ZFS article labelling and packaging guides

Articles that are shipped from partners to Zalando must comply with certain labelling and packaging conditions. The ZFS Labelling Guide and ZFS Packaging Guide outline what those requirements are and help you to ensure that your articles will be accepted at the Zalando warehouses. 

The following topics are detailed: 

• Article label requirements 

• Location of the article label on article and packaging

• Types of article label

• Design of the article label, key checks and examples

• Product EU labelling requirements

• FAQs

• Packaging requirements 

• Location of the article label on packaging

• Types of packaging

• Examples

• FAQs

You can download both the Labelling and Packaging guides as a PDF at the side of this article. 

Take a look at the ZFS Self-Check Labelling form. This allows you to check for yourself whether your label follows the guidelines set out by Zalando.

We strongly recommend that you do this before shipping any stock to Zalando’s warehouses.

We advise you to go through the ZFS Self-Check Packaging form. This will help you to self-check whether your packaging meets the necessary requirements or not.

Can I use US sizes on the clothing tag and then add EU sizes on the outer polybag?

No, all labels (including both hangtag and polybag label) must contain the same sizing information.

 Does my polybag label have to include all the same information as the hangtag?

Yes, the hangtag and polybag labels must contain the same information.

 Do I need to have a size chart on my label?

Yes, the size chart is one of the labelling requirements.

 Can I keep the alarm tag on the label?

Yes, you can keep it but the alarm tag must be deactivated.

What is the preferred label size for the polybag?

There is no preferred label size. You can refer to the images in the ZFS Labelling Guide attached below for examples. We just require that the polybag is sealed and all necessary information is printed on the label.

 Is it acceptable to have the  EAN on the hangtag, but not the SKU number?

It is mandatory to have the EAN/GTIN code and the Unique Article Number ( it can be the SKU used by the partner) on the hangtag label and on the polybag label.  

Can I include non-mandatory information on the label?

Yes. The label can contain non-essential information, such as the supplier code. Please note that the Zalando EAN is mandatory on the hangtag and preferable on the polybag.

 If I have an article containing two separate pieces, such as a suit, which size should be mentioned on the label?

The label should include the set size, if possible, but you can also use the blazer size.

If I have only a US size chart on my product label, is it sufficient?

No, you must have at least one EU size chart on the product label. If there is only a US size chart on the product label, it is therefore mandatory for you to relabel the goods to comply with our Delivery terms.

Is it compulsory to have the suffocation warning label on the polybag?

No, it is not compulsory according to the Zalando Delivery terms.

What is the maximum size of boxes I can ship?

The maximum delivery box size is 80x60x40cm, and 20kg weight at most.

My polybags are not clear. They are matte because they are made of biodegradable plastics. Is that a problem?

As long as our warehouses can scan the codes and article hangtags through the polybags, this should not be a problem. Our warehouse employees must also be able to recognize the article's colour through the packaging.

Can I deliver my articles within a box that has a small window so that customers can touch the article without opening the box? 

No, this is not acceptable. The articles have to be packed in an individual polybag as without this, they could get dirty or damaged.

 We want to eliminate plastic packaging for sustainability reasons and would like to use non-transparent paper packaging instead. Is this acceptable?

Unfortunately this is not acceptable due to our requirements that the article and the hangtag must be visible.

 Can I pack my articles in fibre bags instead of boxes to reduce CO2 emissions and paper overuse?

Unfortunately we don't accept articles in cloth / textile bags for the following reasons:

• Cloth bags or fabric storage absorb a lot of dust and as some articles could be stored for weeks and even months, there is a risk that the bags could get dusty. It is not possible to clean such packaging before dispatching.

• Cloth bags cannot be completely securely closed, which can lead to the contamination of the article during storage, and pick and pack processing.

• Even when the bags are tightly closed, there is always some open space increasing the risk of contamination agents entering the bag.

• Each received article requires a QL label. This is typically placed on the packaging but in our experience, the labels do not adhere to this type of material.

 Can strapping be used to compress the boxes / cartons?

Cartons should not be stretch-wrapped or secured with straps as this complicates and slows down the inbound process at the Zalando warehouses. 

Pallets must be wrapped in clear foil to ensure that the boxes don't move or fall off.