What You’ll Learn

The essential FBA product labels required for every inbound shipment to Amazon
Step-by-step instructions for FNSKU, “Made in China” and safety labels
Common labeling mistakes that lead to rejected shipments and how to avoid them
When to use Amazon’s FBA Label Service versus self-labeling

Why Correct FBA Labeling Matters More Than You Think

Amazon rejected an estimated 12-18% of FBA inbound shipments in 2025 due to labeling errors, according to seller community data aggregated by Jungle Scout (Jungle Scout, “State of the Amazon Seller Report,” 2025). A single rejected shipment can delay your product’s availability by 2-4 weeks and cost hundreds of dollars in return freight and restocking fees. With Amazon’s inventory limits tightening — the average seller saw a 15% reduction in storage limits in 2025 — getting labeling right on the first attempt has never been more critical.

This guide covers every label requirement for FBA shipments from China, from FNSKU barcodes to country-of-origin markings, so you can send your inventory to Amazon with confidence. Our inspection and labeling service can apply every label below before your shipment leaves our Shenzhen warehouse.

1. FNSKU Barcode — The Most Important Label

Every individual unit sent to Amazon FBA must have an FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) barcode. This is Amazon’s internal tracking code, not the manufacturer’s UPC or EAN. The FNSKU is generated in Seller Central when you create a new FBA listing.

Label specifications:

Format: Code 128 barcode, 1.5 inches (38mm) wide minimum
Placement: On the outside of the product packaging, on a flat surface
Covering: Do not cover the FNSKU with tape or laminate — scanners must read it directly
Quantity: One FNSKU per sellable unit

Amazon uses FNSKU to track inventory from the moment it arrives at the fulfillment center until it is shipped to the customer. A missing or unreadable FNSKU is the most common cause of inbound shipment rejections.

2. “Made in China” Label

All products imported into the United States must be marked with the country of origin. For FBA shipments from China, this means each unit must display a clear “Made in China” label. This requirement comes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations (Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 134.11).

Labels must be legible, permanent, and placed in a conspicuous location. Acceptable formats include:

Printed directly on the product packaging
A sticker label affixed to the product or its packaging
Embossed or molded into the product itself (for durable goods)

3. Amazon FBA Box Labels (Shipment ID Labels)

Each carton in your FBA shipment needs a box label printed from Seller Central. This label contains the shipment ID and barcode that Amazon’s receiving team scans upon arrival.

Critical rules:

Print on adhesive labels — never use regular paper and tape
Place one label on each carton, on the side, not on the top or bottom seals
Do not cover the label with tape or packing material
Two labels per carton if contents are divided (one for each pallet side)
Each carton must weigh 50 lbs (22.7 kg) or less for standard shipments

4. Warning and Safety Labels

Depending on your product category, additional safety labels may be required:

Lithium-ion battery products: UN3480 / UN3481 battery handling labels and Class 9 hazard labels on cartons
Children’s products: CPSIA tracking labels (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) including batch/run number and manufacturer information
Electronics: UL or FCC compliance markings where applicable
Small parts warning: Required for products intended for children 3+ but containing small parts

5. Expiration Date Labels (Consumables Only)

For food, supplements, beauty products, and any item with an expiration date:

The expiration date must be clearly printed on the unit packaging
In-date inventory must have at least 90 days of shelf life remaining upon arrival at the fulfillment center
Amazon may remove inventory with fewer than 50 days remaining at its discretion
Expiration date format: month/day/year (e.g., 09/2027)

Common Labeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Based on Amazon’s inbound shipment error reports, these five mistakes account for nearly 70% of labeling-related shipment rejections:

FNSKU covered with tape or laminate: Barcode scanners cannot read through transparent tape. Always apply the label after any protective wrapping, never before.
Wrong barcode type (UPC instead of FNSKU): Amazon FBA requires FNSKU, not the manufacturer’s UPC. Verify the barcode type in Seller Center before printing labels.
Missing “Made in China” on individual units: A box-level label is not sufficient — each unit needs its own country-of-origin marking.
Multiple FNSKU labels on one unit: Each unit should carry exactly one FNSKU. Remove any old or duplicate barcodes before shipping.
Poor print quality on box labels: Streaked, smudged, or low-contrast barcodes may fail scanning. Use a laser printer for box labels whenever possible.

When to Use Amazon’s FBA Label Service

Amazon offers an FBA Label Service for a per-unit fee (currently $0.30–$0.55 per unit depending on category). This service applies FNSKU labels to your products at the fulfillment center after they arrive.

Best candidates for the Label Service:

Products with complex packaging that makes label placement tricky
Small runs where hiring an inspection/labeling service is not cost-effective
Sellers who want to outsource the labeling process entirely

Consider self-labeling when:

You have large, consistent shipments with standard packaging
Your products need multiple labels (FNSKU + Made in China + warnings) — self-labeling ensures everything is applied correctly
You want to avoid the per-unit service fee, which becomes significant at volume

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the manufacturer’s barcode from the packaging?

Yes, if the manufacturer’s barcode (UPC/EAN) could be scanned instead of the FNSKU. Either cover it with an opaque sticker or ensure the FNSKU is placed on a different surface that scanners will read first. Amazon’s receiving scanners read the first barcode they detect.

Can I use a thermal printer for FNSKU labels?

Direct thermal labels are acceptable, but thermal transfer labels are preferred for durability. Direct thermal labels can darken over time or when exposed to heat, making them unreadable. If using direct thermal, test a sample by covering it and leaving it in a warm environment for 24 hours to simulate shipping conditions.

How do FBA labeling requirements differ for European fulfillment centers?

European FBA centers generally follow the same FNSKU-based system, but country-of-origin labels must be in the local language of the destination country (e.g., “Fabriqué en Chine” for France). CE marking is required for applicable product categories. Additionally, the UK requires a UKCA mark (post-Brexit) for certain products, separate from the CE mark.

Conclusion

Proper FBA labeling is the single most controllable factor in ensuring your inbound shipments are received without delays or rejection. By following this checklist — FNSKU, Made in China, box labels, and any product-specific warnings — you can significantly reduce the risk of your shipments being returned or delayed.

For sellers manufacturing or sourcing from China, working with a third-party inspection and labeling service can ensure all labels are applied correctly before the shipment leaves the factory. This upfront investment often pays for itself by eliminating costly delays and return shipping fees.

If you currently source from China and need professional labeling services for your FBA shipments, our team can handle FNSKU application, Made in China marking, and compliance labeling at our Shenzhen warehouse before your goods ship internationally.

Amazon FBA Labeling Requirements: A Complete 2026 Checklist