Understanding Amazon FBA Barcode Requirements: A Complete Guide
- John Lermi
- Sep 20, 2024
- 4 min read
For sellers using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, understanding and adhering to Amazon’s barcode requirements is crucial. Amazon uses barcodes to track products throughout its fulfillment centers, ensuring that inventory is correctly identified and processed. Sellers who don’t comply with these requirements risk shipment rejections, delays, or even penalties.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Amazon FBA barcode requirements, the types of barcodes accepted, and how to ensure compliance to streamline your FBA operations.
Why Are Barcodes Important for Amazon FBA?
Barcodes are essential to Amazon’s inventory management system. They help Amazon track every item, from the moment it arrives at the fulfillment center to when it’s picked, packed, and shipped to the customer. Without a proper barcode, Amazon cannot identify your products, leading to delays or errors in processing.
Types of Barcodes for Amazon FBA
Amazon accepts two main types of barcodes for FBA products: Manufacturer Barcodes and Amazon Barcodes. Each serves a different purpose, and the choice depends on your product and sales strategy.
Manufacturer Barcodes (UPC, EAN, ISBN)
Manufacturer barcodes, such as UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), or ISBN (International Standard Book Number), are assigned to products by the manufacturer. These barcodes are recognized globally and can be used to track products across various retailers, including Amazon.
When to Use Manufacturer Barcodes:
You are the manufacturer of the product.
Your product already has a globally recognized barcode.
You’re comfortable with Amazon co-mingling your inventory with other sellers offering the same product.
Co-Mingling Inventory: This is when Amazon stores and ships your products alongside identical products from other sellers. If your product has the same UPC as another seller’s item, Amazon may fulfill an order with stock from any seller using the same UPC. This could lead to quality control concerns if other sellers don’t meet your standards.
Amazon Barcodes (FNSKU)
Amazon barcodes, or FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit), are unique identifiers assigned by Amazon to each individual seller’s inventory. These barcodes ensure that Amazon tracks only your products, even if other sellers offer similar or identical items.
When to Use Amazon Barcodes:
You want to avoid co-mingling your inventory with other sellers.
Your product doesn’t have a manufacturer barcode, or you prefer to use a unique Amazon-assigned barcode for better inventory control.
You’re selling private-label or custom products.
Amazon barcodes provide more control over your inventory, as it ensures that the products Amazon ships to customers are exclusively from your stock.
How to Get Amazon FNSKU Barcodes
If you decide to use Amazon barcodes, you can easily generate FNSKUs in your Seller Central account:
Create a Product Listing: Add your product to Amazon’s catalog and complete the listing.
Print the FNSKU Label: Once your product is listed, Amazon will assign an FNSKU, which you can download and print.
Apply the Barcode to Your Product: Place the FNSKU label directly on the product packaging, covering any existing barcodes (if necessary).
Barcode Placement and Labeling Requirements
Proper barcode placement is essential to ensure Amazon can accurately scan and track your inventory. Here are some key labeling guidelines to follow:
Barcode Visibility: The barcode must be clearly visible and scannable. Ensure there are no folds, tears, or damage that could make the barcode unreadable.
No Obstructions: Barcodes must not be covered by tape, packaging materials, or any other stickers. Amazon must be able to scan the barcode without difficulty.
One Barcode Per Product: If your product has multiple barcodes, make sure that only the FNSKU or manufacturer barcode (whichever you’re using) is visible. If both barcodes are present, cover the one that you are not using.
Label Each Unit: Every individual item you send to Amazon must have its own barcode label. If you’re sending multiple units, ensure each unit has a barcode.
Packaging and Bundling Barcodes
For products that are sold as bundles or multipacks, special rules apply:
Multipacks: If you’re selling a product in packs of multiples, the entire pack must have a single barcode that identifies the bundle, not the individual items within it.
Bundled Products: If you are selling a bundle of different items together as one product (e.g., a gift set), you must apply a single FNSKU or UPC to the entire bundle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many sellers run into issues with Amazon’s barcode requirements. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Wrong Barcode Type: Ensure you’re using the correct barcode—either the manufacturer barcode or FNSKU. Don’t use both, as it can lead to confusion in Amazon’s system.
Improper Label Placement: Place the barcode on a flat surface of the packaging where it is easily scannable. Avoid placing it on curved surfaces or wrapping it around edges.
Inconsistent Labeling: Make sure every unit of your product is labeled. Missing even a single barcode can result in delays and fees.
How PINAKL FBA Can Help
Managing barcodes and packaging can be complex, especially if you’re scaling your Amazon FBA business. PINAKL FBA simplifies this process by handling all the barcode requirements for you. We ensure that your products are labeled correctly, with properly placed FNSKUs or manufacturer barcodes, to meet Amazon’s strict standards.
Here’s how we can help:
Product Labeling: We handle all the labeling of your products to ensure barcode compliance.
Packaging Expertise: Our team ensures that products are packaged and labeled correctly to avoid delays or rejections at Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
Hassle-Free Fulfillment: We manage the entire fulfillment process, from receiving your inventory to ensuring it’s ready for Amazon, so you can focus on growing your business.
Conclusion
Understanding and complying with Amazon FBA’s barcode requirements is crucial to ensure smooth processing and delivery of your products. By following the right barcode guidelines—whether you’re using manufacturer barcodes or Amazon’s FNSKU—you can avoid delays, rejections, and additional fees.
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