own hands!

Amazon provides sellers with all they need to print labels from Seller Central.

The only external requisites are a thermal or laser printer, and the ideal paper type. Plus, the printing process is quite simple to follow:

1. Log in to Seller Central, open the Inventory tab, and click on Manage FBA Inventory.  Here, you’ll find all your existing shipment queue.  
2. Choose the shipment or product you want to print labels for. Click on Edit and the select Print item labels.

Source: DigigyOR

4. Submit the box dimension details (quantity and size). Here, you can also include any label preferences you deem necessary.
5. Done!

   Finally, select Confirm, and then click on Print labels. Amazon will also provide you with a copy of the shipping labels.

Source: DigigyOR

Make sure you follow the printing conditions we stated in the Amazon Shipping Label Requirements section above.

Final Thoughts

Amazon FBA sellers follow a set of rules to get their inventory stored in the warehouse. Proper labeling is one of those key tenets.

Improper compliance on labeling could set your revenue back in the long run.

Therefore, make sure you keep an eye on this tiny, but crucial part of your logistics. 

As mentioned, the key is to keep correct item entries in your stock lists.

Once you take care of that, and get a hold of a quality printer, the whole process becomes a walk in the part.

Or you can also consider the Amazon Partnered Carrier program. It’s a great option to protect your inventory and cut down delivery times.

No matter your choice, proper labeling will relieve you from shipping pains.

Author

Esteban Muñoz is a content writer at AMZ Advisers, with several years’ experience in digital marketing and e-commerce. Esteban and the AMZ Advisers team have been able to achieve incredible growth on Amazon for their clients by optimizing and managing their accounts, and creating in-depth content marketing strategies.

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