Last Updated: September 19, 2025
In this blog, we’ll answer a common question among Amazon sellers: how long is an FBA shipping label good for before it expires? Drawing from extensive real-world testing, I will clarify the true expiration window and shares insider tips for keeping your shipments on track.
“Though My Eyes Could See, I Still Was a Blind Man”
The question of how long Amazon FBA shipping labels last is common, not only because it’s a concern for sellers but also because there seems to be no indication in any help files on their system what the answer is. Steven Pope, founder of My Amazon Guy and arguably the world’s pre-eminent thought leader on the e-commerce giant, has helped hundreds of retailers sell thousands of products – and knows through personal testing what the answer is.
“Rest Your Weary Eyes”
If you’ve bought a shipping label through Amazon Seller Central and you’re wondering how long the box will last – in other words – for how long you can send the shipping label out before it expires and Amazon will refuse check-in, the answer is AT LEAST 30 days. Through thorough testing with a personal manufacturer, there has never been a problem with anything up to eight weeks.
“On a Stormy Sea”
A seller may encounter challenges in LTL (Less Than Truckload shipments where individual boxes are combined on pallets for delivery), particularly those coming from China into the United States, as is frequent these days. Even with all the restock limitations in the haphazard supply chain at Amazon, they have deleted shipments if there’s no progress update in 90 days.
That being said, and as mentioned before, you can be assured that a UPS label bought from Seller Central for an FBA shipment will last a minimum of 30 days and very likely up to 60 or 90 days. Pushing past the three-month barrier is when it becomes precarious and is, obviously, therefore not recommended.
“Don’t You Cry No More”
So, if you created a shipment but have an extra box hanging around, you can rest comfortably in the knowledge that you’ll be able to check it in. It may be slightly tricky and not as safe if the shipment is in deleted status but certainly not impossible if urgency outweighs other factors.
“And If I Claim to Be a Wise Man, Well, It Surely Means That I Don’t Know”
Of course, if you’re pondering this question, you’ll likely know the basics, but of course, the first thing to be sure of is that the labels on your boxes meet Amazon requirements. Their guidelines for labeling boxes are as follows:
- Print the full set of labels. Because each label is unique, don’t photocopy, reuse, or modify labels for use on additional boxes.
- Labels support a measurement of 3 1/3 x 4 inches. If you have a thermal printer, you now have the option to print directly on a 4 x 6 inches format
- Don’t place labels on a seam or opening on the box because they will be damaged when the box is opened.
- Place both the FBA box ID label and the carrier label on a flat surface of the box, so the barcodes don’t fold over the edges or corners.
- Both labels must remain uncovered, so they are scannable and readable.
- Each box in the shipment must have its own FBA box ID label printed from your shipment workflow.
- Each pallet you send requires four pallet labels, one on the top center of each side.
- If you’re shipping multiple case packs in a larger box, apply the FBA box ID label to the larger box. You don’t need to apply labels to the individual case packs.
Follow our Full Service Amazon Agency for more tips. If you’re interested in asking Amazon Experts for help, our Amazon Agency is ready to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start the Refund Process for a Lost Amazon Package?
Wait at least 48 hours after the estimated delivery date to account for delays. Refund requests must be filed within 15 to 90 days, depending on the item and seller type. For damaged items, the deadline is 14 days.
How Do I File a Claim for a Lost Amazon Package?
For FBA Sellers
File a claim through the FBA Inventory Reimbursement section in Seller Central. Provide order details, the SKU, and tracking information to request an investigation or reimbursement.
For FBM Sellers
Check tracking information with the shipping carrier and file a claim if the package is confirmed lost. Communicate with the buyer and offer a refund or replacement.
What Happens After I Submit a Claim for a Lost Amazon Package?
After filing a claim:
- Amazon will investigate the issue.
- For FBA claims, Amazon typically resolves cases within a few days to a week and will notify you of the outcome.
- For FBM claims, you’ll coordinate with the carrier or buyer to resolve the issue.
- If approved, you’ll receive a reimbursement, replacement, or other resolution based on the claim details.
Can I get a refund if my package is lost?
Yes.
FBA Sellers: Use Seller Central’s FBA Lost & Damaged Inventory Reimbursement tool to submit your claim.
FBM Sellers: Contact Amazon Support with your order ID and proof of tracking to request a refund.
Buyers: Report the issue through Contact Us under your order, and Amazon will refund or resend the item if it’s confirmed lost.
Does Amazon refund shipping fees when a package is late?
If Amazon misses a guaranteed delivery date, you can get your shipping fees back—just go to Contact Us, choose “Problem with an order” and “Shipping or delivery issues,” and tell them the promised date. Delays caused by weather, strikes, or other events beyond Amazon’s control don’t qualify.
For third‑party orders, contact the seller first; if they don’t resolve it within two business days, file an A‑to‑Z Guarantee claim.
How do I know if my Amazon package is really lost?
First, check tracking updates in your Amazon account. Sometimes a package is delayed or marked as delivered early. Wait at least 48 hours after the expected delivery date, and check with neighbors or building management before considering it lost.
Who is responsible for a lost Amazon package Amazon or the seller?
It depends on the fulfillment method:
FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Amazon is usually responsible for lost packages once inventory is in their network.
FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant): The seller is responsible for safe delivery and must resolve issues with the carrier.
How do I file a claim for a lost Amazon package?
FBA Sellers: File through Seller Central under the “FBA Inventory Reimbursements” section.
FBM Sellers: Contact the shipping carrier and submit details to Amazon if a customer files an A-to-Z Guarantee claim.
How long do I have to file a lost package claim with Amazon?
FBA: Within 60 days of the reported loss or damage.
FBM: Customers can file an A-to-Z claim within 90 days of the maximum estimated delivery date, and sellers must respond within 3 days.
What documents do I need to file a claim?
Have these ready:
Order number
Tracking details
SKU, quantity, and product description
Proof of delivery or carrier communication (for FBM sellers)
Invoices if Amazon asks for proof of inventory ownership
Does Amazon automatically reimburse for lost packages?
Sometimes. For certain FBA losses, Amazon may issue automatic reimbursements. But you should still run inventory reports regularly and file manual claims when needed.
What if my package was stolen after delivery?
Amazon may not cover “porch piracy” cases if tracking shows the item was delivered. Buyers should first confirm with neighbors and then contact Amazon Customer Service. Some credit cards and delivery services offer theft protection.
How much money will Amazon reimburse for a lost FBA item?
Reimbursement is based on manufacturing cost (not your retail price). You can accept Amazon’s estimate or provide documentation to support a higher claim. High-value items over $5,000 may not be fully covered.
Can buyers get their money back if a package is lost?
Yes. Buyers typically receive a refund or replacement. For FBM sellers, the refund comes from the seller. For FBA, Amazon issues the refund directly
How can I prevent future lost package issues?
Always double-check labels and addresses.
Use trackable shipping methods.
Take photos of shipment contents.
Consider insurance for high-value items.
Regularly monitor Amazon inventory reports to catch discrepancies early.