How to Use 2D Barcodes for Amazon FBA Shipments: A Complete Guide
When sending multiple products with their own EANs to Amazon, they are often packed into intermediate boxes, which are then placed into larger shipping boxes. Manually entering the contents of each box in Seller Central is time-consuming and error-prone. A smart method is to use 2D barcodes (QR codes, Data Matrix, or PDF417). These codes encode all necessary information – shipment ID, product IDs, quantities, and optionally expiry dates – allowing Amazon to instantly know the contents upon scanning. This significantly speeds up receiving and reduces errors. In this article, you will learn how to create 2D barcodes, enable them in Seller Central, and automate the process.
What Are 2D Barcodes?
2D barcodes are two-dimensional codes that can store significantly more data than traditional barcodes. Amazon supports three formats: PDF417 (recommended, minimum height 3 modules, error correction level 6), Data Matrix (14x14 to 22x22 modules), and QR codes (requires high error correction). They are printed in black on white labels at a minimum resolution of 600 DPI. The code contains a string starting with 'AMZN', followed by the shipment ID, product ASIN/EAN, quantity, and optionally expiry date (YYMMDD format). Multiple EANs can be combined in one code.
Required Information in the Barcode
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| AMZN Prefix | Identifies the code for Amazon | AMZN |
| Shipment ID (PO) | The FBA shipment number from Seller Central | FBA15G7H8J9 |
| Product ID (ASIN/EAN) | Unique identifier of the product | B08N5WRWNW or 4901234567890 |
| Quantity (QTY) | Number of units of this product in the box | 12 |
| Expiry Date (optional) | In YYMMDD format for perishable goods | 250831 |
Supported Barcode Formats
| Format | Requirements |
|---|---|
| PDF417 | Recommended; minimum height 3 modules; error correction level ≥ 6 |
| Data Matrix | Supported from 14x14 to 22x22 modules |
| QR Code | Requires high error correction (Level H) |
How to Enable 2D Barcodes in Seller Central
To use the 2D barcode option, you need to enable it in your Seller Central account: Go to Settings > Fulfillment by Amazon > Inbound Settings. Click 'Edit' and enable '2D barcodes for box content'. Save the settings. When creating a new shipment in the 'Send to Amazon' workflow, select the option to use 2D barcodes. Labels for both intermediate and outer boxes must carry the code. If the boxes are identical, both the shipping label and the 2D barcode go on the same label.
Automating Barcode Generation
Amazon does not provide a native generator for 2D barcodes. However, you can write your own scripts (e.g., in Python using libraries like qrcode or pylibdmtx) that read data from your order list and generate the codes as print-ready PDFs. This allows you to create labels for hundreds of boxes in minutes. If you need help with implementation, contact me – I will explain how to do it simply.
Important Considerations
2D barcodes do not replace the carrier shipping labels – those must still be affixed on the outside. Accuracy of the data in the code is critical; incorrect information can lead to delays or fees. Place the codes so they can be scanned immediately after unloading. Using 2D barcodes is especially beneficial for high-volume sellers or drop-shipping, as it automates content communication and increases logistics speed.
Let's work together
Do you need more info, help with your project, or to develop an idea?
Whether it's an easy question, a quick doubt, or just a 5-minute chat, send me a message—it costs nothing and I'm always ready to help. I love discussing a problem to understand it, getting creative with solutions, and focusing on simple, reliable, and straightforward ideas that we can actuate quickly.
Contact me →