How Do I List a Product on Amazon Without a Product ID or barcode?
A common question businesses have for us is “How do I add a product to Amazon if I don’t have a UPC”? or “ow to List a Product on Amazon without a UPC or EAN, Product ID Exemption on Amazon.com”. By applying for Product ID Exemption on Amazon.com, sellers can upload new products to Amazon without product ID assignment.
Product ID Exemption is not standard practice on Amazon. Special authorization from Amazon is required. When a new product is uploaded to the Amazon.com marketplace, a product ID is required due to Amazon Product ID UPC GTIN Listing Requirements. Amazon requires a GTIN or Global Trade Identification Number. Commonly used GTIN types in the Amazon marketplace include Universal Product Code (UPC), International Standard Book Number (ISBN), European Article Number (EAN), Japanese Article Number (JAN). Accurate product ID assignment and validated ownership is the best method to secure your product’s identity and protect its image on Amazon.com.
Selling a Product without a UPC or EAN on Amazon.com
How to Apply for Product ID Exemptions
First, check the Amazon catalog to see if your product already exists. To check if the product exists, try searching for the product on Amazon using key identifiers like an SKU number, Model number, or Keyword. If your product matches an existing product, you can add your offer on the existing product detail page without a product ID/GTIN.
If your product does not match an existing product and a product ID is not available, you need to request a GTIN exemption and then add your product.
Before you apply for exemption, you will need the product name and a minimum of two (and a maximum of nine) images showing all sides of your product and the packaging of the product.
Here are the steps to apply for a GTIN exemption:
Navigate to the GTIN exemption page on Amazon Seller Central
Select the Product Category you wish to apply for GTIN exemption
In the Brand/Publisher field input the name/names of the product (if the product is unbranded or a bundle, input “Generic”)
Click the “Check for eligibility” button to display which are eligible for GTIN exemption
If the product is Eligible, click continue to submit the product name and package images to provide proof of the product
Repeat step 5 for every product you wish to request GTIN Exemption
Click Submit request
Within 48 hours, you will receive an email regarding the status of the request, or you can view the status in the Seller Central case log
Adding a Product Using Product ID Exemption
Once the Amazon Product ID Exemption has been accepted, the next step is to add your products to your catalog. Keep in mind that sellers need to wait 30 minutes after exemption is granted before uploading the exempt products.
In order to successfully list the product with Product ID Exemption, it's critical that you list the product with the exact brand name used on the exemption application. The brand name field is sensitive to spacing and capitalization, pay attention that the brand name matches exactly.
Once your account receives exemption approval, you can leave the product ID and product ID type column blank when using an inventory file to upload products in bulk and when adding individual products using the add a product tool.
Important Things to Remember for Product ID Exemption
Sellers have the ability to reapply for Product ID Exemption. Exemption approval is granted on a brand name and category basis, so if you want to list products with exemption under a different brand name or list products in a different category, you will need to submit a new application.
In a single Product ID Exemption application, sellers can apply for exemption of up to ten different brand names/category combinations to be exempt from Product ID assignment.
There is some risk associated with setting up a product with Product ID Exemption on Amazon.com. Product IDs are often used by Amazon to verify product identity and to validate changes to key product information like “brand name”, “size name”, “title” and other key attributes. By setting up a product without a Product ID assignment, there is a risk that you may not be able to make adjustments to these attributes in the future. You also may face issues verifying the product’s identity.
One aspect of our engagement with our clients is to ensure that their products are identified consistently and accurately on Amazon.com. If your brand or business has issues related to product identification or is having issues achieving Product ID Exemption for your products, start a conversation today.