Tips On Using Amazon Barcodes On Labels
- Oct 3, 2022
Modified on August 6th, 2025
Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program makes selling easier, but only if your products arrive at the fulfillment center with the right barcodes. Without them, your inventory risks delays, extra fees, and even being rejected.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Amazon barcodes, how to print them correctly, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
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What Are Amazon Barcodes?
Barcodes are images represented by a combination of white space and black bars. These bars represent binary digits 0 and 1, sequences of which can represent numbers from 0 to 9 and be processed by a digital computer.
This is how Amazon tracks and manages every unit in its warehouse. For FBA sellers, the most important barcode type is the FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit).
- UPC/EAN: Universal barcodes from GS1 or other providers. Used by multiple retailers, not just Amazon.
- FNSKU: Unique to Amazon's seller account. Required for all FBA shipments to link your product to your inventory.
Even if your products already have a UPC, using FNSKU labels ensures your sales are always credited to your account.
How to Get and Use Amazon Barcodes
Follow these simple steps to generate and apply FNSKU labels to your products:
Step 1. Generate FNSKU in Seller Central
Log in to Seller Central - Go to Manage Inventory - Select your products - Choose Print Item Labels.
Step 2. Choose the Right Label Size
Amazon recommends labels between 1” x 2” and 2” x 3”. Most sellers use 2.625” x 1” direct thermal labels.
Step 3. Print at 300 dpi or Higher
Use a laser or thermal printer for crisp, scannable barcodes. Explore our laser printer sheet labels for easy, high-resolution FBA printing.
Step 4. Apply Flat Packaging
Place labels on a smooth, flat surface. Avoid seams, edges, or rounded areas. Cover any manufacturing barcodes to avoid scan errors.
Check out the video below, which will provide many tips for using Amazon barcodes.
Changes Coming to Amazon FBA
Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon is ending it’s U.S. FBA labeling services. That means sellers will need to handle all barcode printing and application themselves. Don’t wait till the last minute, prepare now with LabelValue’s fast shipping, FBA-ready labels to keep your inventory moving without delays.
Types of Barcodes Amazon FBA Accepts
Amazon requires each item you send to its warehouse center to have a scannable barcode. The two main options are:
- Manufacturer Barcodes: GCID, UPS, EAN, JAN, or ISBN (may be used if approved by Amazon for commingled inventory).
- Amazon Barcodes: ASIN or FNSKU (recommended for accurate tracking since they tie directly to your seller account).
Amazon sellers can print product labels directly from the "Manage Inventory" page when creating a shipment. Labels may be printed on sheeted labels at home with your desktop printer, or in larger wholesale volumes on rolls.
Contact us today for a quote on Amazon product labels in wholesale volumes. We can print them at a fraction of the cost that Amazon charges.
UPC Barcodes
If you also sell your products outside of Amazon, you'll need your own UPC barcodes. The UPC barcode is the most common barcode used today.
Key requirements:
- Product must be new
- Must include product name and condition on the label
- Barcode must be clear and scannable
- Cannot show an expiration date
- Not valid for consumables such as food, cream, shampoo, or cosmetics
What Is An Amazon ASIN Number?
An ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that Amazon assigns to each unique product. Each product on Amazon must have an ASIN with the exception of books, which use IBSNs. This system makes it easy to search, organize, and track your product listing.
Order Amazon Barcode Labels
Need Amazon barcode labels printed? LabelValue can help! Simply send us your barcodes, and we’ll print high-quality, scannable labels at a fraction of the cost.
Choose from sheeted labels for small batches or roll for wholesale volumes. Get your Amazon ASIN printed on labels today. Make it easy to scan and track your products on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I print Amazon FNSKU labels on a regular printer?
Yes, you can print on sheet labels using a laser printer. For high volumes, thermal label printers are recommended.
Q: What size labels does Amazon recommend for FNSKU barcodes?
Amazon suggests labels between 1” x 2” and 2” x 3”. The most popular choice is 2.625” x 1”.
Q: Do I need to cover the original manufacturer's barcode?
Yes. If your product already has a UPC or other barcode, it should be fully covered so only the FNSKU is visible.
Q: Is Amazon really ending its FBA prep and labeling service?
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, all sellers must handle their own FBA labeling. Preparing now ensures your business avoids disruption.
Getting Amazon barcodes right is crucial for keeping your FBA shipments on time and error-free. By following best practices, you'll stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.