Amazon FNSKU barcodes will now be required for resellers who are not enrolled in Brand Registry, even when products already carry a UPC, and this shift can add real costs for sellers who rely on drop shipping or third-party labeling.
Resellers who aren’t enrolled in Brand Registry are facing a major update to FBA labeling rules. Amazon FNSKU barcodes are now required on all units, replacing the previous option to use manufacturer barcodes.
The shift is a response to sellers who abused pooled inventory, forcing non-brand owners to rethink their supply chains. Third-party labeling or shipping inventory for relabeling can get expensive fast, making preparation essential before your next shipment.
Mandatory Amazon FNSKU Barcodes Impact Resellers in 2026
Starting March 31, 2026, resellers who are not enrolled in Brand Registry will be required to use Amazon FNSKU barcodes on all FBA inventory. This applies even when products already carry a manufacturer’s UPC, creating a major shift for non-brand owners, as reported by Aaron Yi.
The update ends the co-mingling of FBA inventory and ensures each unit is tracked under the correct seller account. Sellers who rely on drop shipping or third-party labeling may face higher operational costs, as relabeling at a prep center or factory can be expensive.
Key points for resellers include:
- All units must have an Amazon FNSKU label for FBA compliance.
- Manufacturer barcodes alone are no longer sufficient for non-brand owners.
- Amazon barcode stickers will need to be applied before shipment to avoid receiving issues.
- Third-party labeling services may be required if labeling cannot be done at the source.
An Amazon agency can assist resellers in updating labeling workflows and ensuring compliance with the new rules. It is critical to review your supply chain and packaging processes now to avoid delays or unexpected expenses.
Resellers Must Update Barcode Preferences for FBA
According to Amazon, FNSKU barcodes will be required for resellers who are not brand representatives, even if the product has an Amazon UPC. This means non-brand sellers must plan their labeling strategy before sending inventory to FBA to avoid defects or delays.
Sellers can set a barcode preference in Seller Central, choosing either manufacturer barcodes or Amazon barcodes for new offers. The preference only applies to offers created after the change, and existing shipments or offers cannot be updated retroactively.
Using manufacturer barcodes provides advantages like cost savings and consistent inventory across multiple channels. However, only brand-registered sellers can select this option, while all other sellers must use Amazon FNSKU barcodes to comply with new tracking rules.
| Preference Option | Who Can Select | Effect on Shipment |
|---|---|---|
|
Manufacturer barcode |
Brand-registered sellers |
No extra labeling needed for eligible products |
|
Amazon barcode / FNSKU |
Non-brand owners / unregistered sellers |
Must apply the Amazon FNSKU label per unit |
Choosing the correct barcode type ensures each unit is scannable and tracked properly through FBA. Amazon agencies can assist sellers in adjusting account preferences and preparing new shipments under the updated requirements.
Preparing Your Inventory for Amazon Barcode Changes
Amazon FNSKU barcodes will become mandatory for non-brand sellers who need tighter control over unit tracking in FBA. This update ensures that inventory is properly attributed and reduces errors during inbound processing.
Sellers now have a choice between using an Amazon manufacturer barcode or generating an FNSKU label in Seller Central. The decision depends on product eligibility, operational control, and whether you prefer stickerless handling or explicit unit tracking.
A pre-carton quality control gate is critical to prevent common labeling mistakes like misaligned, unscannable, or peeling barcodes. Scan testing and SKU spot-checks before cartons are sealed can significantly reduce delays at fulfillment centers.
For sellers managing multiple suppliers or variations, creating one mapping file and a standardized label pack per SKU ensures consistency. Amazon agencies can assist in coordinating labeling, QC, and the correct implementation of Amazon FNSKU barcodes across all shipments.
New FBA Label Requirements For Non-Brand Owners“Check your supply chain now and see if you have items that require new packaging or labeling that you will want done at the factory from your supplier, as Amazon is already removing label service at the end of the month.”
