You ought to already be acquainted with UPCs and what they represent as an Amazon seller. To sell products on Amazon, sellers must possess Universal Product Codes, usually known as UPCs. The sole authorized international manufacturer of UPCs is GS1. A non-profit organization called GS1 has established barcoding for supply chains and product identification as the industry standard.
There are more than 100 GS1 organizations worldwide, but GS1 US is the one that gives UPC numbers to US-based companies. Brand owners receive distinctive prefixes from GS1 so they can use the prefix number to build their distinctive barcodes. To learn everything about Amazon’s UPC policies, continue reading.
What Is A UPC Number?
A 12-digit code known as a UPC (Universal Product Code) or “Barcode” is specific to the item being sold in a store or online. It adheres to GS1 standards and is used to scan products at the point of sale. Since GS1 is a universal barcode standard, any code that deviates from it is invalid and may violate Amazon’s terms of service. The initial format for product barcodes was UPCs (commonly referred to as “UPC Codes”). At the moment, they are the main barcodes used in the US and Canada. Each UPC is scannable, specific to a given product, and acts as a tracking, identification, and verification tool for sales, inventory, and other activities.
It can be compared to the fingerprint that is allocated to a specific object. UPC-E and UPC-A are the two primary subtypes of UPCs. UPC-A and UPC-E are nearly identical; however, UPC-E does not contain 0s. As a result, the 0s in the barcode will only be visible in the appropriate GTIN.
There are some similarities and distinctions between the two kinds of barcodes:
- Both feature the ID]EO symbol.
- Both of them are omnidirectional.
- Each accepts GTIN-12
- Both do not support attributes.
- Many nations outside of the US and Canada utilize EANs, even though other nations can scan and understand UPCs.
There was a requirement to differentiate each vendor by geography as supply and demand in Europe, Asia, and Australia rose. Then, GS1 started allocating particular prefixes for certain GS1 member organizations. While some prefixes indicate the GS1 branch where the prefix was licensed, they do not always indicate the location of the manufacturing process. For instance, it’s a common misperception that all barcode prefixes on products created in America begin with a zero or one.
Do You Need A UPC Code To Sell On Amazon?
When listing a new product to sell on Amazon, the product ID section needs to be filled up with a UPC. The “UPC” option must be chosen from the drop-down box in the “Product ID” section. Without the UPC number, a product cannot be listed for sale on Amazon.
“Barcode” is another term for the UPC. Because you are reselling something, if your product already has a code, you can enter it in the product ID field.
How Many UPC Codes Do I Need For My Products?
To identify products and make it possible to scan them into and out of inventory, universal product codes are used. Each one has a unique 12-digit number. Additionally, it enables computers to identify a product using just a code rather than a description. A special product code is required for each unique product. For instance, if you sell T-shirts, each distinct Colour will require a distinct UPC. If you are selling 20 each of 20 Black, 20 White, and 20 Green, you will need 3 different universal product codes, one for each different color. If you have 100 White Medium T-shirts, you can print the same barcode 100 times to put on your 100 units because each unique UPC barcode can be printed an endless number of times.
What Is A Valid UPC?
Amazon UPCs and GTINs are the subjects of a lot of discussions and for good reason. To prevent the sale of fake goods and duplicating listings, Amazon has put in place several guidelines. Amazon must have a rigid framework in place for what is permitted and how it is organized given that it has 3 billion products available on 11 global marketplaces. Since we assist sellers every day, we probably know more about Amazon’s policies and guidelines than anyone. We have nearly 15 years of experience assisting Amazon merchants to effectively list on the site.
Although it is simple to presume so, many of the issues that occur when establishing a listing aren’t UPC-related. You may find a list of the most frequent mistakes at the end of this article, along with advice on how to correct them. Please take note that the listed problems affect codes bought directly from UPCs.com as well as codes bought from GS1. All of the codes offered by UPCs.com come from the GS1, but they are substantially less expensive and do not require annual renewals (see Settlement).
In summary, the UPCs we sell at UPCs.com are the quickest and least expensive way to publish a new product on Amazon and are all valid for Amazon. Our codes are all GS1-based and adhere to all GS1 standards.
