FBA product barcode requirements
This article applies to selling in: United States

FBA product barcode requirements

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) uses barcodes to identify and track inventory throughout the fulfillment process. Each item that you send to an Amazon fulfillment center requires a barcode.

There are three kinds of barcodes for identifying products:

  • Manufacturer barcodes (eligible barcodes include UPC, EAN, JAN, and ISBN)
  • Amazon barcodes (such as FNSKU labels that start with an X)
  • Transparency authenticity code (Intellectual Property owner only, may be required to help prevent counterfeit)
Note: If your brand has been approved for Amazon Brand Registry and you don’t have a manufacturer barcode for your products, you can apply for a GTIN exemption.

Manufacturer barcodes

By default, we use the manufacturer barcode to track eligible inventory throughout the fulfillment process, unless you change your barcode setting or your product is not eligible. When more than one seller has inventory with the same manufacturer barcode, we may fulfill orders with the inventory that’s closest to the buyer, to facilitate faster delivery.

If your product isn’t eligible for virtual tracking with the manufacturer barcode, an Amazon barcode is required. You may be able to get an exemption to use the manufacturer barcode by enrolling your ASIN in Amazon Brand Registry. To learn more about virtual tracking and see product eligibility requirements, go to,Using manufacturer barcodes with FBA virtual tracking.

Note: If you are the manufacturer or the Intellectual Property owner and want to print barcodes directly on the product packaging, you can apply for a GS1 standard UPC barcode.

Amazon barcodes

Amazon barcodes must be applied to all products that are not tracked using the manufacturer barcode.

You can print Amazon barcodes and apply them to your products yourself, or you can have Amazon print and apply them for a per-item fee. For more information on how to pack for Amazon FBA using Amazon barcodes, go to Use an Amazon barcode to track inventory and FBA Label Service.

Transparency authenticity codes

Transparency codes are item-level authentication stickers that help protect Intellectual Property owners and customers from non-authentic. Transparency codes are accompanied by a Transparency “T” logo and must not cover or be covered by any other label. To learn more and see a sample sticker, go to Transparency.

Note: Products enrolled in the Transparency program are eligible for virtual tracking, except for products in the Toys & Games and Baby Products categories, dangerous goods, and expiration-dated products The categories eligible for Transparency may be subject to change by Amazon. For more information, go to Transparency 2D barcode requirements.
Top

FBA product barcode requirements

  • Use Amazon barcodes to track inventory
  • Using manufacturer barcodes with FBA virtual tracking
  • Change to Amazon barcode by creating a new product offer