Amazon FBA Barcode Labels: What You Need and How to Print Them Free
Everything Amazon FBA sellers need to know about barcode labels — UPC vs FNSKU, label size requirements, and how to print them yourself for free.
Every product you send to Amazon FBA needs a scannable barcode label on it. Amazon uses these labels to identify your product when it arrives at the fulfillment center, when it's picked for an order, and when it's returned.
Get the label wrong — wrong size, wrong format, wrong placement — and Amazon will reject your shipment or charge you for relabeling. This guide covers exactly what you need so you get it right the first time.
The Two Types of Barcodes Amazon Accepts#
1. UPC / EAN (manufacturer barcode)#
This is the barcode that a product already has from its manufacturer — the 12-digit UPC or 13-digit EAN printed on the retail packaging.
Amazon accepts UPC/EAN barcodes for products enrolled in their catalog. But if another seller also uses the same UPC (common with generic or resold products), your inventory can get mixed with theirs. This is called commingling.
2. FNSKU (Amazon's own barcode)#
FNSKU stands for Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit. It's a barcode Amazon generates specifically for your seller account and your ASIN. No other seller has the same FNSKU.
When you label with an FNSKU, Amazon guarantees your units stay separate from other sellers' inventory — critical if you're selling new or branded goods.
Which one should you use?
If you want your inventory kept separate (recommended for most sellers), use FNSKU labels. Amazon lets you print them for free from Seller Central.
Amazon FBA Label Size Requirements#
Amazon has specific requirements for FBA barcode labels:
| Requirement | Spec |
|---|---|
| Minimum label size | 1" × 2" (25mm × 50mm) |
| Recommended size | 1" × 2.625" or 2" × 1" |
| Barcode type | Code 128 or QR code |
| Background | White or very light — no colored labels |
| Text | Must include FNSKU or UPC and product title (truncated is fine) |
| Placement | On the outside of the product, not overlapping original barcode |
The most common label size used by FBA sellers is 1" × 2.625" — this matches Avery 5160-style sheets (30 labels per sheet).
How to Get Your FNSKU Numbers from Amazon#
- Log into Amazon Seller Central
- Go to Manage Inventory
- Find the product you want to label
- Click Print Item Labels (or go to Edit → Print Item Labels)
- Choose the number of labels and the label size
- Download and print the PDF Amazon generates
Amazon generates the FNSKU label for you automatically. The PDF is ready to print — just load your label sheets.
Alternative: If you want to customize the label design (add your brand name, more readable product title, or barcode format), you can use the FNSKU code itself and design the label yourself in Labeliy.
How to Print FNSKU Labels Yourself (Custom Design)#
If you want more control over your label design — larger text, your brand name, cleaner layout — here's how to do it in Labeliy:
Step 1 — Get your FNSKU codes
Export your product list from Seller Central as a spreadsheet. You'll have one FNSKU code per ASIN (and per condition — New, Used, etc.).
Step 2 — Open Labeliy and use the Inventory Label template
The Inventory Label template has an item name, SKU, and barcode — exactly what an FBA label needs. Select it from the template gallery.
Step 3 — Set fields as dynamic
Check the Dynamic box for product title and the barcode element. Point the barcode to your FNSKU column.
Step 4 — Paste your product list
Copy your product name and FNSKU columns from your spreadsheet and paste into Labeliy's data table. Each row = one label.
Step 5 — Choose your label sheet and print
Select a 1" × 2.625" label sheet (30-up, matching Avery 5160). Download the PDF and print.
Common FBA Labeling Mistakes to Avoid#
Covering the original manufacturer barcode
If your product has a UPC or EAN on the packaging, your FNSKU label must not cover it — Amazon needs to scan both in some cases. Place the FNSKU label on a blank area of the packaging, or cover the original barcode only if you've enrolled in FNSKU labeling for that ASIN.
Using colored label paper
Amazon requires a white or near-white label background for reliable scanning. Avoid colored label stock.
Labels that peel off in the warehouse
Fulfillment centers are busy. Use quality adhesive labels. Cheap thermal labels on the wrong stock sometimes peel during transit. Standard inkjet/laser labels on adhesive sheets work well.
Label too small to scan
Keep the barcode area at least 1" wide for reliable scanning. Tiny barcodes fail at the receiving station and your shipment gets flagged.
Not labeling every unit
Every single unit in your shipment needs a label — even if 50 are the same product. Amazon scans individual units, not boxes.
Do You Need a Special Printer?#
No. A regular inkjet or laser printer with standard label sheets works fine for FBA labels. Most sellers use:
- Inkjet printer (any home printer) with Avery 5160-style sheets — lowest cost
- Laser printer — slightly more durable labels, faster for high volumes
- Thermal printer (Zebra, Rollo, Munbyn) — no ink needed, prints one label at a time, fastest for ongoing operations
For low-to-medium volumes, a regular printer is completely sufficient.
Quick FBA Label Checklist#
Before you ship:
- Every unit has an FNSKU or accepted UPC label
- Label is white background, printed clearly
- Label size is at least 1" × 2"
- Barcode is not covered by tape, folds, or other labels
- Label is on the outside of the unit (not inside a bag or box)
- Expiry date is visible if the product requires it
- Sold-as-set labels are applied if bundling multiple items
Amazon FBA barcode labeling is straightforward once you know the rules. Print FNSKU labels from Seller Central for the quickest path, or design custom labels in Labeliy if you want more control over the layout.