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Professional FBA Labeling

FBA Labeling Service — 13,200 Units/Hour, 99.9% Accuracy

Amazon ended its own labeling service in 2026. PrepVia handles FNSKU labeling, poly bagging, and compliance at scale. Every label is scan-verified before dispatch so your inventory reaches Amazon without rejections, labeling defects, or delays.

~13,200/hr

Labeling Throughput

automated line

99.9%

Label Accuracy

verified scans

24–36 hr

Prep SLA

eligible workflows

35 hrs

FastLane Guarantee

or prep is free

Same Day

Onboarding

$0 setup fee

One of only 63 Amazon SPN Certified prep services nationwide.
Compliance Guide

Amazon's FBA Labeling Requirements

Everything sellers need to know about labeling products for Fulfillment by Amazon.

FNSKU vs. UPC / Manufacturer Barcode

Every unit sent to Amazon FBA needs a scannable barcode: a manufacturer barcode (UPC/EAN) or an Amazon FNSKU label, the barcode that starts with X and is tied to your seller account. Since March 31, 2026, only brand owners with the Brand Representative role in Amazon Brand Registry can send eligible units on the manufacturer barcode. Resellers, authorized resellers included, must apply an FNSKU even when the product has a UPC. Amazon also ended commingling on that date, so customers who buy from you only receive units from your own inventory.

Label Specifications

FNSKU labels must be between 1" x 2" and 2" x 3" in size, printed in black ink on white, non-reflective labels with removable adhesive. Amazon asks for a thermal or laser printer (never inkjet) at 300 dots per inch or more, and lists a barcode printed on a reflective surface as a cause of scan failures. The printed label must match the Seller Central format: the FNSKU (or ASIN), the product name and the item condition, with 0.25 inch of white space on the sides and 0.125 inch on the top and bottom. Every label must stay readable and scannable for 24 months.

Placement Rules

Labels must be applied to a flat, accessible surface of the product packaging, never on a curve or corner. Amazon requires 0.25 inch between the edge of the label and the edge of the packaging, and the barcode must still scan after any prep material is applied. Critically, the FNSKU label must cover every other visible barcode, such as the manufacturer UPC or EAN (serial number barcodes and Transparency codes excepted), to prevent the wrong barcode from being scanned during receiving.

Special Cases

Multi-packs and bundles sold as one unit must be packaged together and labeled as a set ("Sold as set," "Ready to ship" or "This is a set. Do not separate."), with a single scannable barcode for the set. Expiration-dated products must show the date as MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY (medical devices use YYYY-MM-DD, per FDA rule 21 CFR 801.18), on the outer box in 36-point or larger font and on each individual unit. Poly bags with an opening of 5 inches or more, measured flat, need a suffocation warning. A box over 50 pounds needs a "Team Lift" label on the top and sides, and a single item over 100 pounds needs a "Mechanical Lift" label. Missing labels can lead to refused inventory, disposal or return, blocked future shipments, or noncompliance charges.

Need a full breakdown? Read our Amazon FBA prep requirements guide for 2026.

Industry Update

Amazon Ended Its Labeling Service in 2026

In 2026, Amazon officially discontinued its FBA Label Service, the program that allowed sellers to pay Amazon $0.55 per unit to apply FNSKU labels at the fulfillment center. This means every unit must now arrive at Amazon already labeled and fully compliant. Sellers who previously relied on Amazon's labeling must now handle it themselves or use a third-party Amazon prep service.

For high-volume sellers, manual labeling is not sustainable. At 500 to 1,000 units per hour by hand, a 10,000-unit shipment takes 10 to 20 hours of labor. Errors compound at scale: a unit that arrives without the Amazon barcode it needs is marked defective and loses reimbursement eligibility. That is why professional FBA sellers are shifting to automated labeling services that deliver speed and accuracy simultaneously.

PrepVia's automated labeling line processes 13,200 FNSKU labels per hour with 99.9% scan-verified accuracy. Combined with our 24–36 hour prep SLA and FastLane 35H guarantee, your inventory goes from check-in to Amazon faster than any manual process can achieve.

