For US and European Amazon sellers, mastering FBA first-leg labeling isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s the key to avoiding costly shipment rejections, delays, and lost sales. When moving inventory from your supplier (domestic or international) to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, even a tiny labeling mistake can derail your entire logistics chain. Amazon’s FBA labeling rules are strict, and they vary slightly between the US and EU markets. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to stay compliant, streamline your first-leg shipping, and get your productsputaway (on the shelf) faster.
Why FBA First-Leg Labeling Compliance Matters
Amazon’s fulfillment centers process millions of packages daily. Clear, accurate labeling ensures your inventory is correctly identified, sorted, and stored—so it’s ready to fulfill customer orders quickly. Non-compliant labels lead to:
Shipment rejection: Amazon will refuse to accept your goods if labels don’t meet their standards, forcing you to rework and reship at extra cost.
Delayedputaway (listing): Even minor labeling issues can cause weeks of delays, leading to stockouts and lost revenue during peak seasons.
Fines or penalties: Repeat non-compliance may result in temporary restrictions on your FBA account.
For US and EU sellers sourcing from global suppliers, the first leg of your shipment (from supplier to Amazon FBA) is where labeling mistakes most often occur. Working with a logistics partner that understands regional labeling rules can eliminate these risks.
Core FBA First-Leg Labeling Requirements (US & EU Common Standards)
While there are regional nuances (covered below), Amazon enforces universal labeling rules for all FBA first-leg shipments. Here’s what you need to get right:
1. Product Labels (FNSKU vs. ASIN)
Every individual product unit (and each box, if shipping case-packed items) must have a scannable FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label. This is Amazon’s unique identifier for your inventory—do not use your own SKU or ASIN as the primary label.
Requirements for FNSKU labels:
Size: Minimum 1 x 2 inches (2.54 x 5.08 cm); maximum 3 x 4 inches (7.62 x 10.16 cm).
Format: Barcode must be a GS1-128 or UPC-A; text must be legible (minimum 8-point font).
Placement: Affix to a flat, unobstructed surface of the product/box. Avoid corners, seams, or areas that may be covered by tape.
Duplication: For large or irregularly shaped items, apply two labels (one on the front, one on the back) to ensure scannability.
2. Box Labels (Shipment Labels)
Each box in your first-leg shipment must have an Amazon shipment label (generated through Seller Central) and a carrier label (for your logistics provider).
Box label rules:
Visibility: Shipment labels must be clearly visible—do not cover with tape (use clear tape if needed to protect the label).
Information: Labels include your shipment ID, Amazon FBA center address, and a scannable barcode.
Multiple labels: If a box weighs over 50 lbs (22.68 kg) (US) or 30 kg (EU), add a “Heavy Package” label. For boxes over 100 lbs (45.36 kg) (US only), include a “Team Lift” label.
3. Label Material & Quality
Amazon requires labels to be printed on durable, water-resistant paper or synthetic material. Avoid paper labels that can smudge, tear, or fade during transit. Use a high-quality printer (thermal printers are recommended) to ensure barcodes are scannable—blurry or low-resolution labels will be rejected.Regional Differences: US FBA vs. EU FBA First-Leg Labeling
US and EU Amazon markets have specific labeling requirements you must address to avoid compliance issues. Here’s what sets them apart:
US FBA Labeling Nuances
Country of Origin (COO) labels: Required for most products imported into the US. The label must clearly state “Made in [Country]” in legible text. This is enforced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), not just Amazon.
Hazardous materials: If shipping products like batteries or cosmetics, you need additional UN/DOT labels (e.g., “Lithium Battery” labels) per US Department of Transportation rules.
Pallet labeling: For palletized shipments, each pallet must have a unique pallet label (generated in Seller Central) and be shrink-wrapped securely. Pallets must be standard 40 x 48 inches.
EU FBA Labeling Nuances
CE Marking: Mandatory for most products sold in the EU. The CE mark must be visible on the product or its packaging, along with the manufacturer’s name/address.
Language requirements: Product labels (including FNSKU) must include information in the local language of the EU country where the FBA center is located (e.g., German for FBA centers in Germany, French for France).
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) labels: For certain products (e.g., electronics, packaging, textiles), you may need EPR-compliant labels to meet EU environmental regulations.
Pallet standards: EU FBA accepts standard 80 x 120 cm pallets. Each pallet must have a EUR-pallet label and comply with EU pallet safety standards.
Common FBA First-Leg Labeling Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced sellers make labeling errors. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to prevent them:
Using ASIN instead of FNSKU: Amazon relies on FNSKUs to track your inventory—ASINs are shared across multiple sellers. Always generate FNSKUs via Seller Central.
Overlapping labels: Never place Amazon labels over carrier labels or vice versa. This blocks scanners and causes delays.
Ignoring regional requirements: Forgetting COO labels in the US or CE marking in the EU is a top cause of shipment rejection. Verify regional rules before shipping.
Handwritten labels: Amazon does not accept handwritten labels—they are unprofessional and often unreadable by scanners.
Insufficient label placement: Labels on curved or uneven surfaces may not scan. Use flat surfaces and add duplicate labels for large items.
How a Professional Logistics Partner Simplifies FBA First-Leg Labeling
For US and EU sellers sourcing from global suppliers, managing FBA labeling across regions can be overwhelming. A professional international logistics partner with FBA expertise can take the hassle out of compliance by:
Providing FBA-compliant labeling services: From printing FNSKU labels to applying COO, CE, or hazardous material labels.
Auditing your shipment: Checking labels for accuracy and compliance before they reach Amazon’s fulfillment center.
Navigating regional regulations: Ensuring your labels meet US CBP, EU Customs, and Amazon’s latest requirements.
Streamlining the first leg: Coordinating from supplier pickup to FBA delivery, with full visibility into your shipment’s status.
Take Action: Secure FBA Labeling Compliance & Avoid Delays
FBA first-leg labeling compliance doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right knowledge and a trusted logistics partner, you can eliminate errors, speed up your shipment timeline, and keep your Amazon business running smoothly.
Ready to ensure your next FBA first-leg shipment meets all US and EU labeling requirements? Contact us today for a free FBA labeling compliance check and personalized logistics quote. Our team of FBA experts will guide you through every step—from label design to final delivery to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Don’t let labeling mistakes cost you time and money—let’s make your FBA first leg seamless.
