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Amazon FBA Barcode Generator — UPC, FNSKU & Label Guide
Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) has specific barcode requirements that differ from standard retail barcodes. Every product sent to an Amazon fulfilment centre must be correctly labelled — either with the manufacturer's UPC/EAN barcode on the packaging, or with an Amazon FNSKU barcode label. Incorrect labelling is one of the most common causes of FBA receiving errors, inventory stranding, and commingling issues.
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Each button opens the generator with the correct format pre-selected.
Two Types of Amazon FBA Barcodes
Amazon uses two different barcode systems for FBA inventory, and understanding the difference is critical before sending your first shipment.
UPC / EAN barcode (Manufacturer Barcode) — the standard retail barcode on your product packaging. If you use Amazon's "Stickerless, Commingled Inventory" option, Amazon scans the manufacturer barcode and mixes your units with identical units from other sellers. This is efficient but means a customer might receive a unit from a different seller's stock.
FNSKU barcode (Amazon Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) — a unique barcode assigned by Amazon to your specific seller account and ASIN combination. When you use FNSKU labels, your inventory is tracked separately from other sellers. Each FNSKU barcode must be applied over or instead of the manufacturer barcode.
When to Use FNSKU Labels
Amazon requires FNSKU labelling (or charges a labelling fee for Amazon to apply them) in several situations: when you opt out of commingled inventory, when selling private-label products, when selling any product that requires Transparency codes, and when your product category is excluded from stickerless inventory. Most private-label FBA sellers use FNSKU labels exclusively to maintain clean inventory separation.
FNSKU codes are generated in Amazon Seller Central under Manage Inventory → Print Item Labels. They are in Code 128 format and BatchPrintGTIN can generate them once you have the FNSKU code from Seller Central.
UPC Requirements for Amazon Listings
To create a new product listing on Amazon, you need a valid GTIN — typically a UPC-A (12-digit) or EAN-13 (13-digit). Amazon validates GTINs against the GS1 database. This means you need GS1-registered numbers, not codes purchased from third-party resellers. Once you have a GS1 Company Prefix, use BatchPrintGTIN to generate the barcode image for your product packaging.
If you are brand registered on Amazon and sell private-label products, you may qualify for a GTIN exemption. Apply through Brand Registry in Seller Central. Approved exemptions allow you to create listings without a manufacturer barcode, using only the FNSKU on your product.
Amazon FBA Label Specifications
Amazon's label requirements for FBA shipments:
- Label size: 1" × 2⅝" (standard Avery 5160 or equivalent) for unit labels
- Print quality: laser or inkjet at minimum 300 DPI — do not use thermal transfer at low resolution
- Barcode must be scannable — test with a smartphone before printing large quantities
- Do not place labels over existing barcodes without fully covering them
- Use the PDF Page Designer in BatchPrintGTIN to format labels for Avery 5160 sheets
Transparency Codes for Brand Protection
Amazon's Transparency programme adds a unique 2D barcode to each individual unit to combat counterfeiting. If you enrol in Transparency, every unit must have a Transparency code label. These codes are provided by Amazon and are in addition to the FNSKU or UPC barcode.
Generating FBA-Ready Barcode Images
Open BatchPrintGTIN and select the Barcode tab. For UPC-A packaging barcodes, choose UPC format and enter your 11-digit GTIN (check digit is added automatically). For FNSKU labels, choose Code 128 and enter your FNSKU code (e.g. X001AB12CD). Adjust the label size to match your Avery label sheet, then use the Page Designer to create a print-ready PDF for Avery 5160 format. Download and print on a laser printer at full quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same UPC for all variations of my product?
No. Each size, colour, or configuration variant needs its own unique GTIN and its own ASIN on Amazon. Using the same UPC for different variations causes catalogue errors.
What is the difference between ASIN and FNSKU?
An ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is the product identifier in Amazon's catalogue — it identifies the product itself. An FNSKU is the inventory identifier tied to your specific seller account — it tracks which seller's stock a unit belongs to. One ASIN can have multiple FNSKUs (one per seller).
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