PrepLabelQuick answer: For expiration-dated products, Amazon's guidance asks for the date in MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY format on each unit and on the shipping carton, and seller guides cite 36 pt or larger text on cartons. Pick the date and format above, add a lot number if you want one, choose a label size and download the PDF. The tool shows the text size it reached.
Date formats
| Format | Example | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| MM-DD-YYYY | 03-31-2027 | Default for US expiration-dated products |
| MM-YYYY | 03-2027 | Also accepted when the day isn't printed |
| DD-MMM-YYYY | 31-MAR-2027 | Month as letters; seller guides report this is accepted too |
| YYYY-MM-DD | 2027-03-31 | Medical devices, per seller guides |
| DD-MM-YYYY | 31-03-2027 | Some European marketplaces; confirm in your Seller Central |
If the original packaging shows the date in another format, or only shows a manufacturing date, cover it with a label in the accepted format. A lot number on its own isn't treated as an expiration date.
Text size: units vs cartons
The 36 pt figure seller guides quote is for the outside of the shipping box, where staff need to read the date at a glance. 36 pt is a type size of half an inch (12.7 mm), so “EXP 03-31-2027” at that size needs a label of about 3 × 2 in or larger (PrepLabel reaches 38 pt on 3 × 2 in and 52 pt on 4 × 2 in). Unit labels can be smaller, as long as the date is easy to read. The tool reports the size reached on the label you choose and tells you when it hits 36 pt.
Shelf life rules to plan for
- Seller guides quoting Amazon's policy say units need more than 90 days of shelf life left when they arrive, and units within 50 days of expiry are removed from sale.
- Each box should contain only one expiration date per ASIN. Split units with different dates into different boxes.
- Expiration labels are separate from the FNSKU label. PrepLabel keeps unit FNSKU labels to barcode, FNSKU, title and condition.
Multipacks, bundles and case packs
Seller guides describe the date going on the outer box or bundle and on every item inside it. If the items in a bundle you build have different dates, put the earliest one on the bundle label so nothing is sold past its date. Print the outer-box label at 36 pt or larger (4 × 2 in or bigger) and the unit labels on 2 × 1 in or 30-up sheets: choose the stock, set Number of labels or click Fill the sheet, and download each set.
Rules differ by category and marketplace, so confirm the current expiration-dated product requirements in Seller Central Help before you ship.
FAQ
What date format does Amazon FBA require?
Amazon's guidance for US expiration-dated products asks for MM-DD-YYYY or MM-YYYY. Medical devices use YYYY-MM-DD. Check Seller Central for other marketplaces.
How big should the expiration date be?
Seller guides cite 36 pt or larger on cartons. On units, the date needs to be clearly readable. PrepLabel shows the text size it reached on your label.
Can I add a lot number?
Yes. Type it in the lot field and it prints in smaller text under the date. A lot number alone doesn't replace the expiration date.
Can the expiration date go on the FNSKU label?
PrepLabel keeps the FNSKU unit label to the barcode, FNSKU, title and condition, and prints expiration dates as separate labels.
More PrepLabel guides
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. General information, not legal advice. Amazon changes its rules, so confirm current requirements in Seller Central.