Read the full story: Amazon FBA prep services are ending — what sellers need to know.

Our FBA Labeling Services

From FNSKU labels to poly bag combos, every service is built for Amazon compliance and speed.

FNSKU Labeling

We print and apply Amazon FNSKU barcodes to every unit, covering existing manufacturer barcodes. Each label is verified with a scan-after-apply process for 99.9% accuracy.

Suffocation Warning Labels

Required on poly bags with an opening of 5 inches or more, measured flat, unless the bag already carries it. We apply the warning text Amazon specifies, in the minimum print size Amazon sets for the bag dimensions.

Set/Bundle Labels ("Sold as Set")

Multi-pack and bundle items need a "Sold as Set" or "Ready to Ship" label so Amazon doesn't split them. We label every bundle correctly to prevent inventory errors.

Expiration Date Labeling

Consumables, supplements, topicals and other expiration-dated products need a visible expiration date, and Amazon does not accept perishable items. We verify dates and apply labels in the format Amazon requires: MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY, or YYYY-MM-DD on medical devices, as FDA rule 21 CFR 801.18 requires and the Amazon expiration page lists.

Box ID Labels

Every carton shipped to Amazon FBA needs a unique Box ID label. We generate and apply box content labels that match your shipment plan exactly.

Poly Bag + Label Combo

Products that need poly bagging and FNSKU labeling are handled in a single workflow. We bag, seal, apply suffocation warnings, and label in one pass for maximum efficiency.

Side-by-Side Comparison

DIY vs. PrepVia Labeling

See why high-volume sellers choose automated Amazon 3PL labeling over manual work.

Metric
DIY Labeling
PrepVia
Cost Per Unit
$0.05–$0.10 in materials, plus your labor
Competitive per-unit pricing
Non-Compliance Exposure
Refused units, blocked shipments, noncompliance charges
Scan-verified before dispatch
Labeling Speed
500–1,000 units/hr (manual)
13,200 units/hr (automated)
Accuracy Rate
Error-prone at scale
99.9% verified accuracy
Your Time
Hours of manual labor
Zero seller time
Compliance Risk
High — easy to mislabel
Low — scan-verified process
Scalability
Limited by your hands
Handles 40,000+ unit shipments

Still deciding? Read the honest comparison: outsource FBA labeling or keep it in-house.

Simple Process

How It Works

From your warehouse to Amazon FBA in four steps. No complexity, no guesswork.

01

Send Inventory

Ship your products to our Miami, FL warehouse. Use Pre-Fulfillment Requests to create your shipment plan before inventory arrives.

02

We Label & Prep

Our automated line prints and applies FNSKU labels, poly bags, suffocation warnings, and any required prep at 13,200 units/hour.

03

We Ship to Amazon

Prepped inventory is dispatched to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers. FTL shipments reach eligible FCs within hours of departure.

04

Track in Real-Time

Monitor every step from check-in through Amazon receiving in the PrepVia App. No guessing, no email chains.

Common FBA Labeling Mistakes

These labeling errors lead to refused inventory, receiving delays, noncompliance charges, and blocked shipments. PrepVia's scan-verified process prevents all of them.

Wrong Barcode Type

Mistake: Sending reseller units on the manufacturer UPC instead of an FNSKU

Since March 31, 2026, only brand representatives in Brand Registry can send eligible units on the manufacturer barcode. A reseller unit without an Amazon barcode is marked defective, reported on your Inbound Performance Dashboard, and not eligible for reimbursement.

Label Placed on Seam or Curve

Mistake: Applying label across a box seam, edge, or curved surface

The barcode may not scan. Amazon lists a label placed around a corner or curve as a cause of unscannable barcodes, and placement failures can delay processing and bring unplanned prep service fees.

Existing Barcode Not Covered

Mistake: Leaving manufacturer UPC or EAN visible alongside FNSKU

Amazon may scan the wrong barcode during receiving, the exact error its rule to cover every other visible barcode exists to prevent. A unit whose barcode does not match the product shows up as mislabeled in your Shipping Queue.

