FBA virtual tracking FAQ

What is virtual tracking?

Virtual tracking allows Amazon to fulfill orders using identical products from different suppliers, enabling us to process a customer order more efficiently and expedite its delivery from the fulfillment center closest to the customer. Virtual tracking traces the source of eligible products throughout the fulfillment process so that identical items from different suppliers do not need to be physically stored together in a fulfillment center.

What is stickerless inventory?

Stickerless inventory is inventory that uses the manufacturer barcode instead of the Amazon barcode sticker for tracking.

Which product categories are eligible for virtual tracking?

A broad range of products are currently eligible for virtual tracking and we regularly evaluate other categories of products to include in the program. For more information on eligibility requirements, visit Using FBA virtual tracking.

Can I use manufacturer barcodes for expiration-dated inventory?

No. All products with an expiration date must be labeled with an Amazon barcode in order to be eligible for Fulfillment by Amazon. Expiration-dated inventory cannot be tracked by manufacturer barcodes. Visit Expiration-dated inventory for more information.

If I am a brand owner, do I have to use Amazon barcodes to track my ineligible inventory?

As a brand owner, you must register with Amazon Brand Registry if you wish to use manufacturer barcodes to track inventory. Otherwise, if your products are not eligible to use the manufacturer barcode, the products will require an Amazon barcode in order to be received at fulfillment centers. For more information, see Amazon Brand Registry.

Can I change existing manufacturer barcode products to use Amazon barcodes?

You can only change your barcode settings for shipments that have not yet been created. Barcode settings cannot be changed if inventory for the item is in transit to a fulfillment center or already at a fulfillment center. Any products already in fulfillment centers must be sold through or removed by placing a removal order. To change from using the manufacturer barcode to using the Amazon barcode, you must create a new product listing. For instructions, visit How to switch from using Amazon barcodes to manufacturer barcodes.

If I want to use a manufacturer barcode to track inventory, do I need a standard product ID?

Yes. Amazon requires a standard product ID for every product that uses manufacturer barcode tracking (virtual tracking). To see which product categories require standard IDs for major brands, visit Product ID (GTIN) requirements by category. For information on product identifiers, visit Find your product ID (GTIN).

Are my products tracked by their serial numbers?

No. Fulfillment center associates receive and ship units by scanning the barcode. Sellers are responsible for tracking any serial numbers related to the products. To learn how to fulfill your orders exclusively with your own inventory, see FBA product barcode requirements.

What if my browser unexpectedly closes when creating a listing that will use the manufacturer barcode?

If your browser closes when creating a new listing, your shipping plan did not update. To add the new listing in your shipping plan, click Add Products when setting the quantity on the Send/replenish inventory page. For more information, see Set quantity for shipment to Amazon.

What is "commingling" and how does it relate to virtual tracking?

Commingling is a term that is sometimes used to refer to virtual tracking. Virtual tracking is a more indicative term, since we trace the source of eligible products throughout the fulfillment process so that identical items from different suppliers do not need to be physically stored together within a fulfillment center.

Does "commingling" mean Amazon stores and mixes all products together?

No. In fact, our systems are designed to track each seller's unique inventory throughout the fulfillment process, allowing us to separate identical items from different sellers in our fulfillment centers.

Could I be penalized for products sourced from a different supplier?

No. We do not deactivate listings or seller accounts based on defects with units owned by other suppliers.