Creating an ASN in Amazon Vendor Central

An accurate ASN is critical in eliminating shortages and overages. When creating an ASN in Vendor Central, remember: 

ASNs should match shipment contents 

Your ASNs need to reflect what you actually shipped to Amazon. 

One ASN per shipment 

Separate ASNs must be created for each shipment to the location. Do not combine multiple shipments into one ASN. 

ASNs need to match shipment details 

ASNs can only be used if they match the shipment details submitted in the routing request or carrier appointment. 

Limited Edit Window 

ASNs can be edited for 7 days from the submission date or until the shipment arrives. 

Before You Begin 

Ensure you have: 

• A confirmed Purchase Order (PO) 

• Finalized shipment details (carrier, tracking, carton/pallet count) 

• Accurate pack configuration (case-pack, inner-pack, etc.) 

• GTINs (Global Trade Item Number — a unique identifier assigned to products to help distinguish them in the supply chain) or Amazon ASINs for all items 

Step 1: Login & Create 

In Vendor Central, go to the "Orders" Tab. 

• Select “Purchase Orders” 

• Locate the PO you’re shipping against 

• Click the PO number to open its details 

Select "Create ASN" 

• On the PO detail page, click “Create ASN” (usually near the top right) 

• This opens the ASN creation workflow 

Step 2: Enter Shipment Details 

In the ASN creation workflow: 

• Shipment ID: Use a unique identifier (e.g., internal reference or carrier tracking number) 

• Ship Date: Actual or expected ship date 

• Estimated Arrival Date: Based on carrier transit time 

• Carrier Name: Select from Amazon’s approved list or enter manually 

• Shipment Method: Choose between Small Parcel, Less Than Truckload (LTL), or Full Truckload (FTL) 

Step 3: Add Carton or Pallet Info 

Specify: 

• Number of cartons or pallets 

• Dimensions and weight (accurate data helps avoid receiving issues) 

• Labeling type, e.g., SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code), SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code — a four-letter code that identifies the carrier, essential for routing, tracking, and compliance), Amazon barcode, etc.  

Always match SCAC to the carrier used — mismatches can trigger chargebacks. For Amazon Collect, don’t ship until routing is confirmed — early shipments can be rejected. Maintain a SCAC code directory internally to avoid manual errors. 

For each item on the PO: 

• Enter quantity per carton 

• Assign items to specific cartons (especially important for mixed SKU shipments)  

Note: Use the “Pack Configuration” tool if available to streamline this. 

Best practices for distributing ASINs into cartons: 

• Use carton content labels (e.g., GTIN, ASIN, quantity) to ensure scan accuracy. 

• Align cartonization with PO expectations — Amazon may reject shipments if carton contents don’t match PO details. 

• For Amazon, leverage Vendor Central’s ASN upload or EDI 856 to declare carton contents. 

Step 4: Review, Validate, Submit 

Double-check: 

• Do quantities match the PO? 

• Do carton counts align with physical shipment? 

• Are GTINs/ASINs correct? 

Amazon will flag inconsistencies before submission. 

• Click “Submit” 

• You’ll receive a confirmation and ASN ID 

• Print and affix any required labels (e.g., SSCC or Amazon routing labels) 

Step 5: Track & Monitor 

Once your shipment is on the way and your ASN is submitted, monitor progress and be ready to submit corrections if needed. 

• Go to “Shipments” under the “Orders” tab 

• Monitor status: Created, In Transit, Received, Closed 

• Address any receiving discrepancies promptly to avoid chargebacks 

Pro Tips for Compliance & Accuracy 

A few tips to help with the accuracy of your ASN submissions.