Everything to Know About an Amazon FNSKU Barcode

Selling on Amazon FBA Fulfillment by Amazon requires sellers to properly label and track their inventory. One crucial labeling system is the Amazon FNSKU barcode, which helps Amazon identify and manage your products efficiently. 

Without an FNSKU label on product packaging, inventory could be refused at fulfillment centers or even mixed up with other seller’s stock. 

It’s important to understand how to obtain, generate, and print FNSKU labels for Amazon Sellers to avoid logistical problems and compliance issues. 

What is an Amazon FNSKU Barcode?

The FNSKU barcode Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit is a unique identifier assigned by Amazon to products that are stored and shipped through the FBA Fulfillment by Amazon program. 

It ensures that each seller’s inventory is tracked separately, preventing commingling with similar products sold by other sellers. 

Unlike a UPC Universal Product Code or an ASIN Amazon Standard Identification Number, which are used for product identification across multiple platforms, the FNSKU barcode for Amazon products is exclusive to the Amazon marketplace. It enables Amazon to track, manage, and distribute inventory accurately while ensuring that customers receive the correct items from the intended seller. 

Each FNSKU code Amazon generates is tied to a specific product and seller meaning that even if multiple sellers offer the same item, their products will have a unique FNSKU barcode to distinguish them in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

FNSKU vs. ASIN 

An ASIN is a  unique 10-character alphanumeric code assigned to every product listed on Amazon. It acts as a catalog identifier across the Amazon marketplace, allowing customers to search and locate products. However, an ASIN alone cannot track a specific seller’s inventory in FBA warehouses. 

The FNSKU barcode builds on the ASIN by linking the product specifically to the seller who listed it under Amazon FBA. This means that even if multiple sellers sell the same product, each seller’s stock remains separate and traceable through their unique FNSKU labels. 

FNSKU vs. UPC (Universal Product Code) 

A UPC is a standard retail barcode used for product identification across multiple sales channels, including brick-and-mortar stores. 

Many manufacturers assign UPCs to their products for use in traditional retail environments. 

However, when selling on Amazon FNSKU vs UPC, a UPC alone is not enough for FBA fulfillment. If you are using Amazon’s fulfillment services, an FNSKU label on product packaging is required to ensure accurate tracking within Amazon’s system. 

Sellers often ask, “Do you need a UPC code to sell on Amazon?” The answer depends on the type of listing. If you’re creating a new ASIN, you typically need a UPC to register the product. However, once enrolled in FBA, Amazon assigns an FNSKU code Amazon uses for warehouse tracking. 

FNSKU vs. SKU 

A SKU Stock Keeping Unit is a seller-defined alphanumeric code used to internally track inventory. 

Unlike FNSKU barcodes, which Amazon generates, sellers create SKUs based on their own organizational systems. 

The main difference is that an SKU is for internal inventory management, while the FNSKU Amazon assigns is required for FBA fulfillment tracking.

The Value of Amazon FNSKU Barcode in Amazon’s Ecosystem

The Amazon FNSKU barcode plays an important role in Amazon’s fulfillment network, allowing the system to: 

  • Prevent inventory mix-ups by ensuring that each seller’s inventory is tracked separately. 
  • Improve fulfillment efficiency by linking products directly to the seller’s account. 
  • Reduce fraud and counterfeiting risks by distinguishing products from different sellers offering the same ASIN. 
  • Enable better customer service by ensuring customers receive the exact product from their selected seller. 

Without FNSKU labels, Amazon might not accept shipments, leading to delays, misplaced inventory, or customer dissatisfaction. 

Amazon FNSKU Barcode Requirements

Amazon enforces strict labeling rules to ensure smooth operations in its fulfillment centers. 

The Amazon FNSKU label requirements include: 

  • Clear, scannable labels that meet Amazon’s barcode standards. 
  • Labels need to be affixed on the outside of the packaging, covering any existing UPC or other barcodes. 
  • Printed in high resolution to prevent scanning errors at fulfillment centers. 
  • Standard Amazon FNSKU label size must be at least “1” x “2”” inches, though Amazon FNSKU label size may vary based on packaging. 

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in inventory rejection or additional labeling fees charged by Amazon. 

How to Get Amazon FNSKU Barcode

To generate an FNSKU barcode, sellers need to: 

  1. Create a product listing on Amazon Seller Central.
  2. Select “Amazon will ship and provide customer service (FBA)” under fulfillment settings. 
  3. Head to “Manage Inventory” and locate the product.
  4. Click on “Print Item Labels”, and Amazon will generate the FNSKU barcode. 

Sellers can then print these FNSKU labels and stick them to each unit before shipping inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. 

How to Label Your Products with an Amazon FNSKU Barcode?

After generating the FNSKU barcode, sellers need to print and attach it to each product. 

To do this efficiently, sellers can use an FNSKU label printer, such as thermal label printer, which produces high-quality, smudge-proof labels that meet Amazon’s requirements. 

Labels should be placed on flat, visible surfaces, ensuring they are not damaged or covered by additional packaging. 

How to Print Amazon FNSKU Barcode

Sellers can print FNSKU labels directly from Amazon Seller Central. Using an FNSKU label printer allows for efficient printing, especially when dealing with bulk inventory shipments. 

Thermal label printers, such as the DYMO 450 or Zebra ZD420, are commonly used to print high-quality, durable barcode labels. 

How to Add ‘Made in China’ to FNSKU Barcode

For products manufactured in China, US regulations require that the phrase “Made in China” be displayed on the packaging. 

This can either be printed directly on the product’s box or included on the FNSKU label. 

Sellers should ensure compliance with US customs and import regulations to prevent delays at Amazon fulfillment centers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Amazon FNSKU Example? 

An FNSKU example might look like X000ABC123 and is unique to each seller’s inventory under FBA. 

Can I Use the Same FNSKU for Multiple Products? 

No, each FNSKU barcode is tied to a specific product and seller. If you sell multiple products, each will have its own unique FNSKU code Amazon assigns. 

Are There Any Products That Don’t Need an Amazon FNSKU?

Only FBM sellers can use manufacturer barcodes instead of FNSKUs. All FBA products require an FNSKU for inventory tracking. 

What Happens If My Product Does Not Have an Amazon FNSKU? 

Amazon may reject shipments, place inventory in unfillable status, or commingle your stock with other sellers, increasing the risk of counterfeit issues. 

Can I Change an Existing Amazon FNSKU? 

FNSKUs are permanent once assigned to a product. However, sellers can create a new listing and generate a different FNSKU if necessary.