Amazon FNSKU & Carton Labels: China Prep Compliance Guide

Amazon’s labeling and packaging requirements can make or break your FBA shipment success. Incorrect labels cause receiving delays, stranded inventory, and expensive rework fees that can quickly eat into your margins. We’ll walk you through Amazon’s actual requirements versus industry best practices for FNSKU placement, carton labeling, and packaging standards—all based on our photo-verified prep processes in China. We reply within one business day to help you avoid costly compliance mistakes.

FNSKU Label Requirements and Placement

Understanding FNSKU Labels and Amazon’s Requirements

Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) labels are unique barcodes that Amazon uses to identify your specific inventory within their warehouses. Here’s what Amazon’s FNSKU labeling requirements actually require versus what’s considered best practice:

Amazon’s FNSKU Label Requirements:

• Black barcode on white, non-reflective background
• Human-readable FNSKU number below the barcode
• Must be scannable by Amazon’s systems
• Placed on a flat surface where it won’t be damaged

Typical Label Specifications (Industry Best Practice):

• Size: Usually 1″ × 2″ to 2″ × 3″ depending on product
• Format: Code 128 barcode (standard for Amazon)
• Print quality: 300 DPI for clean scanning
• Material: Thermal transfer labels for durability

What Goes on the FNSKU Label: Amazon requires only two elements on your FNSKU label:

1. The scannable FNSKU barcode
2. Human-readable FNSKU number

Only one scannable barcode should be exposed on the sellable unit. We mask or remove manufacturer barcodes when applying FNSKU labels.

Important: The FNSKU label does NOT require your product title, seller name, or “Made in China” marking. Country of origin marking goes separately on your product or packaging per customs requirements, not on the FNSKU label itself.

FNSKU Placement by Product Category

Electronics and Tech Products:

• Place on product packaging, never directly on the device
• Avoid covering ventilation holes, screens, or important product information
• We apply labels to clean, flat packaging surfaces and photo-verify placement before shipping

Apparel and Textiles:

• Use sewn-in labels, hang tags, or place on polybag exterior
• Never place directly on fabric that customers will handle
• Each size variation needs its own individual FNSKU
• We coordinate with your suppliers to integrate labeling into the manufacturing process

Books, Media, and Paper Products:

• Place on back cover or spine without interfering with content
• Must completely cover any existing barcodes (ISBN, UPC) to prevent scanning conflicts
• Only one barcode should be scannable
• We ensure proper barcode masking and test scannability before shipping

Toys and Children’s Products:

• Always place on packaging exterior, never on the toy itself
• Cannot cover safety warnings, age recommendations, or certification marks
• CE marks and safety information must remain visible and unobstructed
• We maintain expertise in toy safety labeling requirements

Home and Garden Items:

• Place on flat packaging surfaces or permanent product areas
• For outdoor products, we use weather-resistant adhesives
• Large items may need multiple placement options—we determine optimal positioning
• Assembly products get labels on main packaging, not individual components

Scannability Best Practices

While Amazon doesn’t specify exact technical parameters, these practices help ensure your labels scan reliably:

• Avoid placing labels on curved surfaces, especially tight curves
• Prevent wrinkles, bubbles, or adhesive residue that affects readability
• Don’t place on high-gloss or reflective surfaces
• Ensure adequate contrast between barcode and background

We scan-test every label batch before application and photo-verify final placement to catch potential scanning issues before your products reach Amazon.

Amazon Carton Labeling Standards

Required Amazon Shipping Labels

Amazon Shipping Label Placement: Amazon requires their shipping labels on the largest flat surface of each carton, avoiding seams, tape joints, and edges. These labels contain:

• FBA shipment ID and destination warehouse
• Amazon tracking barcode(s) per shipment
• (Box numbers/contents are handled electronically by default; a physical content label is optional and covered below.)

We ensure proper label placement and photo-verify each carton before carrier pickup.

Box Content Information Requirements

Electronic Box Content (Required): Amazon requires box content information to be submitted electronically through Seller Central during your “Send to Amazon” workflow. This includes all ASINs and quantities in each carton.

Physical Box Content Labels (Optional Best Practice): While not required by Amazon, many sellers add physical box content labels for easier warehouse handling. These might include:

• List of ASINs and quantities
• Sequential box numbers (Box 1 of 10, etc.)
• Weight information

We validate your shipment plans electronically and can apply optional physical content labels for easier handling.

Amazon’s 50-Pound Carton Rule

Standard Weight Limit:

• Individual cartons cannot exceed 50 pounds per Amazon packaging & box weight limits
• This applies to the total weight of the sealed carton

Single Sellable Unit Exceptions: When a single sellable unit weighs more than 50 pounds, different rules apply:

• 50-99 lbs: Apply “Team Lift” labels
• 100+ lbs: Apply “Mechanical Lift” labels
• These heavy item labels are only for single units that naturally exceed weight limits

Special Handling Labels When Required: These are carrier/handling best practices (not universal Amazon requirements) used when product sensitivity or routing requires them:

• “Fragile” for delicate items
• “This Side Up” for orientation-sensitive products
• Suffocation warnings for polybags over certain sizes per Amazon polybag & suffocation warning guidance

We weigh every carton and apply appropriate labels based on actual contents and Amazon’s requirements.

