Amazon’s vast marketplace uses a complex system of codes and labels to track millions of products. The FNSKU barcode plays a vital role in this system, helping sellers manage their inventory and ensure smooth operations.
Many new sellers find themselves puzzled by Amazon’s various barcodes and identification numbers. The FNSKU stands out as an essential identifier that requires proper understanding for successful selling on the platform.
What is an FNSKU?
An FNSKU is a unique barcode that Amazon assigns to products in its Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) programme. This special identifier helps Amazon track items and link them to specific seller accounts.
FBA sellers need to put FNSKU labels on their products before sending them to Amazon’s warehouses. These labels are different from standard UPC barcodes.
The FNSKU system offers two key benefits:
- Separates each seller’s stock from other merchants selling the same item
- Ensures accurate order fulfilment and proper seller payment
Amazon’s warehouses scan these barcodes to:
- Track inventory levels
- Pick the right products for orders
- Credit sales to the correct seller accounts
When sellers join FBA, Amazon provides unique FNSKU codes for their products. These must be printed and applied as labels before items can enter Amazon’s fulfilment centres.
Product Identification Numbers: ASIN vs FNSKU
Each item listed on Amazon has two important codes. The ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) acts as a unique product identifier. One can spot this code on every product page.
FNSKUs serve a different purpose. While ASINs track specific products, FNSKUs link items to individual sellers. The FNSKU helps Amazon’s system recognise both what the product is and which seller owns it.
Think of an ASIN like a book’s ISBN number – it stays the same no matter who sells it. The FNSKU changes based on the seller, similar to how different shops use their own stock codes for the same item.
Key differences:
- ASIN: Product-specific only
- FNSKU: Product and seller-specific
What Makes FNSKUs Different from UPCs?
A UPC serves as a universal identifier that works across all shops and marketplaces. FNSKUs work only within Amazon’s system. Both codes help track products, but they serve different purposes.
FNSKUs give sellers better control of their Amazon stock. This special code keeps products separate from other sellers’ items, even when they sell the same thing. Without an FNSKU, products with matching UPCs mix together in Amazon’s warehouses.
Should Sellers Apply FNSKUs to Their Amazon Products?
Amazon’s rules about FNSKUs change based on the product and selling situation. When listing items, sellers must pick between using manufacturer barcodes (like UPCs) or Amazon’s FNSKU system.
Most sellers benefit from using FNSKUs. These Amazon-specific codes:
- Stop inventory mixing with other sellers
- Make tracking stock easier
- Help prevent customer service issues
- Give better control over products
Important note: Sellers can update their barcode choice in their Seller Central settings.
Common product codes:
- UPC (Universal Product Code)
- EAN (European Article Number)
- GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- FNSKU (Amazon’s unique code)
These codes play different roles in product tracking. While GTINs, EANs, and UPCs work everywhere, FNSKUs create a unique system just for Amazon inventory management.
Generate and Apply FNSKU Labels
Product Labelling with FNSKU Barcodes
Amazon requires FNSKU barcodes for FBA inventory when Amazon barcode is turned on. These unique codes help track products in Amazon’s warehouses.
The FNSKU appears in the Manage Inventory section. Sellers need to tick the FNSKU column in their display preferences to see these codes.
There are three ways to add FNSKU labels to products:
- Self-labelling
- Print labels from Manage Inventory
- Apply labels to each item
- No extra fees
- Supplier labelling
- Send FNSKU to supplier
- Supplier prints on packaging
- Cost varies by supplier
- Amazon labelling
- Amazon adds labels
- Costs £0.44 per unit
- Choose during shipment creation
To print FNSKU labels:
- Go to Manage Inventory
- Find the product
- Click the edit button dropdown
- Select “Print item labels”
- Enter the number of labels needed
- Download the PDF file
The system creates a PDF with the proper barcodes. These labels must go on each unit before sending them to Amazon’s warehouses.
Many sellers ask suppliers to print FNSKUs directly on product packaging. This saves time and reduces labelling mistakes. To get the barcode image for suppliers, take a screenshot of the generated label or send the PDF file.
FNSKUs Barcodes on Amazon
Amazon FNSKUs serve as unique identification codes for products in the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) programme.
Each FNSKU barcode links to a specific seller’s product listing, making inventory tracking more precise.
Sellers can generate FNSKU labels through Seller Central.
These barcodes must be placed on all items before sending them to Amazon’s warehouses. The labels help workers distinguish between identical products from different sellers.
FBA inventory management relies heavily on FNSKU barcodes.
They prevent products from being mixed with similar items from other sellers, ensuring customers receive the correct items from the right seller.
Key requirements for FNSKU labels:
- Must be scannable and clearly printed
- Should not cover product information
- Need proper placement on packaging
- Must match product listing details