Amazon Seller Barcode Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Selling on Amazon requires careful attention to several important factors to ensure compliance with their policies. One critical aspect is understanding Amazon’s barcode requirements. Properly labeling and identifying your products is crucial for seamless inventory management, accurate tracking, and efficient order fulfillment. This guide provides an in-depth look at Amazon's barcode requirements, offering practical advice to help you meet these standards and enhance your selling experience on the platform.

Amazon uses barcodes to identify products and manage inventory. These barcodes are essential for Amazon’s automated systems to process, track, and fulfill orders. There are different types of barcodes accepted by Amazon, and sellers must choose the right type based on their product and listing needs. Understanding these requirements can help prevent potential issues, such as delays in product listing or fulfillment errors.

Amazon accepts two primary types of barcodes: UPC (Universal Product Code) and FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit).

1. UPC Barcodes: UPC barcodes are the most common type used globally. They are 12-digit numbers assigned to products by manufacturers. UPC barcodes are widely recognized and used in retail environments. When selling products with UPC barcodes, you must ensure that each product variant has a unique UPC. Amazon requires UPC barcodes for products listed in its catalog unless they are enrolled in the Amazon Brand Registry.

2. FNSKU Barcodes: The FNSKU barcode is specific to Amazon's Fulfillment Centers. It is used to track inventory stored and fulfilled by Amazon. This barcode is required for products that are fulfilled by Amazon (FBA - Fulfillment by Amazon). FNSKU barcodes are used to identify inventory that is owned by you, the seller, and to distinguish it from inventory belonging to other sellers. When you use FBA, Amazon will provide FNSKU labels that you need to apply to each unit of your product.

Choosing Between UPC and FNSKU Barcodes:

• For products not enrolled in the Brand Registry: Use UPC barcodes. You need to ensure that you have valid UPCs from GS1 or an authorized UPC reseller. The UPC should match the product’s listing details to avoid discrepancies.

• For FBA Products: Use FNSKU barcodes. If you’re using Amazon’s FBA service, you’ll need to apply FNSKU labels to your products. Amazon will generate these labels for you and provide them either for you to print or to be applied directly at the fulfillment center.

Labeling Requirements:

• Label Quality: Ensure that barcode labels are of high quality, legible, and durable. Poor-quality labels can lead to scanning issues and fulfillment errors.

• Label Placement: Labels should be placed on a flat, unobstructed surface of the product packaging. Avoid placing labels on seams, folds, or areas that are likely to be damaged.

• Label Size: Barcodes must be printed in a size that ensures they are easily readable by scanners. Amazon recommends using standard barcode label sizes to ensure compatibility with their scanning systems.

Compliance and Consequences:

Non-compliance with Amazon’s barcode requirements can result in various issues, including listing errors, delays in inventory processing, and potential removal of listings. To avoid these problems, adhere to Amazon’s guidelines and ensure that all products are correctly labeled before shipment.

Conclusion:

In summary, understanding and adhering to Amazon’s barcode requirements is essential for a smooth selling experience. Whether you use UPC barcodes for general listings or FNSKU barcodes for FBA products, ensure that your barcodes are correctly assigned, accurately labeled, and compliant with Amazon’s policies. Proper barcode management will facilitate efficient inventory tracking, accurate order fulfillment, and overall success in your Amazon selling endeavors.