Hi, we're trying to figure out if we can switch the barcode type for an expiration-dated ASIN within Seller Central from "Amazon Barcode" to "Manufacturer Barcode". We are brand registered.
Typically, expiration-dated products require tracking using an Amazon Barcode only. Therefore, the Manufacturer Barcode is usually not allowed. So when creating a Shipment Plan to FBA, it is immediately specified that the item must be sent with "Barcode type: Amazon Barcode Only."
After finding relevant information in two different articles on the Seller Central Help pages, we were led to believe that it would be possible to obtain an exemption that allows us to use the Manufacturer Barcode instead of the Amazon Barcode (please note that this has nothing to do with the GTIN exemption) :
Using manufacturer barcodes with FBA virtual tracking page
"Note: You may be able to get an exemption to use the manufacturer barcode for items identified by an asterisk * by applying with Amazon Brand Registry and enrolling your ASIN in the program. (Items identified by an asterisk include 'expiration-dated product' and 'consumable or topical product such as grocery items, skin creams, cosmetics, or soaps'*)."
FBA virtual tracking FAQ page
Can I use manufacturer barcodes for expiration-dated inventory? Yes. However, the product brand you are selling needs to be registered with Amazon Brand Registry to allow for these exemptions. If not, all products with an expiration date must be labeled with an Amazon barcode to be eligible for Fulfillment by Amazon. Expiration-dated inventory cannot be tracked by manufacturer barcodes.
Despite this, we keep receiving responses from Support suggesting that the solution is simply to create a new SKU and list it as "Manufacturer Barcode". Unfortunately, that doesn't work.
We have tried deleting the SKUs associated with this ASIN and relisting them, but we are still not given the option to select Manufacturer Barcode. (we have deleted them using the flat file "Inventory Loader").
We have also tried creating completely new SKUs that we have never listed before on Amazon, but we are still not given the option to select Manufacturer Barcode.
Our FBA Settings are already set to "FBA Product Barcode Preference: Manufacturer Barcode".
Thank you for your attention.
