A product lost in the system is money left on a shelf, which is every seller’s nightmare. The solution begins with knowing how to get an Amazon FBA barcode. This process makes sure your items are always tracked and accounted for.
You can get this barcode directly from your Amazon Seller Central account when listing a product. Amazon calls this code an FNSKU. It acts as a unique name tag that connects the item specifically to your account.
Let’s make sure your shipments are never delayed again. The goal here is to help you avoid common and costly mistakes. We will explain the requirements clearly so you get it right the first time.
What Is an Amazon FBA Barcode?
An Amazon FBA barcode is a special label for your products. Think of it as a unique name tag for every item you send to Amazon. This code is the only way Amazon’s fulfillment centers can know that a specific product belongs to you.
It’s easy to get this code confused with others. Amazon uses a whole system of letters and numbers to track things. Let’s break down the most important ones. We will show you what each code does and why it matters for your business.
Amazon FBA Barcode (FNSKU): This is your most important code for FBA. Amazon generates it just for you inside your Seller Central account. It directly links a product unit to your specific seller profile. No other seller will have the same FNSKU for that item. Its main job is to identify your inventory inside the warehouse. When an employee scans this FBA label, they see it is yours. This prevents your products from getting mixed with items from other sellers. It guarantees you get credit for every sale.
ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number): Amazon creates this code for the product page itself, not your inventory. ASIN is like the public catalog number for an item in Amazon’s store. Everyone who sells the exact same product will share the same ASIN. So while many sellers list products on one ASIN page, each one uses a different FNSKU barcode. The ASIN is for the listing. The FNSKU is for your physical item on the warehouse shelf.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): This is your own private code for a product. You create the SKU yourself to manage your inventory. Think of it as your personal nickname for an item. It helps you track how many you have in stock and how well it sells. Amazon does not use your SKU to manage products in the fulfillment center. It is purely for your own records. A good SKU helps you organize your business. But the FNSKU is what Amazon’s systems need to track everything.
UPC (Universal Product Code): This is the familiar barcode you see on items in a regular retail store. A UPC is a global code that identifies the product and its manufacturer. It is not specific to Amazon. You usually need a UPC just to create the product listing. Once your listing is active, Amazon uses the FNSKU to manage your FBA inventory. The UPC identifies the product universally. The FNSKU identifies your specific unit of that product inside Amazon’s world.
Why Amazon Requires Barcodes for FBA Inventory
Amazon’s fulfillment centers are like busy airports for millions of products. To manage this flow, Amazon uses a traffic control system built entirely on barcodes. Let’s look at two scenarios to see what happens with and without them.
Scenario 1: The Chaos Without Proper Barcodes
Imagine your inbound shipment arrives at the warehouse. Without a barcode, it is like an unlabeled suitcase at the airport. Workers have no quick way to know whether the products belong to you. This causes your shipment to be set aside for slow, manual processing.
Next, your items are at risk of getting lost or mixed up. They could be placed with identical products from a different seller. If this happens, another seller might get the sale that should have been yours. This directly costs you money.
Finally, this confusion can impact your customers directly. The wrong item might be picked and shipped from the mixed inventory. This leads to unhappy customers, bad reviews, and can even get your entire shipment rejected by Amazon.
Scenario 2: The Efficiency With Proper Barcodes
Now, let’s picture the same shipment arriving with a proper FBA barcode. A worker scans the label, and the system instantly knows the products are yours. Your inventory is checked in quickly. It becomes available for sale in hours, not weeks.
As your product moves, its barcode is scanned at every point. It gets scanned when it is stored on a shelf. It gets scanned again when it is picked for an order. This creates a perfect digital trail for precise inventory tracking.
This simple scanning process ensures operational excellence. The right product goes to the right customer, every single time. It prevents fraud, keeps your inventory accurate, and lets your FBA business run smoothly and professionally.
The Different Types of Barcodes Amazon Uses
Amazon’s system uses several different barcodes to track products. It can seem confusing at first glance. However, they fall into two simple groups. Some codes identify the product globally, while others track your specific items inside Amazon’s warehouses.
This quick comparison table breaks down the main barcodes. It shows you what each one is and what it is used for. This will give you a clear overview before we dive into the details for each type.
| Barcode Type | What It Is | Primary Use on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
|
FNSKU |
An Amazon-only code |
Tracks your FBA inventory and links it specifically to you. |
|
Manufacturer Barcode (UPC/EAN) |
A global retail barcode. |
Identifies a product universally. Used for commingled inventory. |
|
GTIN (UPC, EAN) |
The universal product ID. |
Needed to create a new product listing page in Amazon’s catalog. |
|
Transparency Code |
A special security code. |
Protects brand-registered products from counterfeiters. |
Now, let’s explore what each of these barcodes means for you as a seller. This will help you understand exactly when and how you should use each one for your products.
FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit)
This is Amazon’s own special barcode. Amazon creates it for your product inside your Seller Central account. It is the most important code for FBA sellers. This FNSKU directly links each item to your specific seller profile. No one else has your FNSKU.
The FNSKU’s main job is to track your products inside the fulfillment center. An Amazon employee scans this label to know the item belongs to you. This guarantees you get credit for the sale. It also prevents your inventory from mixing with another seller’s items.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Think of a GTIN as the official family name for universal barcodes. It is the number that identifies a specific product all around the world. The most common types of GTINs you will see are UPCs and EANs. You must have a GTIN to list a new product on Amazon.
You get these official barcodes from an organization called GS1. Amazon checks your UPC or EAN to make sure it is a valid GTIN. This process helps Amazon keep its product catalog organized and accurate. It confirms that you are selling a legitimate product.
Manufacturer Barcode (UPC or EAN)
A manufacturer barcode is the standard retail code, like a UPC or EAN. Sometimes, Amazon lets you use this existing barcode to track your FBA inventory. This means you do not have to apply a separate FNSKU label over the top of it.
When you use the manufacturer barcode, your products are stored with identical items from other sellers. This is called “commingled inventory.” Amazon can pick any of these units to fulfill an order. While it can save time, it also adds some risk to your business.
Transparency Code
This is a special security barcode created by Amazon. It looks like a small “T” logo on a sticker. This code is only for sellers who are part of Amazon’s Brand Registry program. It is a powerful tool to fight against counterfeit products.
Each Transparency code is unique for every single unit you produce. Customers can scan it with an app to verify the item is authentic. It provides an extra layer of protection for your brand. It also builds trust with your loyal customers.
Amazon FBA Barcode Requirements
Amazon’s systems are strict about barcode labels. Following these rules exactly is the best way to avoid shipment delays. Think of this as your official checklist to keep your inventory moving smoothly.
Here are the specific rules for every FBA label.
- Show All Key Information: The label needs more than the code. It must also show the FNSKU, product name, and the item’s condition.
- Adhere to Size Rules: Labels must be between 1 x 2 inches and 2 x 3 inches. This standard size range ensures the code is scannable and fits most products.
- Ensure High Contrast: Black ink on a white, non-reflective label is mandatory. High contrast is essential for Amazon’s scanners to read the code instantly.
- Maintain Print Clarity: The final code has to be crisp and clear. Use a 300 DPI or better printer to avoid any smudges or faded lines.
- Keep Clear Margins: White space is required around the barcode. This “quiet zone” needs at least 0.25 inches on the sides and 0.125 inches on the top and bottom.
- Hide Other Barcodes: The FBA label should be the only visible barcode. Any other codes, including the original UPC, must be completely covered to prevent scanning errors.
- Apply to Flat Surfaces: Placement should be on a smooth, flat part of the packaging. Avoid applying labels over corners, curves, or seams so the code remains flat.
- Avoid Seams and Openings: The label must not be placed over any box seam or opening. This prevents the barcode from being damaged when the customer opens the package.
How to Get Amazon FBA Barcode (Step-by-Step)
Getting your official Amazon FBA barcode is a straightforward process. It happens entirely within your Seller Central account. You do not need any special software to create the code. The system generates it for you automatically once you create your product listing correctly.
Let’s walk through every single click together. We will start with a new product and end with a downloadable PDF of your labels. Just follow these sequential steps to generate your FNSKU barcode perfectly.
Step 1: Add Your Product to Inventory
First, you need to have a product in your Amazon catalog. In your Seller Central dashboard, navigate to the main menu. Go to the “Inventory” tab and select “Add a Product”. This is the starting point for everything else.
On this screen, you can search for a product that already exists in Amazon’s catalog. If you are selling a unique item, like a private label product, you will need to click on “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon”.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Product Information
Next, you must complete all the required details for your item. Amazon will guide you through several tabs like “Vital Info” and “Offer”. It is very important to have your product’s universal identifier, like a UPC or EAN, ready for this step.
You will also set your price and condition on the “Offer” tab. The SKU is another key field here. You can create your own custom SKU or let Amazon generate a random one for you. A custom SKU can help you organize your inventory better.
Step 3: Set Your Fulfillment Channel to FBA
This is the most critical step in the process. On the “Offer” tab, you will find a field called “Fulfillment Channel”. You must select the option that says “Amazon will ship and provide customer service (Fulfilled by Amazon)”.
This tells Amazon you want this product to be part of the FBA program. If you choose the merchant-fulfilled option, the system will not generate an FBA barcode for you. This choice triggers all the FBA-specific settings.
