Amazon FBA Barcode Explained: Types, Rules & How to Get One

Are you confused about which barcode your Amazon FBA products need? At Megaficus, we’ve helped countless sellers decode the Amazon FBA barcode process from choosing the right type to labeling products correctly. Let this guide make it simple for you, too.

What Is an Amazon FBA Barcode?

An Amazon barcode FBA is a label with a scannable barcode that identifies a specific unit of a product for Amazon’s FBA program. Sellers must apply either an Amazon-specific barcode called an FNSKU or a manufacturer barcode (UPC/EAN for eligible commingled inventory) to each item before sending it to Amazon.

This barcode enables Amazon to track and manage inventory, ensuring the correct product is stored, sold, and shipped to the right customer, and crediting the correct seller for the sale.

Why Does Using Amazon FBA Barcodes Correctly Matter?

The biggest benefit is speed at fulfillment centers. With a scannable Amazon barcode FBA, workers instantly match your item to your account, cutting down check-in time. Megaficus’s customers who label correctly often see their stock available for sale within 24 – 48 hours, compared to several days for relabeling.

Another advantage is reduced risk of inventory errors. Without the FNSKU, your units might be mixed with another seller’s, leading to lost stock, inaccurate inventory tracking, and wrong shipments, which can eventually break customers’ trust and hurt brand reputation. Using the barcode prevents such costly problems and protects your customer experience.

Finally, Amazon barcode FBA improves order accuracy. Customers get exactly what they ordered, and you avoid returns triggered by mix-ups. The result is stronger account health and higher customer satisfaction ratings.

How Do Amazon FBA Barcodes Support Your Fulfillment?

The process of using an Amazon barcode FBA begins when you create a product listing in Seller Central. Amazon automatically generates an FNSKU that links your SKU with the listing. You can then download and print the barcode.

When your shipment arrives at an FBA fulfillment center (FC), staff scan the barcode on each unit. This scan tells Amazon’s system who owns the product, where it should be stored, and how it should be shipped when sold, making sure that it’s never mixed with another seller’s similar items. 

During delivery, the same barcode is scanned to verify that the exact product ordered is the one being shipped. This ensures accuracy, prevents mix-ups, and guarantees that the correct item safely reaches the right customer.

What Are the Types of Amazon FBA Barcodes?

Amazon recognizes several barcodes, each serving different purposes:

FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit)

This is Amazon’s internal code that links items to your seller account. Unlike a regular retail barcode, the FNSKU ensures that every unit shipped into Amazon’s network belongs to you, even if other sellers list the same product.

For example, if two sellers are offering the same brand of phone case, the manufacturer code (UPC) will be identical. However, Amazon assigns each seller a unique FNSKU to prevent inventory mix-ups. This barcode is mandatory for any item shipped through FBA unless you qualify for stickerless inventory.

Megaficus strongly recommends using an FNSKU for every unit you send through FBA, even when your products already have their own manufacturer codes. This unique Amazon barcode ensures your inventory stays separate from other sellers’ identical products, preventing mix-ups and protecting your brand integrity.

UPC (Universal Product Code)

Besides FNSKU, Amazon also accepts GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), which is a unique identifier for a product or service. Types of GTIN approved by Amazon are UPC, EA,N and ISBN. Each serves the same purpose: to help retailers and manufacturers track and sell products efficiently.

As mentioned above, UPC is also called the manufacturer barcode and used to identify products around the world, usually required when listing new products on Amazon for the first time. A UPC is used in many everyday situations, such as scanning at checkout during shopping, tracking inventory in warehouses, verifying product authenticity, etc.

The UPC barcode itself holds key details that make product identification fast and reliable. It includes the Left and Right Guard Bars, Number System Characters, Manufacturer and Item Numbers, Center Bars, and a Check Digit that verifies accuracy during scanning.

EAN (European Article Number)

The EAN works much like the UPC, but it’s primarily used across Europe and other international markets and is designed to help retailers and manufacturers track products seamlessly across borders.

If you’re selling the same water bottle on Amazon UK or other European marketplaces, you’ll typically use an EAN barcode instead of a UPC. This ensures your product can be scanned, recognized, and managed smoothly within Europe’s retail systems.

However, UPCs are still accepted on Amazon Europe when you create product listings. So, if you already have UPCs, you don’t need to register separate EANs to sell in EU markets. Amazon also supports EAN codes for global listings, which means you can use either UPCs or EANs for your international shipments without any issues.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

The ISBN, short for International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier used exclusively for books and printed publications. This system ensures that every edition, format, or variation of a book can be individually identified, tracked, and sold without confusion.

For example, a paperback novel listed on Amazon must have its own ISBN to differentiate it from the hardcover or eBook versions of the same title to help readers and retailers find the exact edition they want and allow publishers to manage inventory, sales, and distribution efficiently across global marketplaces.

What Is the Correct Amazon Barcode FBA Size?

There are some Amazon FBA barcode requirements that you must always stick to for every unit.

Amazon recommends that each Amazon barcode FBA should have height-by-width dimensions ranging from 1 x 2 to 2 x 3 inches, because smaller labels may risk being unreadable by scanners, while oversized ones may wrinkle or peel, leading to rejections.

