How to list products that do not have a GTIN (UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN)

If your product does not have a product ID, also called a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), you might be eligible to request a GTIN exemption. First, check the Amazon catalog to see if your product already exists. If your product matches an existing product, you can add your offer on the existing product detail page without a GTIN. However, if your product does not match an existing product, you need to request a GTIN exemption and then add your product.

This page contains three sections that explain what you need to know before you request a GTIN exemption, detailed steps on how to request a GTIN exemption, and information to help you add your product after you receive a GTIN exemption.

Before you request a GTIN exemption

Please note that we have a list of brands that require a GTIN to list on Amazon. GTIN exemptions are not available for these brands since the brand already provides a GS1 approved barcode on their products. Even if you have a GTIN exemption for a certain category, you will not be able to list one of these branded items without a product ID.

For more information, download the list of brands that require a GTIN.

Here are some scenarios when you can apply for a GTIN exemption:

• You want to sell products for which the brand, manufacturer, or publisher does not provide a GTIN. For example, private-label products or handmade products.
• You want to sell products for which you are the manufacturer, brand, or publisher and you do not have barcodes on your products. For example, private-label products or handmade products.
• You want to sell product parts that do not have a GTIN. For example, automotive parts or mobile accessories.
• You want to sell a bundled pack of more than one product. For example, a pack containing a leather belt and wallet or a pack of two shirts.
  • Note: 1. Learn more about the overview of category requirements and UPC exemptions to understand about categories that do not require product IDs for listing.
  • Note: 2. If the categories you are planning to list in are restricted, you will also need category-level approval in addition to GTIN Exemption to start listing products. If you do not have this approval already, go to Overview of Categories for more information on category-level approvals and apply accordingly.

1. On the Apply for a GTIN exemption page, click the Select button and then select the relevant Product category from the pop-up list.
2. Type the brand or publisher name in the Brand/Publisher field. For unbranded items and bundles, type Generic (case sensitive). Tip: you can apply for multiple exemptions (up to 10) by clicking + Add more brands/publishers to add brands or publishers under the same category and click + Add more categories to add new categories.
3. Click the Check for eligibility button. An Eligibility summary will appear. A check mark will appear in the Status column if you are eligible for an exemption. If your product is not eligible for a GTIN exemption, you will not be able to continue.
4. If your product is eligible for exemption, click the Continue to submit proof button.
5. On the Provide proof page, upload your images:
   • Provide the Product name and upload images showing all sides of the same product.
   Repeat step 5 for all products in your exemption request.
6. Click Submit request

During the application process you may encounter the following errors. Click on each for more information on the error and how to resolve it:

• Error 5665
• Error 5461
• Match Only Error

Things to Remember:

• After you have applied for GTIN Exemption, check the status of your request in your case log.
• Once you have a GTIN exemption, wait 30 mins before adding your product in the same way you would while listings with a GTIN. Our systems will identify the GTIN exemption and allow you to proceed without a GTIN (Product ID)
• In certain cases, Category level approvals may be required in addition to GTIN exemption approvals to start listing products on Seller Central. In case you are unable to list products using approved GTIN Exemption, we recommend you to check if you are already approved to list in that particular category. If you do not have this approval already, go to Overview of Categories for more information on category level approvals and apply accordingly
• For the exemption to work, be sure to enter the Category and Brand/Publisher name exactly as they appear in your exemption approval notice. If you use a different case or insert additional characters or spaces, the system will not recognize your exemption
• After approval, you can leave product ID and product ID type column blank

  

• You can re-apply for exemption in case you have taken GTIN exemption under incorrect brand name or category.
• GTIN exemption is only given to list products without a product ID. You may be required to obtain additional Brand approval to list your products.
• Every time you want to list under a different brand or a category, you will have to apply for the GTIN exemption.
• You can apply for GTIN exemption for up-to ten different brand names-category combinations in a single form.

There are two ways to add your products in Seller Central:

Add a Product (one by one): For Individual and Professional sellers

See Add one product at a time for detailed instructions on how to use this tool. With your GTIN exemption, you do not need to enter anything in the Product ID and Product ID Type fields in the Vital Info section.

1. Go to Inventory > Add a Product > click 'I am adding a product not sold on Amazon' and enter the product details.
2. If there is no Product ID (Bar code, UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN) on your product or the packaging, you can apply for GTIN exemption and add your products without the Product ID.
3. After you have GTIN exemption, wait for 30 min before listing your products.
4. When you are ready to add listings, click on 'I am adding a product not sold on Amazon' and enter the product details. Select the exact product type in which GTIN Exemption has been approved.
5. Please select the exact product type in which GTIN Exemption has been approved.
6. Begin adding the brand name for which you have the exemption. After you add a valid brand name, the Product ID field will not be highlighted in red, which means that it is optional.
7. Fill in all product related information. Fields highlighted in red are required. If needed, select the Advanced View option at the top right to add any other required details. After all the mandatory attributes are filled in, the Save and Finish button at the bottom will change from grey to teal.

Add Products via Upload (bulk upload): For Professional sellers only

See Upload your inventory file for detailed instructions on how to use this tool. With your GTIN exemption, you can leave the Product ID and Product ID Type columns blank in the template.

1. Go to Inventory > Add products Via Upload > Click the Download an Inventory File tab
2. Go to the 'Search tool' section and type the product type that you want to list

   If the category of your choice does not need approval, the Select button will be available. If the product requires category approval, click Request Approval. For more information on selling restricted products, go to Categories and products that require approval.

3. If the search tool is not returning the category you are looking for, try using the product classifier categories below the search bar.
4. As of now, only fashion jewellery does not require any UPC exemption.
5. After you have selected all your relevant nodes, click on the type of template you want to generate and click Generate Template.
6. Alternatively, if you want to fill in category specific flat file, download the required category file by clicking on this link. Remember to fill in the product feed type and leave the Product ID and Product ID Type column blank in the flat file. The brand name entered should be same as the brand name used to get GTIN Exemption.

Additional Resources

• Potential Duplicates and Split Variations
• Amazon Brand Name Policy
• Match your products