Introduction: Why Amazon FBA Barcodes Matter

For sellers listing products on Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, understanding barcode requirements is a non-negotiable step. These barcodes ensure that your products are correctly identified, tracked, and delivered to customers efficiently. Without compliance, your listings may face delays, additional fees, or even removal from Amazon’s marketplace.

This guide simplifies the complexities of Amazon FBA barcodes, covering everything from UPC barcodes and FNSKU labels to GS1 barcodes and beyond. Whether you’re a new seller or a seasoned Amazon merchant, learning about barcode standards will help streamline logistics and enhance your product listing strategy.

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What Are Amazon FBA Barcode Requirements?

Amazon FBA requires barcodes to track products within its fulfillment centers. These barcodes ensure accuracy, reduce logistical errors, and improve inventory management. There are three main types of barcodes Amazon recognizes:

Manufacturer Codes: Includes UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN barcodes. These are essential for identifying products globally.
Amazon Barcodes (FNSKU): Unique to Amazon, these are assigned to products sold exclusively on its platform.
Transparency Codes: Used exclusively by brand owners enrolled in Amazon’s anti-counterfeiting program.

Key Requirement: Products shipped to Amazon must have one visible barcode. If an item already has a manufacturer barcode (e.g., UPC), but you’re using Amazon’s FNSKU, the manufacturer barcode must be covered completely to avoid confusion.

Types of Amazon FBA Barcodes

1. UPC Barcodes (Universal Product Code)

UPC barcodes are 12-digit codes issued by GS1, a global standards organization. These are widely used in North America and recognized by most retailers, including Amazon.

How to Get UPC Barcodes:

Purchase directly from GS1 to ensure authenticity.
Visit GS1’s website to register for a GS1 Company Prefix, which allows you to create multiple UPCs.

Cost of GS1 Barcodes for Amazon Sellers:

Initial registration fee: $250 (includes 10 barcodes).
Annual renewal fee: $50.

Pro Tip: Avoid buying secondhand UPCs. Amazon cross-checks UPC ownership with the GS1 database, and mismatched barcodes can lead to listing removal. Verify ownership here: GS1 Barcode Ownership Checker.

Universal Product Code (UPC or UPC code)

2. EAN Barcodes (European Article Number)

EAN barcodes are 13-digit codes used primarily in Europe, also issued by GS1. They are similar to UPCs but include an additional digit for country identification.

When to Use EAN Codes:

If you’re selling in European markets.
If your product requires compliance with EU regulations.

3. FNSKU Barcodes (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit)

The FNSKU barcode is Amazon’s proprietary identifier for products in its fulfillment centers. Each product variation (e.g., size, color) gets a unique FNSKU, ensuring accurate tracking within Amazon’s system.

How to Get an FNSKU Barcode:

Log into Amazon Seller Central.
Navigate to the Manage FBA Inventory page.
Select your product and click “Print Item Labels.”
Save the label as a PDF and send it to your manufacturer for application.

Pro Tip: Ensure the FNSKU label is the only visible barcode on the product. If another barcode exists (e.g., UPC), cover it completely to comply with Amazon’s rules.

How to Print Amazon Barcodes

If applying labels yourself, follow Amazon’s barcode printing specifications:

Ink: Black ink on white, non-reflective labels.
Adhesive: Must be removable without damaging the product.
Label Sizes: Dimensions must be between 1″ x 2″ and 2″ x 3″.
Placement: Place barcodes on a flat surface, avoiding corners, curves, and edges.

Steps to Print Barcodes in Seller Central:

Go to your Seller Central account.
Select the items you want to print labels for.
Click “Print Item Labels” and choose the quantity.
Download the PDF file and print using a laser printer for accuracy.

Pro Tip: For large-scale operations, invest in a barcode printer like the Zebra ZD420 for high-quality, smudge-free labels.

When to Apply Barcodes

During Manufacturing:

The best time to apply barcodes is before production ends. Most manufacturers will apply barcodes to your product packaging for a minimal fee (often just a few cents per item).

Advantages:

Saves time and labor costs.
Allows direct shipping from the factory to Amazon fulfillment centers.

After Receiving Inventory:

If barcodes weren’t applied during production, you can apply them yourself. However, Amazon charges $0.20 per label if you opt for their labeling services.

Amazon Barcode Placement Guidelines

Follow these instructions to meet Amazon’s placement rules:

Flat Surface: Place barcodes on a flat area of the product’s retail packaging.
Avoid Overlapping: Do not place barcodes on corners, curved surfaces, or seams.
Cover Other Barcodes: If the product already has a barcode (e.g., UPC), cover it completely.
One Barcode Rule: Amazon requires only one scannable barcode per item.

How to Ship Products with Correct Barcodes to Amazon

Step 1: Prepare Inventory for Shipment

Ensure all products have the correct barcodes applied.
Use Amazon’s barcode printing guidelines for accuracy.

Step 2: Partner with a Freight Forwarder

Work with a freight forwarder experienced with Amazon FBA shipments (e.g., Flexport). They’ll ensure your products arrive at the designated fulfillment center without delays.

Pro Tip: Use Amazon’s partnered carrier program to save on shipping costs.

UPC vs. FNSKU: What’s the Difference?

Feature	UPC	FNSKU
Purpose	Global product identification	Amazon-specific item tracking
Issued by	GS1	Amazon
Visibility	Recognized across all retailers	Exclusive to Amazon FBA products

When to Use:

Use UPC if your product is sold on multiple platforms (e.g., Walmart, eBay).
Use FNSKU for products sold only on Amazon to prevent listing hijacking.

FAQs About Amazon FBA Barcodes

Q1: How do I get GS1 barcodes for Amazon FBA?

Visit GS1 US to purchase UPC barcodes directly. Register for a GS1 Company Prefix to generate multiple UPCs.

Q2: How do I print FNSKU labels for Amazon?

Log into Amazon Seller Central, navigate to the “Manage FBA Inventory” page, and print FNSKU labels. Use a laser printer for precision.

Q3: What is the cost of GS1 barcodes for Amazon sellers?

The initial registration fee is $250, with an annual renewal fee of $50 for up to 10 barcodes.

Q4: Where should I place barcodes on FBA products?

Barcodes should be placed on a flat, accessible area of the product’s retail packaging. Cover any existing barcodes completely.

Conclusion: Master Barcode Compliance for Amazon FBA Success

Navigating Amazon FBA’s barcode requirements might seem overwhelming, but compliance is essential to ensure smooth operations and avoid unnecessary fees. Whether you’re using UPCs or FNSKU barcodes, understanding the rules for application, printing, and placement will save you time and money.

For seamless product identification, work with trusted organizations like GS1 US to obtain authentic UPC barcodes. When shipping products to Amazon fulfillment centers, ensure all barcodes are correctly applied to maintain compliance.

Ready to simplify your Amazon FBA journey? Contact us for expert guidance on barcode compliance, product labeling, and logistics solutions.