Short answer: Before stock goes to an Amazon.ae fulfilment centre, every unit needs a scannable barcode (usually an FNSKU label), items that can leak, break or get dusty need the right packaging, sets must be bundled and labelled as one unit, and cartons must meet Amazon’s size, weight and labelling rules. Checking these points before shipping prevents rejections, extra fees and delays.
Amazon’s requirements change, so always confirm the current rules for your products in Seller Central before you ship. Use this checklist as your working list.
1. Listing and shipment set-up
- Product listed on Amazon.ae with correct dimensions and weight
- Barcode type confirmed: Amazon FNSKU label or manufacturer barcode (if allowed for your brand)
- Shipment plan created in Seller Central with correct quantities per SKU
- Destination fulfilment centre noted
2. Unit labels
- One FNSKU label per sellable unit, matching the SKU in the shipment
- Label printed clearly and scannable, not on a curve or seam
- Any other barcodes on the packaging covered, so only the FNSKU scans
- Labels applied at the factory or on arrival in the UAE – whichever is cheaper and safer
3. Packaging by product type
- Liquids: sealed caps, secondary seal or bag to stop leaks
- Fragile items (glass, ceramics): bubble wrap or box so the item survives a drop test
- Textiles, plush, items that collect dust: sealed polybag with a suffocation warning where required
- Sharp items: edges covered so they can’t cut handlers
- Small items: bagged or boxed so they don’t get lost
4. Sets and bundles
- Items sold together packed as one unit (bag or box)
- Label “Sold as set – do not separate” where required
- Only the bundle’s FNSKU visible; individual item barcodes covered
5. Cartons
- Carton weight and dimensions within Amazon’s current limits for your marketplace
- Strong, undamaged corrugated boxes; no old labels
- One SKU per carton where possible, or mixed cartons declared correctly
- Box content information entered and carton labels printed from Seller Central
- Carton labels on a flat side, not across seams
6. Delivery
- Delivery appointment booked where required
- Proof of delivery kept
- Received quantities checked in Seller Central after check-in; discrepancies raised quickly
Common reasons stock is rejected or delayed
| Problem | How to prevent it |
|---|---|
| Missing or unreadable barcodes | Print at the correct size and check with a scanner before shipping |
| Two scannable barcodes on one unit | Cover the manufacturer barcode when using FNSKU |
| Overweight or oversized cartons | Weigh and measure every carton against current limits |
| Loose sets | Bundle and label as one unit |
| Leaking or broken items | Use the right packaging for the product type |
Doing the same for Noon?
Noon (Fulfilled by Noon, FBN) has its own labelling and carton rules. If you sell on both marketplaces, prepare each shipment against that marketplace’s current requirements and keep the stock and labels separate.
Frequently asked questions
Can my supplier do FBA prep before shipping? Yes. Many sellers send FNSKU label files to the factory so units are labelled and bagged during packing. Check the labels during the pre-shipment inspection, because relabelling in the UAE costs more.
What is an FNSKU? An FNSKU (Fulfilment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is the barcode Amazon uses to identify your unit in its fulfilment network. It links each unit to your seller account, so your stock isn’t mixed with other sellers’ units.
Do I need a prep service in Dubai? It helps if you import from several suppliers, sell on both Amazon and Noon, or don’t have space and staff to label and pack thousands of units. A prep service checks every carton against the rules before delivery.
Related: Amazon FBA & Noon FBN Prep service · Private label vs white label vs OEM · Request a quote.
