Transparency vs FNSKU Labels: What's the Difference?
By Todd Welch, founder of T-Code Manager. Published October 11, 2026.
An FNSKU label tells Amazon whose product a unit is. A Transparency label proves that one specific unit is genuine. Every unit of a listing carries the same FNSKU. Every unit of a Transparency product carries a different Transparency code.
Side by side
| FNSKU | Transparency code | |
|---|---|---|
| What it identifies | A product, for a specific seller, in Amazon's fulfillment network | One individual unit |
| Same on every unit? | Yes | No, every unit is unique |
| Where it comes from | Amazon assigns it to your FBA listing | Amazon issues codes to the enrolled brand |
| Barcode | Standard 1D barcode | Small square 2D barcode |
| When you need it | FBA units, unless the product can use its manufacturer barcode | Every unit of an enrolled product, FBA or FBM |
| Who checks it | Amazon fulfillment centers | Amazon, plus customers who scan it with the Amazon Shopping or Transparency app |
Do I need both?
It depends on how you ship.
- FBA with an FNSKU: yes. Each unit carries its FNSKU and its own Transparency code.
- FBM: the FNSKU doesn't apply, because it's for Amazon's warehouses. The Transparency code still does, and you report it when you confirm shipment. See how to handle Transparency on FBM orders.
A Transparency code never replaces the FNSKU, and the FNSKU never replaces the Transparency code.
Can they go on one label?
Yes, some sellers print both on a single label to save a step. T-Code Manager's 1.25" x 2.25" Dymo and 2" x 1" formats do this: the 2D Transparency code sits next to the FNSKU barcode, with the FNSKU and ASIN printed under the barcode and the product name below.
Before you switch, check Amazon's current labeling requirements for your products so both barcodes scan the way Amazon expects. If you'd rather keep them apart, the 1" x 1" format prints the Transparency code with the ASIN.
Common mix-ups
- Reusing a Transparency code. Each code is for one unit. Printing the same code twice puts one code on two units, which is exactly what Transparency is built to flag.
- Covering a barcode. Don't stick one label over another barcode. Every barcode on the package should still scan.
- Treating the FNSKU as proof of authenticity. It isn't. It only tells the warehouse whose inventory the unit is.
How T-Code Manager prints them
Scan the product by ASIN, UPC, SKU or FNSKU, enter a quantity and print. Pick the 1" x 1" format for the Transparency code alone, or the Dymo or 2" x 1" format for Transparency plus FNSKU. Codes are marked used when the label file is created, and every print job is logged.
New to Transparency? Start with what Amazon Transparency codes are. Ready to try it? See how T-Code Manager works for sellers or start a free 14-day trial, no credit card required.