Amazon also requires labels to be printed at 300 DPI or higher to ensure scan accuracy. So Megaficus suggests you use thermal printers like Rollo and Zebra because they print sharp, scannable labels at the correct size. 

Amazon also has color and type requirements for labels to ensure smooth scanning. So you must remember to always print labels clearly on white, non-reflective, and good-quality sticky paper using black ink.

How Do You Create and Print an Amazon Barcode FBA Step-by-Step?

Depending on the type of barcode you’ll need, you’ll handle it slightly differently when preparing your shipment.

Step 1. Check which barcode type applies to your product

Before printing anything, confirm your FBA Product Barcode Preference in Seller Central by going to Settings → Fulfillment by Amazon → FBA Product Barcode Preference.

If it says “Manufacturer Barcode (UPC, EAN, or ISBN)”, you’ll use your existing GTIN on the packaging, and Amazon will scan this to track your items as commingled inventory. You’ll stop here as the steps below are unnecessary.

On the contrary, if it says “Amazon Barcode (FNSKU)”, you’ll need to follow the next steps to print and apply FNSKU labels on each product unit. 

Step 2. Download FNSKU from Seller Central

When you set up a shipment, navigate to “Manage Inventory.” Then move to the product you need to ship and click the drop-down menu to the right of the product.

After that, select “Print Item Labels.”

Next, you need to choose how many labels you want to print and click “Print Item Labels.” 

Once you’re done, a PDF will download. Just open it, find your needed FNSKU barcode.

Step 3. Choose a printing method and print

Once your barcode file is ready, make sure it’s set to print in high quality so the lines remain clear and easy to scan. 

Before printing the full batch, it’s best to test-print one label and scan it using a barcode scanner or mobile app to confirm it reads correctly. Once verified, go ahead and print the rest of your labels for application.

Step 4. Apply the barcode

Affix the FNSKU to every unit you send. For example, if you’re shipping 3 books, each one must have its own Amazon barcode FBA label.

Step 5. (Optional) Amazon’s labeling service

For about $0.30 per unit (the fee may change in different periods of time), Amazon can apply labels for you, or you can also search for third-party services to assist you. This step is cost-effective for high-volume shipments where your time is scarce and you don’t have enough staff to do labeling.

What Are the Costs of Printing Amazon FBA Barcodes?

The cost varies depending on whether you DIY or outsource. A reliable thermal printer may cost $150 – $200 upfront, but pays off long-term by producing thousands of labels. Label rolls average $10 – $20 per 500 labels, depending on size and material quality.

If you print regularly, you can expect an average monthly expense of around $30 – $50, which covers label rolls, printer maintenance, and minor supply replacements. In the long term, this method is the cheapest for your business.

In case you want to ensure compliance or you don’t have enough human resources, you can opt for Amazon’s labeling service, expect to pay $0.30 per unit (fee may be changeable at different times). For example, a shipment of 1,000 units will cost $300 for Amazon to label. It’s more expensive but zero effort, and you can focus on other activities to boost sales.

Outsourcing to prep centers is another option that is useful for high-volume sellers. They often charge similar per-unit fees, typically $0.25 – $0.50 per unit, but include additional services like bubble wrapping or bundling. Therefore, you can consider this choice if you lack time or space to handle labeling on your own, but your sales must be high to avoid over costs.

Best Practices for Managing Amazon Barcode FBA

• Use high-resolution printing: At least 300 DPI to prevent scanning failures.
• Double-check SKU matches: Ensure every SKU links to the right barcode to avoid costly errors.
• Keep digital records: Store PDF copies of your labels for quick reprints.
• Review Amazon’s updates: Amazon may adjust standards, so stay updated via Seller Central.

These habits might sound small, but they stop the headaches of relabeling shipments or waiting days for Amazon to fix errors.

Common Issues with Amazon FBA Barcodes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced Amazon sellers encounter barcode issues that can slow down check-ins or trigger inventory errors. Understanding these common Amazon barcode FBA problems and how to fix them can help keep your FBA shipments compliant and avoid costly delays.

Poor print quality

Low ink levels or improper printer settings often cause barcodes to fade or blur, making them unreadable during Amazon’s inbound scanning. Sellers who rely on inkjet printers are more prone to this issue because ink can smudge on glossy surfaces.

To fix this issue, you should switch to a thermal printer (like Rollo or Zebra that Megaficus already suggests above) to ensure sharp, smudge-proof labels that maintain scannability throughout transit.

Misplaced labels

Labels that cross seams, curves, or corners are difficult for Amazon’s scanners to detect, resulting in delayed check-ins or rejections. The barcode must always be flat and placed on the largest, flattest side of the item, at least 0.25 inches away from edges or folds. We recommend you always follow the labeling guide from Megaficus to maintain consistency.

Moreover, if the packaging already has a UPC, EAN, or ISBN, you must remember to cover that barcode completely with the new FNSKU label because Amazon requires this to prevent their scanners from accidentally reading the wrong barcode.

Damaged barcodes in transit

During shipping, exposure to rain, dust, or friction from other boxes can scratch or fade printed labels, making them unreadable at the Amazon FC.

The safest solution is to protect barcodes using clear poly sleeves or label protectors instead of covering them directly with tape, which causes glare. Many sellers also apply secondary labels on inner packaging as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Amazon FBA Barcode