Packaging Durability and Best Practices

Amazon’s Packaging Performance Requirements

Amazon requires that your packaging survive their fulfillment network handling, but they don’t specify exact technical standards. Instead, they expect packages to arrive undamaged and ready for customer shipment.

Industry Best Practices for Amazon-Bound Packages: Many successful sellers follow established packaging test standards like ISTA-1A or ISTA-3A, which include:

• Drop testing from various heights and angles
• Vibration testing to simulate transport
• Compression testing for stacking strength
• Environmental conditioning for temperature and humidity changes

Common Packaging Performance Targets (Not Amazon Requirements):

• Edge Crush Test (ECT): 32+ rating for standard corrugated cartons
• Burst strength: 200+ PSI for boxes up to 50 lbs
• Materials that can handle typical warehouse stacking and handling

Environmental Considerations for Ocean Freight

Moisture and Temperature Protection: China-to-US ocean freight exposes packages to humidity, temperature swings, and potential condensation. We recommend:

• Moisture barrier bags or desiccants for sensitive products
• Corrosion-resistant materials for metal components
• Robust sealing to prevent moisture intrusion
• Breathable packaging to prevent condensation buildup

We coordinate with your prep facility to implement appropriate environmental protection based on your specific products and shipping routes.

Common Receiving Errors and How We Prevent Them

Top Amazon FBA Receiving Rejections

1. FNSKU Scanning Issues

• Problem: Labels placed on curved surfaces, covered by tape, or damaged during transport
• Our Solution: We place labels only on flat surfaces, use quality materials, and photo-verify before shipping

2. Carton Weight Violations

• Problem: Individual cartons exceeding 50-pound limit
• Our Solution: We weigh every sealed carton and redistribute contents when necessary

3. Box Content Mismatches

• Problem: Actual contents don’t match electronic shipment plan
• Our Solution: We double-count all contents and photo-document each carton before sealing

4. Missing or Incorrect Amazon Shipping Labels

• Problem: Wrong warehouse destinations or outdated shipment IDs
• Our Solution: We validate current shipment plans in real-time before label application

5. Packaging Damage During Transit

• Problem: Products arrive with compromised packaging integrity
• Our Solution: We follow ISTA testing protocols and use appropriate protective packaging

6. Barcode Conflicts

• Problem: Multiple scannable barcodes causing system confusion
• Our Solution: We completely mask existing barcodes and ensure only FNSKU codes are scannable

7. Prohibited Materials in Inbound Cartons

• Problem: Unrelated marketing materials or supplies in shipping cartons
• Our Solution: We maintain strict separation between sellable units (which may contain compliant inserts) and inbound shipping cartons (which contain only inventory)

Downloadable Compliance Checklists

Pre-Prep Verification Checklist

Product Information Verification:

• [ ] FNSKU codes generated and verified in Seller Central
• [ ] Product-specific labeling requirements researched
• [ ] Country of origin marking requirements confirmed (separate from FNSKU)
• [ ] Hazmat classifications verified if applicable

Prep Facility Readiness:

• [ ] Label printer calibration and test prints completed
• [ ] Product-specific placement templates created
• [ ] Quality control scanning procedures established
• [ ] Staff trained on category-specific requirements

Amazon Compliance Review:

• [ ] Current FBA packaging requirements verified
• [ ] Electronic shipment plans created with correct destinations
• [ ] Box content information prepared for electronic submission

During-Prep Quality Control Checklist

FNSKU Label Application:

• [ ] Print quality verified through scanning test
• [ ] Placement on flat, clean surfaces confirmed
• [ ] Existing barcodes completely masked
• [ ] Label adhesion tested for transport durability
• [ ] Photo documentation completed

Carton Preparation:

• [ ] Individual carton weights under 50 lb verified
• [ ] Contents match electronic shipment plan exactly
• [ ] Amazon shipping labels applied to largest flat surfaces
• [ ] Sequential box numbering completed if using physical labels
• [ ] Special handling labels applied when required

Packaging Integrity:

• [ ] Appropriate protective packaging for product sensitivity
• [ ] Sealing integrity verified for ocean freight conditions
• [ ] Environmental protection (desiccants, barriers) added when needed

Post-Prep Shipping Checklist

Documentation and Submission:

• [ ] Box content information submitted electronically in Seller Central
• [ ] Amazon shipment confirmations completed
• [ ] Commercial invoices and packing lists accurate
• [ ] Carrier pickup scheduled and tracking obtained

Final Quality Assurance:

• [ ] Random sample inspection of completed prep work
• [ ] Photo documentation package organized and filed
• [ ] Quality certificates issued by prep facility
• [ ] Carrier damage inspection completed at pickup

Frequently Asked Questions

How We Help from China

We manage the complete labeling and prep process: sourcing quality labels → precise application following Amazon guidelines → scan testing every batch → photo verification of placement → applying Amazon shipping labels → submitting electronic box content information → optional ISTA drop testing for packaging validation → coordinated carrier handoff with full tracking.

Our photo-verified approach catches compliance issues before they become expensive Amazon receiving problems. Ready to help ensure Amazon compliance for your China-sourced products?

Get a Quote | Talk on WhatsApp

We reply within one business day.

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Additional Resources:

• Complete FBA sourcing from China guide covering supplier coordination and shipping optimization
• Learn about quality control and inspection standards with our AQL calculator
• Explore photo-verified FBA prep in China services and pricing