The holiday season, from Black Friday to Christmas, is the busiest time of year for fulfillment teams. Orders come in fast, pressure builds, and the risk of mistakes grows. One of the most common problems? Labeling errors and compliance mistakes.
During high-volume periods, it’s easy for teams to skip steps, misread specs, or misplace items. But shipping products with the wrong labels, whether they’re missing warnings, expiration dates, or regulatory statements, can lead to fines, product returns, or worse, safety issues.
This guide shares practical tips to help your fulfillment, packaging, and compliance teams avoid these costly errors during the seasonal rush.
1. Know Which Labels Are Legally Required
Before you speed up production or increase your shipping volume, revisit the labeling rules for your product category:
- Cosmetics must include ingredient lists, net quantity, and manufacturer details.
- Dietary supplements need Supplement Facts, warnings, and serving sizes.
- Medical devices must show unique device identifiers (UDIs) and instructions.
- Hazardous goods must include required warnings, GHS symbols, and transport info.
Missing just one of these can result in regulatory citations, customs delays, or recalls, especially in international shipments.
2. Double-Check Artwork Versions Before Printing
Holiday sales often mean limited-edition packaging, gift boxes, or regional label changes. But switching between versions is risky during busy shifts.
Best practices:
- Use version control in your artwork database.
- Name each version clearly by date and purpose.
- Lock outdated files or remove them from access folders.
A quick print using the wrong template can lead to thousands of mislabeled products.
3. Print Labels in Batches with Verification Steps
Printing labels one-by-one in a rush leaves room for human error. Instead:
- Print in verified batches, grouped by SKU or order type.
- Assign a team member to verify all fields before printing.
- Store labels in sealed trays or sleeves to avoid mix-ups.
If your system uses label printers tied to scanning software, double-check printer-to-product matching before beginning each batch.
4. Use Barcode Scanning for Match Confirmation
Barcode scanning isn’t just for shipping, it helps confirm the right product is in the right box, with the right label.
Here’s how it helps:
- Scan product barcode → match with order system.
- Scan label barcode → match with product and packaging.
- Alert staff if something doesn’t align.
This step helps catch mismatches before the item reaches the customer, or a government inspector.
5. Set Up “Labeling Checkpoints” on the Fulfillment Line
During peak season, temporary staff or shift swaps may introduce extra confusion. Create a simple labeling checklist at key points in your workflow:
- Before packing: Is the product correct? Is the right label present?
- During packing: Was the label applied straight and visibly?
- Before shipping: Are all regulatory statements and batch codes visible?
Visual checklists on walls or bins can help workers stay consistent, even when tired.
6. Standardize Holiday-Specific Packaging Rules
If your holiday orders include custom packaging, like bundles, gift sets, or seasonal products, make clear instructions for how these should be labeled.
Examples:
- Gift boxes may need external warning labels for age or allergy info.
- Bundled products must show contents, expiration dates, and safety statements.
- Seasonal items (like peppermint-flavored supplements) may have different formulas and must reflect that on the label.
Label confusion often happens when the same product exists in both regular and seasonal formats.
7. Create a “No Shortcuts” Policy for Compliance Tasks
When order volume spikes, the temptation to skip small steps, like label application checks, batch code entry, or regulatory text confirmation, is high.
But these “small” steps are where most labeling compliance issues happen.
Managers should:
- Remind teams daily that labeling mistakes = major risks.
- Empower staff to pause production if something feels wrong.
- Reward accuracy, not just speed, during the holidays.
8. Train All Holiday Hires on Basic Labeling Rules
Many fulfillment centers hire seasonal workers to help with packing and shipping. But even temp staff should know basic compliance points:
- What goes on each product label?
- What are the critical warning symbols or statements?
- How do they know if a label is missing something?
Quick huddles and visual posters go a long way. Don’t assume everyone knows what to look for.
9. Separate International Orders with Special Labeling
Holiday rush often includes an uptick in international orders, especially for e-commerce brands. But different countries require different things on labels:
- EU may require local language translations.
- Canada requires bilingual labeling (English and French).
- Australia and Japan have specific country codes and ingredients listing rules.
Set up separate bins, packing lines, or shipping queues for international orders. Grouping them helps avoid accidentally sending out U.S.-only labels to global markets.
10. Review Label Printers and Supplies Weekly
Sometimes, label errors happen not because of people, but because of worn printers, smudged ribbons, or poor adhesives.
During peak season, review:
- Printer alignment and clarity
- Ink and ribbon levels
- Label stock quality
- Adhesive strength
If a label peels off in transit or smudges under heat, it may violate compliance, even if the info was correct at packing.
11. Document Labeling Issues and Fixes
If a mistake happens, don’t just fix it, document it. Use a simple form or system to track:
- What went wrong
- How many units were affected
- What was done to correct it
- Who needs retraining or follow-up
This kind of record helps during audits and prevents repeat errors.
12. Conduct Quick End-of-Day Audits
Before closing each day during holiday peak, have a supervisor or QA staff member:
- Pull a few packed orders at random
- Check all labeling elements
- Flag anything suspicious
These “spot checks” help catch problems early, before they multiply across thousands of boxes.
Conclusion
The holiday season brings pressure, speed, and a flood of orders, but that’s exactly when labeling mistakes are most dangerous. A single incorrect label can mean compliance trouble, customer complaints, or lost sales.
By taking a few practical steps, like barcode scanning, checkpoint labeling, seasonal training, and equipment checks, you help your team stay accurate, no matter how fast things move.
