When you send inventory to Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), you’ll need to follow our labeling requirements. Each unit of inventory needs an item label, and each box needs receiving labels that tell us what’s inside. In this guide, learn about acceptable labels and how to download them from Seller Center.
Download the WFS Routing and Packaging Guide for complete guidance.
Item barcodes and label guidelines
All items must have barcode labels on the outermost part of the sellable unit. The label helps us identify the item, so we’re storing and shipping the right item to customers.
- Place a readable and scannable label with GTIN (14 digits) or UPC (12 digits) on each unit's packaging. You may choose to buy a UPC or GTIN from GS1.
- EAN, vendor SKU number and FNSKU number are not acceptable barcodes or product identifiers.
- Each variant item must have a unique barcode. Variant items without unique barcodes will not be received and may be returned to you at your expense.
- You may include additional product details on a label as long as the correct barcode is included.
- Item labels must be visible and scannable when items are removed from the box they’re shipped in. The fulfillment center may refuse and return at your expense any unit that doesn’t have a scannable label with item data. We may also charge a fee if the item doesn’t contain a scannable barcode.
- Any damaged labels or barcodes will cause a delay in receiving time.
Where to place item barcodes or labels
Do not put the item barcode on the shipping box. It should be on the individual, sellable units only.
- You must cover up old labels and barcodes. Old manufacturer barcodes may cause confusion at the fulfillment center and lead to delays.
Country of origin
All items must be clearly and permanently marked with the country of origin. The label must be located where it can be seen while casually handling the item. Where the label goes depends on the item:
For clothing, a label stating “Made in . . .” qualifies.
For shoes, the country-of-origin label must physically be on both shoes in the pair. The country of origin needs to be on more than just the website or shoebox.
For some items, the country-of-origin label may go on the outer packaging.
Print item labels
Follow these steps to download item labels through Seller Center:
Log into Seller Center and go to the Inventory page.
Select the items you need labels for.
Choose the Print GTIN label option.
Choose the size and number of labels you need, then download.
Print labels and apply them to your items.
Print receiving labels
At the fulfillment center, we scan the WFS receiving label to verify the shipment and its contents. It is not a carrier label. Your receiving label must include:
- Return name and address (your information)
- Ship-to address (WFS facility)
- Shipment ID (generated by WFS)
- Shipment ID barcode or QR code (generated by WFS)
If you’re part of the box contents experience, your labels will have a unique QR code, as well as a box ID and GTIN. Go to WFS box contents to learn more about matching the right label to the right box.
Follow these steps to download receiving labels through Seller Center:
- Log into Seller Center and go to the Shipping Plans page.
- Select View plan.
- For each shipment, download the box or pallet receiving labels.
- Print and stick the labels to your boxes or pallets.
Where to place receiving labels
Put the receiving label left of center on the longest side of the box. If that’s not possible, place the label on the top side. If the label isn’t visible and detectable by our scanners, it may lead to delays in receiving.
You can download a packing list to remind you which items go in which boxes. From the shipping plan summary page, select Review item packing to view and download.
Labels for mixed SKU boxes
If you’re sending a box with multiple items inside, do not show the item barcode or label on the box. This will cause confusion during receiving since the barcode may not reflect all items inside.
In addition, you must add STOP labels to the mixed SKU box. This lets our associates know they should break-pack the box. The label must include the following language:
- STOP | MIXED MERCHANDISE | RECEIVE AS BREAK PACK
You must have three STOP labels on the box, one per long side and one on top. At least one STOP label must be near the receiving label.
Print carrier labels
If you’re using the Walmart Preferred Carrier Program, you’ll also need to need to download a carrier label. This is what the carrier will scan during pickup to deliver to the correct address. Follow the same steps as above to download your carrier labels.