Covering UPC and SCC-14 barcode labels on master packs shipping to FBA
Say we are prepping an Amazon shipment that contains 30 boxes shipping via small carrier (UPS). Note we are using UPC to identify the products, not FNSKU.
- 20 boxes are single-unit master packs. Each box contains 1 single unit. The box itself has a UPC barcode sticker. These boxes will reship to the end customer as-is, and will not be opened by Amazon.
- 10 boxes are multi-unit master packs containing several identical units, each barcoded separately. The master pack box contains an SCC14 barcode representing the case pack. The inner boxes contain the UPC barcodes. Amazon will open the master pack; the sellable units are contained within.
Questions:
- Should we cover the UPC barcode on the 20 single-unit master packs with the Amazon shipment labels, or leave the UPC barcodes visible so their systems can identify the product?
- Should we cover the SCC14 barcode on the 10 multi-unit master packs with the Amazon shipment labels? This SCC14 barcode is not an identifier in Amazon's system, the UPCs within are.
- What happens if we leave either UPC/SCC14 barcode uncovered?
1 reply
Christine_Amazon
Hello @Seller_1iXZOG2pJi2VY
Christine here from AMazon Forums.
Great questions! Let's break this down for both types of boxes in your shipment:
For the 20 single-unit master packs:
- Do not cover the UPC barcode on these boxes.
- Leave the UPC barcodes visible for Amazon's systems to identify the product.
- Apply the Amazon shipment label on a different side of the box or in a location that doesn't obstruct the UPC.
Reason: Since these are single-unit boxes that will be shipped to customers as-is, Amazon needs to be able to scan the UPC for inventory management and order fulfillment.
For the 10 multi-unit master packs:
- You should cover the SCC14 barcode on these master packs with the Amazon shipment labels.
- The SCC14 is not used by Amazon's systems for identification.
Reason: The SCC14 barcode could potentially confuse Amazon's scanning systems since it's not an identifier in their database. The individual UPCs inside are what matter to Amazon.
What happens if barcodes are left uncovered:
For single-unit master packs: Leaving the UPC uncovered is correct and necessary.
For multi-unit master packs: Leaving the SCC14 uncovered might lead to scanning errors or confusion in Amazon's fulfillment centers. It's best to cover these to avoid any issues.
Additional tips:
Ensure all Amazon shipment labels are clearly visible and scannable.
For the multi-unit master packs, make sure the box contents are clearly labeled (e.g., "Contains 10 units" or whatever the case may be).
Follow Amazon's guidelines for box contents labels, which typically need to be applied to master cartons containing multiple units.
If you're using the manufacturer's boxes as-is for the single-unit packs, ensure they meet Amazon's packaging requirements for direct fulfillment to customers.
By following these guidelines, you'll help ensure smooth processing of your inventory at Amazon's fulfillment centers and reduce the likelihood of any receiving errors or delays.
Let me know if you have any other question related to this topic.
Christine