Poly Bag Too Thin or Unsealed

Mistake: Using poly bags under 1.5 mil thickness or leaving them open

Amazon requires bags of at least 1.5 mil, fully sealed. A unit that misses the bagging rules can draw a preparation defect fee, and prep failures can lead to refused inventory or blocked future shipments.

Missing Suffocation Warning

Mistake: Omitting the required suffocation warning on poly-bagged items

Amazon may re-bag the item, and prep failures can lead to refused inventory, disposal or return, blocked future shipments, or noncompliance charges.

Missing or Incorrect Expiration Date

Mistake: No expiration label or wrong date format on consumable products

A missing date can delay receiving or get units received as expired. Units already past expiry when they arrive are marked for disposal and cannot be returned to you.

Official Amazon Partner
Amazon Service Provider Network (SPN)
PrepVia is officially verified as a service provider within the Amazon Service Provider Network (SPN) — one of only 63 approved prep operations nationwide. Our Amazon prep service meets Amazon's strictest infrastructure and operational standards.
  • Amazon SPN verified provider
  • Meets Amazon infrastructure standards
  • Operational excellence certified

One 3PL for All Your Channels

Amazon Seller Central integration for fulfillment and inventory management

Amazon Seller

eBay fulfillment and inventory integration

eBay

Walmart marketplace fulfillment integration

Walmart

Etsy order fulfillment integration

Etsy

Shopify fulfillment and inventory integration

Shopify

WooCommerce fulfillment integration

Woo Commerce

TikTok Shop fulfillment integration

TikTok Shop

Direct to Consumer

Distribution

Import / Export

Amazon Seller Central integration for fulfillment and inventory management

Amazon Seller

eBay fulfillment and inventory integration

eBay

Walmart marketplace fulfillment integration

Walmart

Etsy order fulfillment integration

Etsy

Shopify fulfillment and inventory integration

Shopify

WooCommerce fulfillment integration

Woo Commerce

TikTok Shop fulfillment integration

TikTok Shop

Direct to Consumer

Distribution

Import / Export

Case Pack, Carton and Pallet Labeling for Wholesale FBA

Unit labels are one third of the job on a wholesale shipment. The carton and the pallet carry the other two.

  • Case packs. The carton count is verified against the packing list, and any barcode on the outside of the case is covered, because Amazon requires barcodes on the case to be removed or covered so the wrong code is not scanned at receiving.
  • FBA box labels. Printed from the Amazon shipment created through the PrepVia API, with box content information submitted per carton.
  • Pallet labels. Four per pallet, on the pallets we build for LTL and FTL shipments on Amazon partnered carriers, with the bill of lading attached to the shipment record.
  • Expiration and warning labels. Expiration dates, suffocation warnings and Sold as set labels applied per ASIN requirement, scan-verified at 99.9%.

Shipping pallets and case quantities every month? See wholesale FBA prep at volume and the 3PL prep center for Amazon sellers.

FBA Labeling — Common Questions

Do you offer an Amazon case pack labeling service?

Yes. Case packs get the FNSKU on each unit when the listing requires it, the barcodes on the outside of the case covered (Amazon requires them removed or covered so the wrong code is not scanned), an FBA box ID label from the shipment, and four pallet labels per pallet when the shipment moves as LTL or FTL. Carton counts are verified against the packing list at receiving, and the box content goes to Amazon through the PrepVia API, so what Amazon scans matches what left the dock.

Can you label master cartons and pallets for wholesale FBA shipments?

Yes. Master cartons are labeled per Amazon box content rules, pallets get the four pallet labels Amazon requires, and the bill of lading is produced with the partnered carrier booking. Wholesale shipments of 1,000 to 40,000 units a month run on the 3PL workflow described on the Amazon 3PL page.

What is FBA labeling?

FBA labeling is the process of printing and applying Amazon-compliant FNSKU barcodes to every unit you send to Fulfillment by Amazon warehouses. Amazon uses FNSKU labels to identify your specific inventory and track it separately from other sellers. Proper labeling also includes suffocation warnings on poly-bagged items, expiration date labels on consumables, and "Sold as Set" labels on bundles.

