How to List Products on Amazon Without UPC Code

Author: Tomer David, Founder of Sourcing Monster

Amazon has millions of products sold in its marketplace. Keeping track of all these products can be overwhelming and prone to errors. This is why Amazon requires that each product sold in their marketplace should have a UPC (Universal Product Code.)

However, there are instances when a product will not have a UPC. The good news is there’s a way to list your Amazon products without it!

How Amazon Uses UPC Code and Its Importance

UPC is a unique code that is assigned to every item or product sold on Amazon. It is used to distinguish an item that is already available on the online marketplace. It allows faster identification of individual products.

UPCs work similarly to barcodes that you purchase in supermarkets. Each code is unique, and simply scanning them will show what the product is and all other important information about that particular item.

Just like Amazon, they need the UPC codes to identify each product. In addition, sellers need them when creating product listings. In the Product ID section, you need to input the UPC or other types of GTIN, such as EAN, ASIN, ISBN, and JAN.

There will also be times that you may need to convert UPC to ASIN so you can match UPCs from different websites to Amazon ASINs. There are UPC to ASIN converter tools to help you identify if a product has the potential to sell on Amazon.

As an Amazon seller, I also love using different Amazon seller tools, FBA calculator extensions, product comparison tools, and more to help me with productivity and, of course, stay ahead of my competitors.

You can check out some of the tools I use on my Sourcing Monster website.

What is the GTIN Exemption?

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It’s a unique set of numbers that identifies each product below the barcode. But don’t be confused since it’s not an actual barcode.

GTIN exemption is only provided if the products don’t have a product ID when creating a listing. Therefore, requesting a GTIN exemption may require sellers to acquire additional Brand approval to successfully list products. For instance, if you wish to list in a different category or brand, you need to apply or request a GTIN exemption.

How to Request for GTIN Exemption?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to request a GTIN exemption.

1. On Amazon Seller Central, go to Apply for GTIN exemption page. To find this page, you can go to the search tool and type in Apply for GTIN exemption.
2. Once on the Apply for GTIN exemption page, choose Select and click on the Product category relevant to your product.
3. In the Brand/Publisher section, key in the publisher or brand name. If the products are unbranded, type Generic. If you wish to apply for multiple exemptions, click on + Add more categories. You can apply for up to exemptions.
4. Next, select the Check for eligibility button, and an Eligibility summary will be displayed. You will see a checkmark on the Status column if you are eligible for a GTIN exemption. In case you are not eligible, you won’t be able to continue with the rest of the process.
5. For eligible products, click on Continue to submit proof.
6. Once you are on the Provide proof page, you need to provide the Product name as well as upload the images. Be sure that all sides of a similar product can be seen on the uploaded images.
7. If you applied for multiple exemptions, simply repeat step 6 for all the remaining products.
8. Once you’re done with all your products, click on Submit request.

Usually, Amazon will send an email within 48 hours on the status of your GTIN exemption request. You can also check your case log for the status.

Who can Apply for GTIN Exemption?

If you fall in any of the following scenarios, you may apply for a GTIN exemption.

• If you wish to sell product parts for mobile accessories or automotive which do not have a GTIN.
• If you wish to sell more than one product in a bundle pack.
• If you are the manufacturer, publisher, or brand and you have no barcodes for the items.
• If the publisher, brand, or manufacturer of the product you wish to sell does not give out a GTIN. For instance, if they are handmade products or private labels.

How to List Products After Getting a GTIN Exemption

Once your request for GTIN exemption has been approved, you can now start listing your products. Here’s how to do it.

1. Log in to Amazon Seller Central, then go to Inventory.
2. If your item does not have a Product ID such as UPC, ISBN, bar code, JAN, or EAN on the packaging or the product, you can use the GTIN exemption and add your products even without the Product ID.
3. Select Add a Product, then click on “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.”
4. Enter the necessary product details and choose the exact product type where you received approval for your GTIN exemption.
5. You can now add the brand name where you received the exemption. Once you have added the brand name, you will notice that the Product ID section will no longer be highlighted in red. This means that the Product ID field is now optional.
6. Next, key in all information that is product related. Please note that those highlighted in red are necessary or required.
7. You may also choose the Advanced View option if you need to add other necessary details. After filling in all the required fields, click on Save and Finish button.

Please note that you need to wait for at least 30 minutes after receiving your GTIN exemption before you list your products. This way, Amazon’s system can identify your GTIN exemption.

Conclusion

Amazon sellers should not worry if their products have no UPC. By requesting a GTIN exemption, sellers can create product listings with ease. However, requesting for GTIN exemption does not always guarantee that your request will be approved.

This can happen if the category or product you wish to list is ineligible for a GTIN exemption. If this is the case, then you can either get the UPC from the manufacturer or buy a UPC code.

About Author

I’m Tomer David from Sourcing Monster, owner of an Amazon FBA brand with experience in e-commerce for 14 years. My passion started when I was young, and I’ve been programming since age 12. When I was 14, I opened my 1st online business, which was a hosting company. At 16, I left school to pursue my dreams full-time by working at a start-up company until now, where I have experience in e-commerce and marketing.

In addition to my own success on Amazon, I also teach other sellers how to succeed on this platform through my website and YouTube channel, Sourcing Monster, where I share videos about sourcing products from China and running successful online businesses.