All products must be barcoded for receiving and picking. Importantly, every SKU in the Flexport network must have a unique barcode because Flexport does not commingle like SKUs (even if more than one merchant sells the same SKU). Here are Flexport's recommendations for avoiding barcode issues and incurring non-compliance fees:

• Use labels that are at least 1-2 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide. Labels that cannot be easily scanned may result in non-compliance. 
• Use black ink on non-reflective printing paper with adhesive backing. Taping labels to products may result in hard-to-scan products and non-compliance. 
• Use labels that are readable and scannable for 2+ years. The following guidelines will help ensure that the label you print will not smudge or fade:
  • Periodically test your barcodes by scanning them.
  • Use a printer with a print resolution of 300 dots per inch or greater.
  • Periodically test, clean, and replace your label printer heads.

If your products do not already have barcodes on them, you can print barcodes while creating your inbound shipping plan.

Products that arrive without barcodes are at risk of being disposed. The Flexport team will attempt to resolve. However, if unresponsive or unable to identify, the products can be disposed or at risk of labeling issues. 

 

Types of Barcode Labels

1. Flexport SKU (DSKU)

An alphanumeric string that always begins with a D.

2. Manufacturer SKU

Currently, accepted barcode formats are Code 128 for the ones listed before; if you are custom printing in another format, you might run into non-compliance.  

• UPC (GTIN-12, -13, -14)
• EAN (GTIN-13)
• GTIN-14
  

UPC Barcode

EAN Barcode

 

 

3. Amazon SKU (FNSKU or ASIN)

An alphanumeric string that always begins with a B or an X.

NOTE: DTC fulfillment inventory is subject to restrictions of Amazon FBA Transparency Labels. If you are planning to use Flexport for DTC Fulfillment, please relabel with FNKSU, an accepted barcode, or cover the QR code, as it can result in delays and/or non-compliance.

Once you choose a barcode for each product, it cannot be changed.  So it’s imperative it is correct. It’s a good idea to check it with your warehouse before completing this step.

Products shipped with incorrect labels are noncompliant and will be assessed noncompliance and relabeling fees.

 

How to Apply Barcode Labels 

Barcodes must be easily scannable and securely adhered to every sellable unit. Poorly attached barcodes or barcodes folded over edges will require relabeling and incur associated fees.  

 

 

The minimum size of a barcode is 0.3" wide (keep in mind this is the physical barcode size, not the label). If you are adjusting the size of the barcode by zooming in or out to fit a physical label size, the barcode itself can be reduced by up to 80% and can be increased by up to 200%.

Also ensure that your products will pass the FBA Drop Test, and are secured and labelled correctly if bagged.

 

Covering Up ALL Other Visible Barcodes

Other than the barcodes you have selected for the product within Flexport, all other visible barcodes MUST be removed or completed covered. This is extremely important to prevent mis-scans and mis-picks during fulfillment.

In other words, your product can only have multiple scannable / visible barcodes if all these barcodes are in Flexport's system.