LPN Barcodes on Amazon: A No‑Stress Guide
If you’ve ever stared at a tiny white Amazon label that says LPN and thought, “Is this important or can I ignore it like software updates?” — this post is for you.
Let’s unpack what an LPN barcode is on Amazon, why it matters for sellers, prep centers, and resellers, and how not to get your inventory (or account) in trouble.

What Is an LPN Barcode on Amazon?
LPN stands for License Plate Number.
On Amazon, an LPN barcode is a small label Amazon uses to uniquely identify a specific physical unit of an item inside their fulfillment network.
Think of it like a car license plate:
- The product ASIN/FNSKU = the model of the car.
- The LPN = this exact car sitting in this parking space.
Key points:
- LPNs are usually found on products that have been returned, repackaged, inspected, or otherwise handled by Amazon.
- They are internal tracking labels used by Amazon’s fulfillment centers and returns processing.
- They are not meant to be used as your selling barcode (not a replacement for UPC, EAN, FNSKU, etc.).

Where Do You See LPN Barcodes?
You’ll typically run into Amazon LPN barcodes in a few scenarios:
1. On Amazon Return Pallets / Liquidation Lots
If you buy Amazon customer return pallets or liquidation lots from marketplaces (like Liquidation.com, B-Stock, local liquidators, etc.), many items arrive with an LPN sticker on them.
That LPN:
- Tells Amazon which exact order/return that piece came from.
- Helps them log inspections, refunds, and disposal or resale decisions.
For you as a reseller, it’s a clue that:
- The item was previously sold and returned.
- The condition may be “used,” “open box,” or “like new,” even if it looks fine.
2. On Repackaged or Warehouse-Deal Style Items
Some items Amazon sells as “Warehouse Deals,” “Used – Like New,” or “Renewed” may have LPN barcodes from earlier handling in the network.
3. Occasionally on Inventory You Send to FBA (After Amazon Handles It)
If:
- Your item is returned by a customer and re-accepted into sellable stock, or
- Amazon repackages/inspects it,
Amazon may stick an LPN on it as part of that process.

Do LPN Barcodes Matter for Amazon Sellers?
Yes — especially if you are reselling Amazon returns or sending LPN-tagged inventory back into FBA.
Here’s why it matters:
- Policy & condition accuracy
An item with an LPN is very likely a return. Listing it again as “New” on Amazon can be risky if there’s any sign it’s been opened or used. - Risk of account issues
If a buyer complains (“This isn’t new,” “It’s missing parts,” “Damaged packaging”), and Amazon can tie the LPN to prior return history, you may be the one taking the hit — poor metrics, returns, or even condition complaints. - Confusion between your labels and Amazon’s
LPN labels can sit right next to FNSKU/UPC labels and cause confusion during:- Prep center work
- Listing/scanning
- Returns processing

Can You Use an LPN as a Product Barcode?
No.
An LPN barcode:
- Is not a product identifier (like UPC, EAN, ISBN, or ASIN).
- Is not your FNSKU (the barcode Amazon uses to attribute inventory to you).
- Should not be scanned as your main listing barcode in your listing tools.
If you’re listing on Amazon, eBay, or elsewhere, your identifiers should be:
- UPC/EAN/ISBN (for catalog products)
- ASIN/FNSKU for Amazon FBA
- Your own internal SKU for tracking
Should You Remove LPN Stickers Before Reselling?
This is one of the biggest practical questions people have about LPN barcodes on Amazon returns.
Short answer: Usually, yes — remove or fully cover them.
Here’s why that’s a smart move:
- Reduces confusion for buyers
Some savvy buyers recognize Amazon LPN labels and immediately know, “Ah, this was a return.” That can trigger doubts and extra scrutiny. - Avoids mix-ups if the product ever goes back to Amazon
If a customer returns an item to Amazon and there’s an old LPN plus your FNSKU, you’re creating unnecessary complexity. Clean labeling is just safer. - More professional presentation
Multiple overlapping labels scream “I’ve lived many lives.” That’s not the vibe you want if you’re claiming “New” or “Like New.”
How to handle LPN labels in practice
If you’re selling on Amazon FBA:
- Treat LPN-tagged inventory as used/open box unless you personally verify it’s truly new and untouched (and even then, be cautious).
- Remove/cover the LPN and apply a clean FNSKU label based on the correct listing and condition.
If you’re selling on eBay, Mercari, etc.:
- Remove or cover the LPN so your customer doesn’t get confused.
- In the listing, be transparent: “Item sourced from Amazon returns. Inspected and tested.”