Step 4: Save and Finish Your Listing
Once all the required fields are filled and you have selected FBA, click the “Save and finish” button. Your product is now being added to your inventory. It can sometimes take about 15 minutes for it to appear fully in your list.
At this point, Amazon’s system officially assigns an FNSKU to your product. This happens in the background. Your unique identifier is now created and linked to your SKU.
Step 5: Navigate to Your FBA Inventory
Now it is time to find your newly created barcode. Go back to the “Inventory” tab in Seller Central. From the dropdown menu, select “Manage FBA Inventory”. This screen shows you only the products that are part of the FBA program.
Find the product you just created in the inventory list. You can use the SKU or product name to search for it. You will see the product details, its status, and the FNSKU listed right on this page.
Step 6: Select "Print Item Labels"
On the far right side of your product’s row, you will see a dropdown button. Click this button to open a menu of options for that specific item. Find and select the option that says “Print item labels”.
This action takes you to the main label generation screen. This is where you will tell Amazon how many barcodes you need. It is the final step before you get your printable label file.
Step 7: Generate and Download Your Labels PDF
On the label printing page, you will see a box to enter the number of labels you want to print. Type in the quantity you need. You can also select your preferred paper or label stock type from the menu.
Click the “Print labels” button. The system will then generate a PDF document that is formatted for your chosen label size. You can download this file directly to your computer. Each label in the PDF will be unique to your product.
Step 8: Print and Apply Your FBA Barcode
Finally, open the downloaded PDF file. Use a high-quality printer, preferably a thermal printer, to print your labels. Make sure you follow all the printing requirements from the previous section.
Carefully stick one FBA barcode label onto each of your product’s packages. Remember to place it on a flat surface. You must also use it to cover any pre-existing barcodes, such as the original UPC. Your product is now ready for an Amazon fulfillment center.
How to Get a UPC or GTIN (If Required)
Before you can get an FBA barcode, you first need a product listing. The problem is that Amazon requires a unique product identifier to create a new listing. This identifier is almost always a UPC, which is a type of GTIN.
Think of the UPC as your product’s official birth certificate. Without it, your item cannot get a spot in Amazon’s vast product catalog. Your listing creation process will come to a halt until you provide a valid code for your item.
This leads many sellers to a common and costly mistake. They find websites that sell very cheap UPCs. The issue is that these are often recycled codes. They are not officially registered to your business or brand name.
Amazon now verifies all UPCs against the official GS1 database. If the code you use is registered to a different company, Amazon will see a mismatch. This will result in an error, and your listing will be rejected.
This conflict is a major source of frustration for new sellers. Using an invalid code can get your product flagged. In some cases, it can even lead to account issues. It is a risk that is simply not worth taking.
Another common mistake involves product variations. Each unique version of your product needs its own separate UPC. For example, a red shirt and a blue shirt cannot share the same code. They are treated as two distinct items.
The correct and only safe solution is to get your barcodes from GS1. This is the global organization that creates and manages these official codes. Amazon recognizes GS1 as the legitimate source for all UPCs.
When you license a UPC from GS1, it is registered directly to your company. This ensures that when Amazon checks the database, your brand name matches the code perfectly. This is how you create a clean, professional, and valid product listing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have covered a lot of ground, but you might still have a few specific questions. Here are some quick answers to the most common queries sellers have about Amazon FBA barcodes.
Sometimes, but it is risky. Your products get mixed with others in what is called “commingled inventory.” It is always safer to use the Amazon FNSKU label. This ensures your specific items are tracked to your account.
Incorrect placement can make the barcode unscannable by Amazon’s systems. This often causes your entire shipment to be delayed or even rejected at the fulfillment center. Always place it on a flat, smooth surface.
No, you do not. An FNSKU is assigned to your product listing, not to a shipment. The same product will always use the same FNSKU. You just need to print the right quantity of labels for each batch.
This error usually means your UPC is not registered to your brand name with GS1. Amazon cross-references this database to verify ownership. Always buy your UPCs directly from GS1 to prevent these listing conflicts.
While you can, a thermal printer is highly recommended. Inkjet ink can easily smudge, which makes the barcode unscannable. A clear label from a thermal printer is the best way to prevent receiving errors at the warehouse.
Conclusion
The world of Amazon barcodes can seem complex at first. But at its core, it is just a system of unique name tags designed to protect your products. From getting the right UPC to printing the perfect FNSKU label, you now understand the entire process from start to finish.
This knowledge is your best tool to prevent lost inventory and costly shipping delays. You have a clear roadmap to follow for every product you send. Go forward and manage your FBA shipments with confidence, because your business is now built on a professional foundation.
