LPN Number on Amazon: Complete Guide for Sellers

Amazon is known for its advanced logistics and strict inventory control. Every product inside its fulfillment network is tracked with extreme precision. One of the tools Amazon uses for this is the LPN number. Many sellers come across it for the first time when they receive returned items or removal orders. Understanding what an LPN number on Amazon is and how it works can save sellers time, money, and frustration. This guide will explain everything you need to know in simple words.

What is an LPN Number on Amazon?

An LPN number on Amazon stands for License Plate Number. It is a unique identifier that Amazon assigns to individual items during the fulfillment and return process. Unlike an FNSKU or UPC, the LPN number is not visible to customers. It is used internally by Amazon to track and process items.

According to Amazon’s own definition, the LPN is “a unique serial number that identifies specific items throughout the fulfillment process.”

This number becomes especially important when an item is returned to the fulfillment center or goes through a removal order. Amazon places an LPN sticker on the product to ensure the item can be traced back to the original order, customer, and return reason.

Why Does Amazon Use an LPN Sticker?

Amazon handles billions of units in its warehouses. Without a reliable internal tracking system, it would be impossible to manage returns and inventory. The LPN sticker plays a central role in this system.

Here are the main reasons Amazon uses LPN numbers:

Tracking Returns: Every returned product needs to be connected to its original order. The LPN makes this possible.
Internal Processing: Amazon employees can scan the LPN to quickly identify where the product came from and what to do with it.
Inventory Accuracy: By assigning a unique number to each returned item, Amazon reduces errors in stock management.
Fraud Detection: LPN numbers help Amazon verify whether a return is valid and matches the correct order.

What Does an Amazon LPN Sticker Look Like?

An Amazon LPN sticker is a white label with black text. It usually includes a barcode and an alphanumeric code beginning with the letters LPN. The format is consistent across Amazon’s warehouses.

The sticker is often placed directly over the existing FNSKU or UPC.
It clearly identifies the product as a return or processed item.
Sellers typically see these stickers on returned inventory.

How Can LPN Numbers Help Sellers?

For sellers, the LPN number may seem confusing at first. But if used correctly, it can be a powerful tool.

Here’s how an LPN number benefits sellers:

Identifying Returns: When you receive a returned item in a removal order, the LPN allows you to connect it back to the specific order.
Analyzing Return Reasons: By comparing the LPN with Amazon’s FBA returns report, sellers can see why the product was returned.
Quality Control: If multiple returns have the same issue, the LPN system helps you identify the problem early.
Stock Management: LPN tracking ensures that sellers can reprocess or dispose of returned items efficiently.

How to Find and Use LPN Numbers in Seller Central

Sellers can track LPN numbers by using reports available in Amazon Seller Central. Here is a simple step-by-step process:

Log in to your Seller Central account.
Go to Reports and select Return Reports.
Click View FBA Reports.
Select the Download Tab.
Choose the event date for your returns and request a .csv file.
Once downloaded, open the file in Excel.
Look for the LPN number column along with order numbers and return reasons.

By matching the LPN with your returned items, you can find out exactly why a customer sent the product back.

LPN Number vs FNSKU vs ASIN

It’s easy to confuse different Amazon identifiers. Here’s a quick comparison:

ASIN: Amazon Standard Identification Number. Unique for every product listing on Amazon.
FNSKU: Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit. Unique to each seller’s inventory at Amazon warehouses.
LPN: License Plate Number. Unique to each returned or removed item for tracking purposes.

The key difference is that the LPN is temporary and mostly tied to returns, while ASINs and FNSKUs are permanent identifiers.

Common Seller Questions About LPN Numbers

1. Can sellers remove the LPN sticker?

Yes, but only after you receive the product back. Amazon does not allow sellers to interfere with warehouse labeling.

2. Are LPN numbers visible to customers?

No, they are for internal use only. Customers never see them on shipped items.

3. Can I reuse an LPN number?

No. Each LPN number is unique and cannot be reassigned.

4. Do all returns have an LPN sticker?

Most FBA returns do, but in rare cases, Amazon may process without one.

5. How does LPN help with fraud prevention?

By linking the returned item to the exact order, Amazon can detect fake or mismatched returns.

Best Practices for Managing LPN Returns

If you are an Amazon seller, here are some best practices for handling LPN numbers:

Always check the return reports: Match every returned item’s LPN with Amazon’s report.
Look for patterns: If certain products have repeated LPN-linked returns, investigate product quality or listing accuracy.
Document everything: Keep a personal record of LPN numbers for future disputes.
Decide return handling: Based on LPN tracking, decide whether to resell, refurbish, or dispose of returned products.

Why Sellers Should Care About LPN Numbers

Many sellers ignore LPN stickers, but doing so can lead to lost profits. By tracking them carefully, sellers can:

Reduce losses from unnecessary returns.
Improve product quality through insights.
Maintain better control over inventory.
Build a stronger customer experience by resolving issues faster.

Conclusion

The LPN number on Amazon may look like a small detail, but it plays a big role in the FBA system. It ensures every returned item can be tracked, processed, and resolved correctly. For sellers, understanding and using LPN numbers means fewer mistakes, better return management, and stronger business growth.

At Sellexio, we specialize in helping sellers master the Amazon ecosystem. From LPN tracking to listing optimization, PPC management, and full account support, our team is here to make your Amazon journey smooth and profitable.

FAQs About LPN Number on Amazon

What does an LPN number mean on Amazon?

An LPN number on Amazon means License Plate Number. It is a unique tracking code that Amazon assigns to items during the return or removal process.

Why do Amazon products have an LPN sticker?

Amazon uses LPN stickers for internal tracking. They help warehouse staff connect a returned product to its original order and return reason.

Is the LPN number the same as FNSKU or ASIN?

No. The ASIN identifies the product listing, the FNSKU identifies your inventory at Amazon warehouses, and the LPN identifies a specific returned or removed unit.

Can sellers find the LPN number in Seller Central?

Yes. Sellers can download the FBA return reports in Seller Central. These reports include the LPN numbers, return reasons, and order details.

Can an LPN number help sellers reduce returns?

Yes. By tracking LPN numbers, sellers can analyze why items were returned. This helps improve product quality, listing accuracy, and customer satisfaction.