They introduced this policy as a result of numerous dodgy merchants selling codes that had not been validated at the GS1 (that you could look up) or selling used codes that had been stolen from companies. They have also developed the Amazon Brand Registry program, which greatly aids in safeguarding Brand owners and avoiding the sale of fake goods. Referring to the aforementioned regulation, they wish to make sure that every UPC originates from the GS1 as the GS1 does not maintain a central database of product information; rather, it merely gives prefixes to businesses. At UPCs.com, we only offer codes that come from the GS1.
Having stated that to list on Amazon, you DO NOT need to be the owner of a GS1 prefix. The codes will function as intended if you purchase genuine GS1 codes from UPCs.com. 95% of shops do not require GS1 prefix ownership, which comes with significant upfront costs and yearly renewal costs (see GS1/UCC settlement that the GS1 lost in 2002).
Where To Buy UPC Codes?
People frequently buy inexpensive UPCs from dubious eBay dealers. They are probably recycled UPCs. If Amazon believes your products are fake, your account will be suspended.
This can be avoided by purchasing UPCs for Amazon from authorized GS1 vendors.
We suggest UPCs.com since they get their UPCs from GS1 directly and in large quantities.
Because they joined the GS1 database before GS1 started charging annual renewal fees, they can then pass the savings along to us.
When you list a product for sale on Amazon and the code doesn’t function for whatever reason, UPCs.com stands by its codes and gives a 100% money-back guarantee. You can email us or contact them, and we’ll assist you straight away.
- Visit a trustworthy UPC Code retailer (UPCs.com is suggested).
- Press the “Buy UPCs now” button.
- Enter how many barcodes you wish to buy.
- Download your barcode’s JPEG images and Excel spreadsheet.
- Make a product listing on Amazon
- To ensure the UPC is distinct, enter it in the “product ID field” after purchasing it.
- Finish creating your new Amazon product listing.
How To Add Your UPC Code To Amazon?
You will want an Amazon Merchant account (also known as a Pro Seller account), which enables you to add new products to the Amazon catalog, to begin using the UPC (s) you bought. Following successful account login, select the Catalogue tab from the top left navigation, click “Add a Product,” scroll down to the “List a new product” area, and then select the “I am adding a product not sold on Amazon” link.
When you click on that page, you will be directed to a page where you may choose the category for your goods, which you will do based on the item you’re selling. You can either browse for a category or search.
You will be taken to a page where you must enter your Product Name, Brand Name, etc. after choosing your category. The “Product Identity” tab is located here. You’ll need the UPC/EAN code you bought from us, which you should paste there and select UPC from the menu, in the “External Product ID” section at the bottom of the tab.
You should browse through each tab and enter the necessary details as well as any other information you can. Once all the necessary fields have been filled in, keep in mind that you can save the changes and later go back and amend them. Note: You must complete ALL tabs with the necessary information to submit the listing.
All you have to do to add a new product to Amazon is that! You’ll need more distinctive UPC numbers if you wish to list more unique products. We provide reductions on larger orders. Keep in mind that each UPC can only be applied to one specific product. Since each UPC is distinct, once it has been used it cannot be used for another product. It should be noted that it may take up to 15 minutes after updating the listing for the changes to save and for the listing to become active.
When Am I Exempt From Buying A UPC Code For Amazon?
UPCs make it easier for buyers and Amazon to identify precisely the product you are selling. This is particularly crucial in a crowded market where there may be hundreds of things that appear to be the same but are distinct.
- You won’t need to buy a new UPC if you are reselling goods that already have UPCs allocated to them; these are often located on the back of the item or its packaging. When you post your item for sale, you can select the UPC option and enter this current number in the product ID area.
- You won’t need to develop a new page to support your item if Amazon currently sells the exact item you’re selling. You can enter the ASIN of the currently active Amazon listing by selecting the ASIN option from the drop-down menu for the product ID.
- You can speak with your supplier or the manufacturer to get the right UPC number if the products you’re selling don’t belong to you (dropshipping). Even while we strongly advise you to double-check that the product you’re selling is an exact match, in certain cases, you might be able to find the UPC number yourself by just finding the item in-store or online. Before using the code, check with your manufacturer or provider if you have any doubts at all.
UPC Codes for Amazon Sellers FAQ
For each item I want to offer on Amazon, how many UPCs do I need?
