Videos on how to list on Amazon
Listing on Amazon can be a little confusing first time round. Here are some videos on how to list on Amazon.
Watch our step by step video to help you list a product.
Also see our video showing how to list product variations
Amazon Barcode Requirements
View some of our barcodes on Amazon.
Amazon’s policy for barcode numbers continues to change. There are also variations in how strictly it is enforced. While we work to keep this information up-to-date, if you wish to be certain about barcode acceptance on Amazon or any other retailer, it is best to check with the retailer directly.
Amazon uses barcode numbers (13-digit EAN or 12-digit UPC) as unique product identifiers . They also assign their own unique identification number called an ASIN, (Amazon Standard Identification Number).
Until a few years ago, anyone could list any product on Amazon using any barcode number, as long as that barcode number wasn’t already in use. However, this caused some serious problems for legitimate sellers. Some found that their barcode had been stolen and was being used illegally on Amazon.
Searching legacy barcode numbers
In 2016, an Amazon Executive joined GS1’s board of governors. They implemented tighter policies and started undertaking some ‘housecleaning’ to tidy up the Amazon database. Unfortunately, legacy barcode numbers are still used on Amazon that conflict with numbers that we sell. To avoid issues with this, we have implemented increasingly deep level searching for the Amazon databases to find these fraudulent legacy numbers. We use the Amazon APIs, which have some success with current products. Unfortunately these are limited in how deeply they search the Amazon databases. So our tech-gurus developed sophisticated search software. We use this software to deep search Amazon for all numbers before we sell them. If it finds any of these (historic fraudulent listings using our numbers), we delete the numbers and don’t sell them. This is proprietary software. It is much more effective than Amazon’s APIs and searches far deeper than any other barcode seller.
Current requirements
Amazon prefers barcodes to come directly from GS1. They have a preference that their suppliers are current members of GS1. Unfortunately, this adds costs especially for smaller businesses. GS1 charge joining fees plus annual fees for the rest of your product life.
In recent years, Amazon has stopped big brand products being listed on Amazon using barcodes other than those of the original brand. This is possibly to stop pirating or illicit listings. To enforce this, Amazon became ‘tighter’ with barcode numbers. Although the implementation of this policy varies a lot. Our guarantee certificate demonstrates the link for your barcodes to the GS1 GEPIR database.
Many customers use our barcodes on Amazon. We presume that is because if Amazon decides to check the numbers (and it is unclear whether they check very many numbers), then our barcode numbers can be seen on the GS1 database. Hence showing that they are of GS1 origin (although the listing will show the original licensee). In addition our customers can list their product/company details and their barcodes at www.barcodesdatabase.org, and other databases. This helps our customers prove to Amazon that the barcode numbers are legitimate. We can’t update the GS1 GEPIR database. No barcode reseller can do this.
Amazon’s Brand Registry
It is possible to apply to Amazon for GTIN exemption. This allows the listing of products without a barcode (GTIN). The process and requirements for this exemption are unclear.
Since 2019, Amazon has tightened up on the ‘brand’ field when listing. They are pushing suppliers to register on the Amazon brand Directory. However, we have been able to list products using ‘N/A’ or “MyBrand” in the brand field (as recommended by Amazon). Other Amazon suppliers report using ‘Generic’ or ‘unbranded’ in this brand field.
It might also be possible to register with Amazon’s Brand Registry. This may make it easier to have products approved on Amazon.
Amazon Error Codes
There are a few specific error codes that can commonly occur while listing on Amazon. These normally have to do with the ‘Brand’ field.
Fortunately, these errors usually have a simple solution. Common error codes and solutions can be seen here: https://internationalbarcodes.net/amazon-error-codes-and-solutions/.
Note: You may also want to see our videos about listing on Amazon: https://internationalbarcodes.net/videos-on-how-to-list-on-amazon/.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Buy Barcodes or view some of our barcodes being used on Amazon.