Start Meeting Amazon Barcode Requirements

Each unit you send to an Amazon fulfillment center requires a barcode to track your product throughout the process. Amazon systems are barcode-driven, using a few special barcode numbering systems to track Amazon product IDs, FBA Labels, and Transparency Authentication Labels. You can go through Amazon or side with a printing partner to ensure you meet the changing Amazon barcode requirements, and from there apply the labels to your products yourself or have Amazon apply them for a per-item fee.

Although barcode labels are mostly used for tracking retail products in stores, they can be used for product labels, packaging, identification, warehousing, and shipping. Whether you’re selling products online or in-store, Bay Tech Label can help you apply the right barcode label. Bay Tech Label is familiar with Amazon’s Barcode product label requirements including the codes, label needed, correct placement, paper, and printer conditions. Depending on your needs, Bay Tech Label can print your Barcode Labels on rolls or sheets. Ensure your products meet the Amazon barcode requirements with Bay Tech Label or risk facing the hassle of potential service fees, costly delays, or even a freeze on shipments.

Understanding Amazon Barcode Requirements

Amazon barcodes must be applied to all products without a manufacturer’s barcode, including products with an expiration date, topical products, items in used condition or without a scannable barcode, and products for children. There are a few essential elements every barcode label must have to be accepted by the Amazon fulfillment center. To start, the Amazon barcodes must cover all other visible barcodes, except for serial number barcodes or Transparency Authentication labels. They cannot be placed on a curve or corner and must be placed on the outside of any packaging.

Aligning with Amazon Barcode Specifications

In addition to accurate labeling, you must meet specific Amazon barcode requirements by adding a product name, including the item condition, and maintaining enough white space around the barcode and text — 0.25 inch on the sides and 0.125 inch on the top and bottom. The barcode should be printed only with black ink on non-reflective and completely whitepaper. Removable adhesive is used to help customers easily tear off labels following delivery.

Either an ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) code or FNSKU (Fulfilment Network Stock Keeping Unit) label is also required. Although ASIN codes may be needed when you upload a product, they don’t need to be printed as FNSKU labels do. FNSKU labels are used by Amazon FBA sellers and are unique to you and your products. These labels are added to identify a product and connect it to the seller. They must be added to the packaging of every product or you will risk sending your products to commingled inventory with other sellers’ products, some of which are counterfeit.

Preventing Counterfeits with Transparency Authentication Labels

Whether fulfilled by Amazon or shipped by selling partners, Amazon scans Transparency labels to ensure only authentic products are shipped. Not only do Transparency codes proactively prevent counterfeits, but they can also provide customers with enhanced product information, from manufacturing date to place. They must not cover or be covered by another label. While Amazon scans your products to ensure only authentic units are shipped, customers can also scan codes using the Transparency app, and will see a green checkmark if the code is correct.

Although you can rely on Amazon for your labels, ordering custom printed barcodes is an easy way to streamline your labeling process. Save time by letting a third-party company like Bay Tech Label create your custom printed barcodes with the right size, shape, and essential elements to meet Amazon barcode requirements. With direct thermal and thermal transfer printers, Bay Tech Label is fully optimized and equipped to print Amazon barcodes. You may find that items that arrive at a fulfillment center without meeting the Amazon barcode requirements may lead to unintended and unplanned consequences.

Avoid Common Amazon Labeling Mistakes

With a labeling partner, you can not only meet the essential Amazon barcode requirements, but also avoid common labeling problems, including missing barcodes, mislabeled units, unreadable barcodes, and preparation errors. At Bay Tech Label, our barcode labels are available in paper, vinyl, film, synthetic, tamperproof, or foil and are ideal for scannability, durability, and adhesion. Just send us your barcode numbers, and we’ll help you avoid the most common labeling errors sellers face.

What is the Risk of Failing to Follow Amazon Label Guidelines?

When you fail to follow Amazon’s barcode requirements, you might face delays in processing, unplanned service fees, the refusal of inventory at the Amazon fulfillment center, a freeze on future shipment, and an additional charge for noncompliance. Siding with an Amazon labeling partner is one of the best ways to mitigate the risk of missing the mark on your Amazon barcodes and paying the price.

Siding with the Right Amazon Labeling Partner

Bay Tech Label is your go-to partner when considering Amazon labels that meet regulatory compliance. Serving St. Petersburg for more than 35 years, Bay Tech Label has the experience to address any ongoing Amazon FBA label concerns for your product, whether it be tracking your product or ensuring they are readily scannable. Renowned for our exceptional customer service, our expert team is always ready to help you print Amazon barcodes onto labels that stick.

If you need custom Amazon barcodes printed, get your next shipment out the door by talking to our team.