FBA commingling (virtual tracking) FAQ
What is virtual tracking?
Virtual tracking uses the manufacturer barcode to trace the source of products that are eligible for commingling throughout the fulfilment process, so that identical items from different sellers don’t need to be physically stored together in a fulfilment centre. Sometimes, the concept of virtual tracking was referred to as commingling.
What is commingling and how does it relate to virtual tracking?
Commingling allows Amazon to fulfil orders using identical products from different sellers. Doing so enables us to process a customer order more efficiently and expedite delivery from the fulfilment centre that is closest to the buyer.
By using virtual tracking with the manufacturer barcode, we can trace the source of eligible products throughout the fulfilment process, despite the virtual transfers of ownership that commingling entails.
These virtual transfers of ownership can occur either locally in one country (domestic commingling) or cross-border in the EU (cross-border commingling). Additional seller eligibility requirements apply for cross-border commingling. For more information, go to Commingling (virtual tracking) VAT FAQ.
What is stickerless inventory?
Inventory that uses the manufacturer barcode instead of an Amazon barcode sticker is sometimes referred to as stickerless inventory.
Which product categories are eligible for virtual tracking?
A broad range of products are eligible for virtual tracking, and we regularly evaluate other product categories to include in the programme. For more information on eligibility requirements, go to Use virtual tracking to commingle inventory.
Can I use manufacturer barcodes for expiry-dated inventory?
No. All products with an expiry date must be labelled with an Amazon barcode to be eligible for Fulfilment by Amazon. Expiry-dated inventory cannot be tracked by manufacturer barcodes. For more information, go to Expiry-dated FBA inventory.
If I am a brand owner, do I have to use Amazon barcodes to track my ineligible inventory?
If your product doesn’t meet the virtual-tracking eligibility requirements, you may be able to get an exemption to use the manufacturer barcode by applying with Amazon Brand Registry and enrolling your ASIN in the programme. Non-brand-registered sellers would be required to apply Amazon barcodes for the ineligible product.
Can I change existing manufacturer barcode products to use Amazon barcodes?
You can change your barcode settings at any time. Changes would only apply to future shipments of eligible products. Barcode settings cannot be changed if inventory for the item is in transit to a fulfilment centre or already at a fulfilment centre. Any products that are already in fulfilment centres must be sold through or removed by placing a removal order.
To change from using an Amazon barcode to the manufacturer barcode, you must create a new product listing. For more information, go to How to switch from using Amazon barcodes to manufacturer barcodes.
If I want to use a manufacturer barcode to track inventory, do I need a standard product identifier?
Yes. Amazon requires a standard product identifier for every product that uses the manufacturer barcode for tracking (virtual tracking). To see which product categories require standard identifiers for major brands, go to Overview of category UPC requirements . For information on product identifiers, go to Find your product ID .
Are my products tracked by their serial numbers?
No. Fulfilment centre associates receive and deliver units by scanning the barcode. Sellers are responsible for tracking any serial numbers related to their products.
What if my browser unexpectedly closes when creating a listing that will use the manufacturer barcode?
If your browser closes when you are creating a new listing, your shipping plan did not update. To add the new listing in your shipping plan, click Add products when you set the quantity on the Send/replenish inventory page. For more information, see Set quantity for shipment to Amazon.
Does commingling mean Amazon stores and mixes all products together?
No. Our systems are designed to track each seller’s unique inventory throughout the fulfilment process, using virtual tracking. This allows us to separate identical items from different sellers in our fulfilment centres.
Could I be penalised for products sourced from a different seller?
No. We do not deactivate listings or seller accounts based on problems with units that are owned by other sellers.
More resources
- FBA product barcode requirements
- Use virtual tracking to commingle inventory
- Create a new listing that uses commingling (virtual tracking)
- How to switch from using Amazon barcodes to manufacturer barcodes
- Use an Amazon barcode to track an inventory
- Change to Amazon barcode by creating a new product listing
- FBA product restrictions
- Product UPCs and GTINs
- About Amazon Brand Registry
- Commingling (virtual tracking) VAT FAQ
- FBA commingling (virtual tracking) FAQ
