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Amazon systems are barcode-driven. Each unit you send to a fulfillment center requires a barcode so that it can be tracked throughout the fulfillment process.
Products that do not use a manufacturer barcode for tracking require an Amazon barcode. You can print Amazon barcodes from within your seller account and apply the barcodes yourself.
If you do not want to apply the barcodes yourself, you can sign up for the FBA Label Service and have Amazon apply the labels for you for a per-item fee. For eligible products, you can use the manufacturer barcode to track your inventory.
Any item that requires an Amazon barcode that arrives at a fulfillment center without one will be subject to an unplanned prep service fee. For more information, visit Amazon barcodes.
Important: Failure to comply with FBA product preparation requirements, safety requirements, and product restrictions may result in the refusal of inventory at the Amazon fulfillment center, disposal or return of inventory, blocking of future shipments to the fulfillment center, or charging for preparation or for noncompliance at the fulfillment center.
Print Amazon barcodes
Amazon Bar code labels will be printed immediately if you use a thermal printer. For laser printers, a PDF is generated that you can use to print labels with standard label paper.
Amazon barcode requirements
When printing Amazon barcodes onto labels, make sure that the printed labels include:
- Sufficient white space around the Amazon barcode and related text: (0.25 inch on the sides and 0.125 inch on the top and bottom)
- ASIN or FNSKU
- Product name
- Item condition
Note: Amazon barcodes that have been printed directly onto the product packaging must meet these requirements as well.
If you are the product manufacturer or brand owner and you want to print barcodes directly onto the product packaging, apply for your own GS1 standard UPC barcode. For more information, visit GS1.
Label placement requirements
When you are ready to affix barcodes to your products, make sure you:
- Put the correct barcode on each item.
- Cover all other visible barcodes, except for any serial number barcodes or Transparency authentication code labels.
- Place the barcode on the outside of any prep materials.
- Do not place the barcode on a curve or corner of the package.
- Allow 0.25 inch between the edge of the label and the edge of the packaging.
- Ensure that each item in a case pack has an Amazon barcode and any barcodes on the case have been removed.
Important: Failure to follow label placement requirements can cause delays in processing and may result in unplanned prep service fees.
Printer requirements
The tools in your seller account are optimized for thermal printers. You can also use laser printers. Do not use inkjet printers to print Amazon barcodes.
Tip: Amazon fulfillment centers currently use Zebra GX430t model printers with a direct thermal setting.
Each label must be readable and scannable for 24 months. The following guidelines will help ensure that the label you print will not smudge or fade:
- Periodically test your Amazon barcodes by scanning them
- Use a printer with a print resolution of 300 DPI or greater
- Periodically test, clean, and replace your printer heads
Label paper requirements
All Amazon barcodes must be printed in black ink on white, non-reflective labels with removable adhesive. Dimensions must be between 1 x 2 inches and 2 x 3 inches (1 x 3 inches or 2 x 2 inches, for example).