Amazon FBA Label Requirements 2026 — Complete Checklist

Introduction

Amazon FBA rejects shipments at the fulfillment center for label issues every single day. FC rejection means your inventory doesn't count as received — you'll be charged storage fees and may miss sales. This guide prevents that.

FBA label requirements are stricter than any other Indian or global platform. Amazon's fulfillment centers use automated scanning at every step — any label that doesn't scan first-try creates an exception that delays your shipment.

For a file-level preflight, use the Barcode Readability Checker as an additional diagnostic, then verify a physical print against Amazon's current Seller Central guidance.

FBA Label Requirements Checklist

Use this before sending any shipment to Amazon FBA:

FNSKU: The Most Critical Requirement

1. Go to Amazon Seller Central

2. Inventory → Manage All Inventory

3. Find your product → click dropdown → "Print Item Labels"

4. Select quantity and format (PDF or ZPL for thermal) Download and print — each label contains your FNSKU

What is FNSKU?

How to get your FNSKU

FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is an Amazon-specific barcode that identifies your item within Amazon's network. It is different from ASIN and UPC/EAN.

Print Quality: Why 300 DPI Matters for FBA

• Use 300 DPI printer if sending to FBA (Zebra ZT230, TSC THX series) 203 DPI acceptable but higher rejection risk Test each batch with a smartphone barcode scanner before sending Never use inkjet for FBA — smudge risk during FC handling

Amazon's FC scanners are calibrated for 300 DPI labels. At 203 DPI, the probability of a scan exception increases significantly, especially for labels that have been in transit.

Placement Rules (Often Misunderstood)

• Flat surface — never over seams, curves, or rounded corners

• Back of product or most visible flat face

• Must fully cover any existing barcode (manufacturer UPC/EAN) Centered on the placement surface when possible Label must not fold over an edge (scanners see both sides and get confused)

• Label placed over zipper or seam — wrinkles after transit

• Label on curved surface — loses adhesion and bubbles

• Label partially covering existing barcode — both barcodes try to scan

• Label on clear packaging — background visible through label confuses scanner

• Label on bottom — misses automated scanning on conveyor

"My first FBA shipment had 40% scan exceptions at the FC because I was putting labels on the curved sides of shampoo bottles. Moved to flat tops and exceptions dropped to zero." — Amazon India FBA seller

Correct placement

Common placement mistakes that cause FC rejection

Suffocation Warning Label (For Poly Bags)

• Bags with opening ≥ 5 inches need warning

• Warning must be in the same language as product listing

• Print directly on bag: "WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation..."

• Minimum font size: 10pt

• Both FNSKU label AND suffocation warning required

If you're selling in poly bags, Amazon requires a suffocation warning printed directly on the bag or a separate suffocation warning sticker — not a separate loose card.

If Your FBA Shipment Gets Rejected

• Check the rejection reason in Seller Central → Shipping Queue → Shipment summary

• Most common: "Label issue" or "Product not received"

• Request re-label service (costs ~$0.15–0.30 per unit) Or arrange shipment return to your address Re-label following requirements, ship again Contact Seller Support with photos if rejection seems incorrect