FNSKU labels after March 2026: new shipments and existing stock
The deadline has passed. Check the barcode choice for your next FBA shipment, keep old inventory separate in your review, and price the prep work before buying stock.
Do UK resellers now need FNSKU labels?
Yes, for new FBA shipments. Since 31 March 2026, resellers without the Brand Representative selling role must use Amazon barcodes, even on products with an EAN or UPC. Eligible brand representatives can use an existing manufacturer barcode; products without one still need Amazon labels. Amazon's UK announcement sets out the exceptions.
What changed on 31 March 2026?
Amazon ended commingling: fulfilling an order with another seller's identical stock. The new barcode rules apply to inventory shipped from that date. Your next inbound shipment needs the right barcode choice, even if older units of the same product are still selling from a previous shipment.
Check the product, not just your business type
Review the barcode requirement for each SKU in Seller Central before printing. Owning a brand, reselling it and holding the Brand Representative selling role are different positions. If the inbound flow conflicts with the role you believe you hold, resolve that with Amazon before dispatch; a label guess is a poor way to settle an account question.
Get the label for the SKU you are actually shipping
An FNSKU is Amazon's identifier for a seller's FBA product. Use the label file supplied for your account and SKU, not a supplier's file for the same ASIN. Keep a product-to-SKU checklist beside the printer, particularly when several similar pack sizes or versions are on the bench.
What to do before your next shipment
- Confirm the barcode choice. Check each SKU in Seller Central and the current inbound instructions.
- Give your prep partner the matching label files. Agree who prints, applies and checks them, plus the per-unit charge.
- Check a finished unit. Match the product, pack size and SKU, then follow Amazon's current placement and scannability instructions.
- Count the prep cost. Include label materials, labour and shipping into FBA when deciding whether a supplier line is worth buying.
Use the UK FBA calculator's worked example to see where prep sits in profit and ROI. Then enter your own costs; a prep partner's quote is an input, not an Amazon fee.
Do you need to relabel inventory already in FBA?
Not solely because of this change. Amazon's UK staff clarification says existing manufacturer-barcoded stock remains sellable and is tracked separately from FNSKU stock. Check both records when reviewing remaining units and inventory age. Do not assume a fresh inbound shipment has cleared the older balance.
If an old SKU is stranded or unsellable, investigate that SKU's actual status and Amazon's instructions. Decide on removal from the specific problem and cost, rather than from the expired March deadline.
If your labels and inbound instructions disagree
Stop before dispatch. Check the SKU on the shipment, the barcode choice and the file your supplier or prep centre used. Keep the discrepancy and a photo of a finished unit together when asking Amazon for clarification. Do not assume Amazon will correct it on arrival or budget for an unconfirmed labelling service.
Where Eve helps
Workflows handles inbound preparation and label documents. Scout helps resolve products and create offers before shipment preparation. Confirm the requirement for the actual account and SKU; software does not grant Brand Representative status.
Common questions
Do I need to remove old manufacturer-barcoded stock?
No, not solely because of the March change. Amazon's UK staff say that existing stock can still sell. Check its status and inventory age separately from new FNSKU stock.
Which label file should I give my prep centre?
Give them the file for the SKU in your shipment and agree who checks it against the physical product. Include their per-unit prep charge in your calculation before ordering stock.
Where does the labelling cost go in a profit calculation?
Put it in the prep cost per unit, alongside shipping into FBA. Use your own quote or measured materials and labour cost, then include VAT according to your position. Avoid counting it twice in both product cost and prep.
Sources and scope
Checked 7 October 2026 for UK FBA. Sources: Amazon's barcode announcement and the Amazon staff clarification on existing stock. The shipment checklist is our practical recommendation. Seller Central remains the authority for your specific product, role and inventory status.