FBA product barcode requirements
FBA uses barcodes to identify and track an inventory throughout the fulfilment process. Each item you send to an Amazon Fulfilment Centre requires a barcode.
There are three kinds of labels for identifying products:
- Manufacturer barcodes (eligible barcodes include GCID, UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN)
- Amazon barcodes (such as FNSKU)
- (Brand owner only) Some products may require an additional Transparency authenticity code to help prevent counterfeiting
Manufacturer barcodes
Amazon will always use the manufacturer barcode to track inventory throughout the fulfilment process, unless you change your barcode setting. If more than one seller has inventory with the same manufacturer barcode, Amazon fulfils orders with inventory that’s closest to the customer. We do this to facilitate faster delivery.
If you do not have an eligible barcode for your product, an Amazon barcode can be used in place of the manufacturer barcode.
For more information, see Using the manufacturer barcode to track inventory.
Amazon barcodes
Amazon barcodes must be applied to all products that are not tracked using manufacturer barcodes. This category is comprised of:
- Products with an expiry date
- Consumable products
- Topical products such as skin creams, shampoos and cosmetics
- Products that are prepped so that the barcode cannot be scanned
You can print Amazon barcodes and apply them to your products yourself, or Amazon can print and apply them for a per-item fee. For more information, see Use an Amazon barcode to track inventory and FBA Label Service.
Transparency authenticity codes
Transparency codes are item-level authentication stickers that help protect brand owners and customers from counterfeiting. Transparency codes are accompanied by a Transparency “T” logo and must not be covered by any other label, nor cover any other label. To learn more and see a sample sticker, see the Transparency page.
