Amazon FBA Labeling Requirements 2026: Complete Guide for Sellers
November 20, 2025
One of the most common reasons Amazon sellers face problems at fulfillment centers is incorrect labeling. A wrong barcode, missing label, or improperly placed sticker can cause delays, extra fees, or even returned shipments. Here is everything you need to know about FBA labeling requirements in 2026.
FNSKU vs ASIN Barcodes
Amazon uses two main types of barcodes for inventory tracking:
FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit): This is Amazons internal barcode. Every unit sent to FBA must have an FNSKU label. It is unique to your seller account and product.
ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): This is the generic product identifier. If you sell the same ASIN as other sellers, Amazon may commingle your inventory unless you use FNSKU labels.
Important: Always use FNSKU labels for FBA shipments unless you have specifically opted into Amazon commingled inventory.
Where Do You Get FNSKU Labels?
You can print FNSKU labels directly from Seller Central:
1. Go to Inventory > Manage Inventory
2. Click the dropdown next to the product
3. Select Print Item Labels
4. Choose your label size (usually 30-up or 1-up per page)
If using a prep center like SNS Prep Center, simply provide your ASINs and we generate and apply the correct FNSKU labels for every unit.
Label Placement Requirements
Amazon has strict rules about where labels go:
- Standard products: Place the FNSKU label on the outside of the product packaging, covering any existing barcodes
- Poly-bagged items: The label goes on the outside of the poly bag
- Bundled items: Label on the outer bundle packaging
- Expiration-dated items: Label must not cover the expiration date
- Keep the label flat and scannable do not wrap labels around corners
Label Format & Size
- Acceptable: 30-up Avery 5160 (1 x 2-5/8 inches) or similar
- Font must be clear and scannable
- Print using a laser printer or thermal printer (inkjet may smudge)
- Minimum resolution: 300 DPI
Products That Need Additional Labels
Some product categories require extra labeling:
1. Small Items (under 6 inches): Must be poly-bagged with suffocation warning label
2. Sharp Objects: Must have puncture-proof packaging and hazard labels
3. Liquids: Must be double-bagged and leak-proof
4. Hazmat Items: Require special hazardous material labels
5. Expiration-Dated Products: Date must be visible and labels kept away from it
Common Labeling Mistakes
- Using ASIN labels instead of FNSKU
- Placing labels over barcodes that scan differently (like UPC)
- Labels peeling off during transit use thermal or laser print only
- Crooked or wrinkled labels that cannot scan
- Multiple barcodes visible on packaging (must cover ALL old barcodes)
- Incorrect label orientation on bundles
How a Prep Center Handles Labeling
A professional FBA prep center can save you hours of tedious work. At SNS Prep Center, our labeling process is:
1. Receive inventory and verify contents
2. Generate FNSKU labels from your Amazon account
3. Apply labels to each individual unit
4. Cover any existing barcodes on the packaging
5. Quality check every labeled unit
6. Pack items for shipment to Amazon
Our pricing starts at just $0.35 per unit for labeling including materials. For high-volume sellers (10,000+ units), pricing drops even lower.
Final Checklist for FBA Labeling
Before sending any shipment to Amazon, double-check:
- Every unit has an FNSKU label
- Labels are flat with no wrinkles or bubbles
- All old barcodes are covered or removed
- Expiration dates (if applicable) are visible
- Poly bags have suffocation warnings
- Case pack labels match the contents
- Labels are printed with laser or thermal printer
Contact SNS Prep Center today and let us handle your FBA labeling from start to finish.
FNSKU vs ASIN Barcodes
Amazon uses two main types of barcodes for inventory tracking:
FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit): This is Amazons internal barcode. Every unit sent to FBA must have an FNSKU label. It is unique to your seller account and product.
ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): This is the generic product identifier. If you sell the same ASIN as other sellers, Amazon may commingle your inventory unless you use FNSKU labels.
Important: Always use FNSKU labels for FBA shipments unless you have specifically opted into Amazon commingled inventory.
Where Do You Get FNSKU Labels?
You can print FNSKU labels directly from Seller Central:
1. Go to Inventory > Manage Inventory
2. Click the dropdown next to the product
3. Select Print Item Labels
4. Choose your label size (usually 30-up or 1-up per page)
If using a prep center like SNS Prep Center, simply provide your ASINs and we generate and apply the correct FNSKU labels for every unit.
Label Placement Requirements
Amazon has strict rules about where labels go:
- Standard products: Place the FNSKU label on the outside of the product packaging, covering any existing barcodes
- Poly-bagged items: The label goes on the outside of the poly bag
- Bundled items: Label on the outer bundle packaging
- Expiration-dated items: Label must not cover the expiration date
- Keep the label flat and scannable do not wrap labels around corners
Label Format & Size
- Acceptable: 30-up Avery 5160 (1 x 2-5/8 inches) or similar
- Font must be clear and scannable
- Print using a laser printer or thermal printer (inkjet may smudge)
- Minimum resolution: 300 DPI
Products That Need Additional Labels
Some product categories require extra labeling:
1. Small Items (under 6 inches): Must be poly-bagged with suffocation warning label
2. Sharp Objects: Must have puncture-proof packaging and hazard labels
3. Liquids: Must be double-bagged and leak-proof
4. Hazmat Items: Require special hazardous material labels
5. Expiration-Dated Products: Date must be visible and labels kept away from it
Common Labeling Mistakes
- Using ASIN labels instead of FNSKU
- Placing labels over barcodes that scan differently (like UPC)
- Labels peeling off during transit use thermal or laser print only
- Crooked or wrinkled labels that cannot scan
- Multiple barcodes visible on packaging (must cover ALL old barcodes)
- Incorrect label orientation on bundles
How a Prep Center Handles Labeling
A professional FBA prep center can save you hours of tedious work. At SNS Prep Center, our labeling process is:
1. Receive inventory and verify contents
2. Generate FNSKU labels from your Amazon account
3. Apply labels to each individual unit
4. Cover any existing barcodes on the packaging
5. Quality check every labeled unit
6. Pack items for shipment to Amazon
Our pricing starts at just $0.35 per unit for labeling including materials. For high-volume sellers (10,000+ units), pricing drops even lower.
Final Checklist for FBA Labeling
Before sending any shipment to Amazon, double-check:
- Every unit has an FNSKU label
- Labels are flat with no wrinkles or bubbles
- All old barcodes are covered or removed
- Expiration dates (if applicable) are visible
- Poly bags have suffocation warnings
- Case pack labels match the contents
- Labels are printed with laser or thermal printer
Contact SNS Prep Center today and let us handle your FBA labeling from start to finish.