For one new product listing on Amazon, only one UPC number is required. No matter how many “Tee Shirts” you sell, just one “Tee Shirt” UPC is needed.
Despite never having sold anything on Amazon, I want to launch a private label company. The “create new product listing” button prompts me for my product ID. Do I enter the UPC here?
Yes, the product ID is necessary when creating a new product listing. From the drop-down menu, choose UPC, and then key in the entire number from left to right.
Are UPCs consistent for identical products?
Yes, they are the same if the product is the same. The same UPC may be applied to any quantity of the same product. Simply adjust the number of items you have for sale if the product has already been listed.
Do I need to buy a UPC number if my product is already listed on Amazon and I want to list it again?
Instead of creating a new page, piggyback on the existing detail page for the item if it is the same item that is currently listed on Amazon. If the product is currently available on the site, you wouldn’t need to buy a UPC. Choose ASIN from the product ID selection and type the ASIN of the current listing.
Does the Amazon UPC need to be printed on every item I list? What happens if I list 50 products?
As many of the same items can be listed with a single UPC number. You only need one UPC number to create a product listing for 100 hair brushes if you’re selling them. Your products do not need to have the UPC.
Amazon provides you with a special identifier for each product when you establish your product listing; this identifier must be printed on your goods. Only for product listings is the UPC used.
I’ve heard that to sell on Amazon, I need GS1 barcodes. Why is GS1 important?
The standard barcode for business communications was created by the GS1 organization. When you purchase a GS1 barcode, you are purchasing a singular identification that can only be linked to your company and its goods. Only barcodes that adhere to the GS1 Standards are accepted by Amazon.
What are the UPCs worth?
Depending on your needs, Amazon UPCs can be expensive. The small business owner has a cost-effective choice with GS1 US. A single GS1 US GTIN or UPC costs $30 and does not require a renewal charge.
On the other hand, if you want to offer several different things separately, you will undoubtedly require more codes, which will raise the cost. This is how it goes:
|
Number of Items in Need of UPC Code |
Initial
Fee |
Yearly
Renewal Fee |
|
1 |
$30 |
None |
|
10 |
$250 |
$50 |
|
100 |
$750 |
$150 |
|
1,000 |
$2500 |
$500 |
|
10,000 |
$6500 |
$1,300 |
|
100,000 |
10,500 |
$2,100 |
| NDC/NHRIC Company Prefix | $2,100 |
$2,100 |
Remember that these fees are only for creating barcodes. For ordering them and having them sent to your products, you will need to pay an additional fee. Depending on the provider of solutions you select, this cost may apply.
I provide multiple variations of the same product for sale. Do I require UPCs for every item?
You do, you do. All versions of the same product are distinct items and as such, require a unique identity because they are intrinsically different in size, color, design, or whatever parameter you have chosen. For instance, you require seven different UPCs if you are selling a coffee alternative in seven different flavors.
I have a product for sale on Amazon that is already listed there. Still, require a UPC, please?
Absolutely, yes! Even though your product is being offered by a different seller, it still has a special identity. It could be an EAN, GTIN, Amazon UPC, etc.
I’m purchasing something from a wholesaler and reselling it on Amazon. Not my original brand, though. Does the cost of a UPC still apply?
You still have to pay for a UPC (or any other unique identifier, for that matter) even if you are reselling a product on Amazon like the majority of merchants do. The fact remains that Amazon must somehow distinguish each of the millions of products in its database. Amazon is aided in achieving this goal through codes like UPC, EAN, and GTIN, among others.
Therefore, regardless of the circumstances, if you are selling something on Amazon, it must have a unique identification code.
Final Thoughts
Your reputation matters more than anything to a small business. Make sure the listing you create corresponds to the merchandise that customers will receive. You don’t want your listings to be taken down from the Amazon Marketplace. If this occurs, customers won’t see your products, which would hurt your sales targets.
For this, we are here to help you. SIPRANSHECOMMGROWTH has a team of experts who provides the following services: Product SEO, Account Management, Sponsored Ads (PPC), Product Listing Optimization, Product Research, Account Audit, Reimbursements For FBA Seller, Enhanced Brand Content / A+ Content (Basic), Premium A+ Content, Product Video Service, Storefront Design For Amazon, Brand Story Design For Amazon, Posts Management For Amazon and Infographics / Lifestyle Images.
