Use an Amazon barcode to track inventory

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.

Each item to you send to Amazon warehouse needs to have an Amazon barcode. You can print Amazon barcodes from within your seller account and apply the barcodes yourself.

Any item that arrives at a fulfillment center without one will be delayed in making it sellable for customers.

Print Amazon barcodes

You can print Amazon barcodes for your products from the Send to Amazon page when you create a shipment, or at any time from the Manage Inventory page.

If you use a thermal printer, labels are printed immediately. For laser printers, a PDF is generated that you can use to print labels using standard label paper.

To print Amazon barcodes from the Label Products page:

1. Select the shipment that you want to work on from the Shipping Queue page.
2. In the Items column, verify the number of each product that you want to send.
3. At the bottom of the page, click Print labels. For thermal printers, the labels will print automatically. For laser printers, a PDF will be generated for use with label paper.

To print Amazon barcodes from the Manage Inventory page:

1. Select the products in the left column.
2. Select Print Item Labels from the Action on Selected Item(s) drop-down menu.

Amazon barcode requirements

Amazon barcodes must remain scannable for a minimum of 24 months. Following the printer and label requirements will help ensure the longevity of your Amazon barcode.

When printing Amazon barcodes onto labels, make sure that the printed labels include:

• Sufficient white space around the Amazon barcode and related text (0.6 cm on the sides and 2.5 cm on the top and bottom).
• ASIN or FNSKU
• Product name
• Item condition

Label placement requirements

All other barcodes on the package must be covered, including the manufacturer barcode. Failure to do so can cause delays in processing and may result in unplanned prep service fees.

• Put the correct barcode on each item.
• Cover all other visible barcodes.
• Place the barcode on the outside of any prep materials.
• Do not place the barcode on a curve or corner of the package.
• Allow 0.6 cm 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.

Printer requirements

The tools in your seller account are optimized for thermal printers. You can also use laser printers. Do not use ink jet printers to print Amazon barcodes.

We also recommend that you:

• 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 2.5 cm x 5 cm and 5 cm x 7.6 cm (2.5 cm x 7.6 cm or 5 cm x 5 cm, for example).

For laser printers, the tools in your seller account support the following label sizes:

• 21 labels per page (63.5 mm x 38.1 mm on A4)
• 24 labels per page (63.5 mm x 33.9 mm on A4, 63.5 mm x 38.1 mm on A4, 64.6 mm x 33.8 mm on A4, 66.0 mm x 33.9 mm on A4, 70.0 mm x 36.0 mm on A4, 70.0 mm x 37.0 mm on A4)
• 27 labels per page (63.5 mm x 29.6 mm on A4)
• 30 labels per page (1 inch x 2 5/8 inches on US Letter)
• 40 labels per page (52.5 mm x 29.7 mm on A4)
• 44 labels per page (48.5 mm x 25.4 mm on A4)

If your printer attempts to scale the PDF print area when you print your labels, make sure that the printer scaling is set to None or 100%.

Label requirements

All barcodes must be printed in black ink on white, non-reflective labels with removable adhesive. The product name and condition must appear on the label.

The tools in your seller account support the following label sizes:

• 21 labels per page (63.5 mm x 38.1 mm on A4)
• 24 labels per page (63.5 mm x 33.9 mm on A4, 63.5 mm x 38.1 mm on A4, 64.6 mm x 33.8 mm on A4, 66.0 mm x 33.9 mm on A4, 70.0 mm x 36.0 mm on A4, 70.0 mm x 37.0 mm on A4)
• 27 labels per page (63.5 mm x 29.6 mm on A4)
• 30 labels per page (1" x 2 5/8" on US Letter)
• 40 labels per page (52.5 mm x 29.7 mm on A4)
• 44 labels per page (48.5 mm x 25.4 mm on A4)

When you print your barcodes, if your printer attempts to scale the PDF print area, ensure that the printer scaling is set to None or 100%.

You can print a PDF version of the barcodes for your shipment from the Label Products page when you create a shipment. You can also print Amazon barcodes from the Manage Inventory page by selecting the products in the left column and then selecting Print Item Labels from the Action on Selected Item(s) drop-down menu.

Requirements for printing barcodes directly on product packaging

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, see GS1.