What is the difference between FNSKU and UPC?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a manufacturer barcode shared across all sellers of the same product. An FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique Amazon barcode tied to your specific seller account. Since March 31, 2026, Amazon lets only brand owners with the Brand Representative role in Brand Registry send eligible units on the manufacturer barcode; every reseller, authorized resellers included, must apply an FNSKU even when the product has a UPC. Amazon ended commingling on the same date, so customers who buy from you only receive units from your inventory.

What are Amazon's label size requirements?

Amazon requires FNSKU labels between 1" x 2" and 2" x 3", printed in black on white, non-reflective labels with removable adhesive, on a thermal or laser printer (not inkjet) at 300 dots per inch or more. The label needs 0.25 inch of white space on the sides and 0.125 inch on the top and bottom, and shows the FNSKU, the product name and the condition. Place it on a flat surface, never on a curve or corner, with 0.25 inch between the edge of the label and the edge of the packaging, and cover every other visible barcode except serial number and Transparency codes. The label must stay scannable for 24 months. For poly-bagged items, the suffocation warning print size depends on the bag dimensions.

Does Amazon still offer labeling services?

No. Amazon stopped offering prep and item labeling services, including its FBA Label Service, for US shipments created on or after January 1, 2026, meaning sellers can no longer pay Amazon to label products at the fulfillment center. All units must arrive at Amazon already labeled with the barcode Amazon requires, an FNSKU for every reseller unit. This makes it essential to either label products yourself or use a professional FBA labeling service like PrepVia. You can read more about this change in our blog post about Amazon FBA prep services ending.

How much does FBA labeling cost?

DIY labeling looks cheap on paper: about $0.05 to $0.10 per unit in thermal label stock and ribbon. The real cost is everything around it. At 500 to 1,000 units per hour by hand, a 10,000-unit shipment consumes 10 to 20 hours of someone's week, and a labeling or prep error can cost far more than the label: Amazon can refuse the inventory, dispose of or return it, block future shipments, or charge for the prep, and units that were not properly labeled are not eligible for reimbursement. Professional prep services charge a transparent per-unit rate that decreases with volume; PrepVia's rates are on our pricing page.

What happens if my labels are wrong?

Incorrect FBA labels cause a chain of problems. If a unit that needs an Amazon barcode arrives without one, Amazon marks it as defective, applies a barcode itself, and reports the defect on your Inbound Performance Dashboard, and units not properly labeled are not eligible for reimbursement. If a barcode cannot be scanned or does not match the product, the problem shows up in your Shipping Queue. Amazon's stated consequences for prep and labeling failures are refusal of inventory, disposal or return, blocking of future shipments, and charges for preparation or noncompliance, and Amazon warns that an account can be at risk of suspension when inventory does not meet its shipment requirements. PrepVia's scan-verified labeling process delivers 99.9% accuracy to prevent these issues.

How fast can PrepVia label my products?

PrepVia's automated labeling line processes approximately 13,200 FNSKU labels per hour. Our standard prep SLA is 24 to 36 hours for eligible workflows. For sellers who need even faster turnaround, our FastLane 35H program guarantees your inventory goes from PrepVia check-in to Amazon FBA delivered status within 35 hours — or prep is free. This makes PrepVia one of the fastest FBA labeling services in the United States.

Do you handle poly bagging and suffocation warnings too?

Yes. PrepVia handles the full range of FBA prep services, including poly bagging, suffocation warning labels, bubble wrap, expiration date labeling, set/bundle labels, and box content labels. Products that need both poly bagging and FNSKU labeling are processed in a single workflow so there's no double-handling or extra wait time. All prep is done to Amazon's current FBA requirements.

How fast can I get started?

Same-day onboarding. Sign up on the PrepVia app, create your first shipment, and start sending inventory — all in the same day. No setup fees, no minimums, no waiting period.
Stop Labeling. Start Selling.

Stop Labeling. Start Selling.

13,200 units/hour. 99.9% accuracy. 24–36 hour SLA. Unit, case pack and pallet labels. No hidden fees.

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