Amazon UPC Codes: What They Are and How to Get Them?
When you’re shopping for groceries or packaged goods, you might have noticed a series of numbers printed on each item — that’s called a Universal Product Codes (UPC). Similarly, if you’re planning to sell products in bulk on Amazon, you’ll need these UPC codes too! Unfortunately, Amazon doesn’t provide them directly to new sellers, so it’s the seller’s responsibility to source them. To fully understand UPC codes and how to get them, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are UPC Codes?
UPC stands for Universal Product Code — a special number assigned to products for inventory tracking and sales management. These codes, made up of a numeric sequence, help identify products quickly and accurately at checkout counters and during inventory management.
Amazon also uses UPCs for each product listed on its platform. These codes make it easy for staff to scan and access important product details like pricing, dimensions, and more.
UPCs are the most widely adopted product identification system in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Since Amazon doesn’t issue UPCs, sellers must arrange them for their product listings independently.
Other Types of Product Codes
Apart from UPCs, various other codes are used for product identification across different regions. Here’s a quick overview:
- EAN codes are the European equivalent of UPCs and are commonly used throughout the European Union and India.
- JAN codes serve the same purpose in Japan.
- GTIN codes are globally accepted codes that work with both UPC and EAN systems.
- ISBN codes are assigned to books, so if you’re selling books online, you’ll need these.
Having the correct product codes from the start is essential to avoid issues when listing your products on Amazon.
Is a UPC Code Always Required?
While Amazon usually requires UPC codes for all product listings to manage inventory, there is an alternative option called Brand Registry. Sellers registered under this program can apply for a GTIN exemption, allowing them to list products without UPCs under their brand.
If you source products through wholesalers or dropshipping, chances are the items already come with UPCs. In that case, all you need to do is add the product to an existing listing. This means you might not always have to buy or label products with your own UPCs.
For those fulfilling orders themselves and not using Amazon’s FBA service, typically only one UPC is required per listing. There’s no need to attach barcodes to each individual product unless you plan for those codes to be scanned in physical retail outlets.
When Do You Need to Purchase a UPC Code?
As mentioned, all Amazon listings generally require a UPC. If you’re launching your own private-label brand and haven’t registered it with Amazon, you’ll need to buy UPC codes for your products.
Since these are new listings, you’ll have to assign each item a unique UPC code for tracking and scanning purposes, whether it’s your own code or an identifier generated by Amazon like an ASIN or FNSKU.
How to Buy a UPC Code?
Let’s go over how to obtain UPC codes for your Amazon products. The process is straightforward.
GS1 is Amazon’s official and recommended source for UPC codes. This organization ensures that every code you buy is verified against their global database for authenticity and proper product tracking.
Here’s how to get UPC codes from GS1:
- Get a Company Prefix: This identifies your business in product listings. The length of the prefix depends on how many codes you need.
- Generate Product Numbers: These numbers are unique to each product and their length is based on your company prefix.
- Decide on Labeling Method: You can either send digital barcode files to your manufacturer or print them yourself.
- Receive Barcodes: After completing the process, you’ll receive barcodes digitally or in printed format for use on your packaging.
These steps will help you secure official UPC codes for your Amazon listings.
Tips for Buying UPC Codes
Before purchasing UPC codes, consider these important points:
- Estimate your UPC needs: Think about how many individual and bundled items you’ll sell, as each requires a unique UPC.
- Select the right plan: Barcodes come at a cost. You can buy a single UPC or a GS1 US GTIN for around $30, or purchase them in bulk at a higher price. Choose based on your business size and goals.
- Pick the suitable code type: Depending on where and how your products are sold, you might need multiple codes. If products are scanned in warehouses or distribution centers, two codes could be necessary. For online-only or mixed retail sales, a single GTIN might work.
Purchasing UPC Codes from Third-Party Vendors
Some sellers consider buying UPC codes from cheaper third-party suppliers, often priced as low as $10. While this might look like a good deal, it comes with risks:
- Amazon could suspend your seller account if it discovers you’re using unauthorized codes.
- The code you purchase might already be assigned to another business. If scanned, it could display another company’s name.
If you do choose to buy from a third party, make sure they are a legitimate GS1-authorized reseller. While they might offer lower prices, non-certified codes could risk your account’s standing on Amazon.
Labeling Your Product with a Barcode
After you’ve acquired your UPC codes, it’s time to label your products.
If your product packaging hasn’t been printed yet, send the barcode details to your manufacturer so they can include it in the design. If the packaging is already complete or if your product doesn’t require a barcode but needs one for inventory control, adhesive labels are a great solution.
Ensure the barcode is placed away from packaging edges, is clear, and has enough blank space around it so warehouse scanners can read it easily.
Conclusion
At first, understanding UPC codes might seem complicated, but once you grasp the process, acquiring them is quite simple. Here’s a quick recap:
- Secure unique UPC codes, especially if you’re not yet enrolled in Brand Registry.
- Always get your codes from GS1 or a certified GS1-approved reseller.
- Label your products when using FBA to ensure seamless inventory tracking.
- Make sure every product is properly labeled for scanner recognition.
By following these guidelines and staying compliant with Amazon’s requirements, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and streamline your selling experience.