How to Read an Amazon LPN Label (At a High Level)
LPN labels usually look like this (pattern may vary):
- A printed code starting with LPN
Example:LPN RR 1234 5678 9012
The structure typically encodes:
- The LPN prefix
- A set of internal numbers/letters related to FC, shipment, or transaction
For resellers, the exact breakdown isn’t super important. What you can use it for:
- Matching items to manifests from liquidation auctions (when they provide LPN lists).
- Tracking lots: You can log which LPNs you purchased in which pallet.
But you cannot:
- Pull buyer personal data from it (and you shouldn’t try).
- Use it as official proof of authenticity.
- Use it as your main SKU in Amazon listings.

Practical Use Cases: Real-World Scenarios
Let’s walk through some examples so this doesn’t stay abstract.
Scenario 1: You Buy an Amazon Return Pallet to Flip
You crack open the pallet and see:
- Mix of electronics and home goods
- Lots of items with small white LPN labels
What you should do:
- Sort by condition
- New and sealed
- Open box but working
- Damaged/for parts
- Remove/cover LPN labels before photographing and listing.
- List accurately
- New sealed items: can often be sold as “New,” but double-check shrink wrap, seals, and contents.
- Opened items: list as “Used – Like New” / “Open Box” and be transparent that packaging may show signs of handling.
- Track your cost & source
You might keep LPNs in a spreadsheet purely for your records (e.g., “This unit came from Pallet A, Lot #1234”).
Scenario 2: You’re an Amazon FBA Seller Getting Returns Back
You create a removal order. Your items arrive with:
- Your FNSKU label
- A new LPN label added by Amazon
What you should do:
- Inspect the item carefully: packaging, accessories, any signs of use.
- Decide the new condition:
- Truly untouched? You might re-send as new, but this is risky if packaging is even slightly off.
- More realistically: re-list as Used – Like New or Used – Very Good if you send it back into FBA.
- Before re-sending to FBA:
- Remove or fully cover the LPN label.
- Ensure a clean FNSKU label is applied, matching the correct condition and listing.
Scenario 3: You Run a Prep Center or Work With One
Your client sends in a batch of items, some of which arrived from liquidation sources with LPN labels.
Good standard operating procedure (SOP):
- During inbound inspection, flag any LPN-tagged units.
- Ask the client how they want them handled:
- Can they be listed as new?
- Should they be used/open-box only?
- Document condition with photos if things look sketchy.
- Make it part of your SOP to remove/cover LPNs and ensure only the correct FNSKU and any regulatory labels are visible.
Are LPN Barcodes Dangerous to Leave On?
They’re not “dangerous,” but they can be problematic if:
- You relist an obviously returned/open item as Brand New.
- Buyers recognize the label and feel misled.
- An item with mixed labels causes confusion in Amazon’s warehouse.
Also, from a branding standpoint, visible LPNs can:
- Make your packaging look cluttered and unprofessional.
- Signal to savvy customers that you’re flipping returns, which they may or may not love.
Quick FAQ About Amazon LPN Barcodes
Can I look up an LPN number inside my Amazon seller account?
Generally, no. LPNs are internal to Amazon’s systems. You don’t get a handy “LPN search” dashboard.
Can I use LPN barcodes in my inventory system?
You can record them as notes (e.g., in a spreadsheet) if you’re dealing with returns and pallets. But don’t rely on them as your primary SKU/barcode.
Do all Amazon products have LPNs?
No. Most new, standard inventory will not show an LPN on the outside. You’re far more likely to see LPNs on returns, reprocessed units, and liquidation goods.
Is it illegal to leave LPN labels on?
It’s not about legality so much as compliance and customer trust. Amazon’s policies focus on accurate condition, authentic products, and not misleading buyers. Visible LPNs on obviously returned items listed as New can draw unwanted attention.

Best Practices for Handling LPN Barcodes on Amazon Inventory
Simple Rules for LPN-Tagged Inventory
- Assume LPN = returned/handled unit.
Don’t blindly treat it as new. - Always inspect LPN-tagged items.
Check condition, packaging, accessories. - Match listing condition to reality.
When in doubt, downgrade the condition rather than overpromise. - Remove or cover LPN labels before resale.
Especially if you’re sending back to FBA or shipping to a retail customer. - Don’t use LPNs as your main barcode.
Stick to UPC/EAN/ISBN, ASIN/FNSKU, and your own SKU system. - Train your team/VA/prep center.
Make “spot LPN, double-check condition” part of your standard workflow.
If you treat LPN barcodes as what they really are — Amazon’s internal name tag for a very specific item with a history — you’ll make smarter decisions about condition, pricing, and where that item should (or should not) be sold.
And the next time you see LPN RR 1234… on a box, you’ll know: this thing has a backstory. Your job is to make sure it gets a future that won’t get your account in trouble.




























