Amazon Barcode Requirements
Amazon’s policy regarding EAN codes, and the extent to which this is enforced, is in a constant state of flux. We endeavour to provide updated information on this subject here, but lack any internal insight into Amazon’s processes. Therefore, in order to confirm the acceptance of your barcodes on Amazon or with other retailers, it would be advisable to contact them directly. It should be noted that we are unable to guarantee the acceptance of our barcodes in general, as each retailer can establish their own restrictions for the products they stock.
Amazon uses 13-digit EAN codes or 12-digit UPCs for product identification, alongside Amazon’s own identification number: the ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number).
A few years ago, Amazon’s use of EAN numbers was largely unregulated, allowing anyone to list products on the platform using any EAN, as long as it wasn’t already in use by another product. However, this leniency created problems for some legitimate sellers whose numbers were stolen and used without permission.
Scanning Amazon for used barcode numbers
In 2016, stricter policies were implemented and Amazon attempted to ‘clean up’ its database. However, there are still abarcode numbers in use on Amazon that conflict with the numbers we own and sell. To avoid problems with this, we have implemented increasingly sophisticated search software that uses deep searches of Amazon’s databases to find these fraudulent legacy numbers.
All of our numbers are checked by this software for illegal use by other parties before we sell them. If any numbers are found, i.e. if fraudulent listings using our numbers are found in the past, we delete those numbers and don’t sell them.
Current requirements for barcodes on Amazon
As mentioned above, currently there are thousands of products listed on Amazon using barcodes numbers from us. Some examples can be found at: https://buybarcodes.se/products-on-amazon/
In recent years, Amazon has tightened restrictions on branded products (big brands) listed on Amazon with barcode numbers other than the original brand’s (possibly to stop piracy or illegal listings), and has therefore become ‘stricter’ on barcode numbers.
We can’t say what direction Amazon will move in regarding its barcode policy. We hope Amazon will be reasonable and allow companies to list products with legitimate and verifiable barcode numbers (that we sell). However, it is also possible that Amazon will become more and more restrictive and eventually refuse to accept our barcodes.
Lising unbranded on Amazon
You can follow our step-by-step instructional video on how to list unbranded on Amazon.
There are still many customers who use our barcode numbers to list their unbranded products on Amazon. two things to note about this:
- Sometimes Amazon asks for documentation of the link between the supplier (you) and the original barcode licensee (as listed on gepir.org). Our Warranty Certificate provides customers with a document that demonstrates this chain of custody. Some of our customers have had this accepted by Amazon.
- Recently (since late 2019), Amazon has tightened up the ‘brand’ field when listing. They are pushing suppliers to register in the Amazon Brand Directory. However, we have been able to list products using ‘N/A’ in the brand field (as recommended by Amazon). Other Amazon sellers report being able to use ‘generic’ or ‘unbranded’ in this brand field.
Amazon Error Codes
Listing on Amazon can be tricky. There are a few specific error codes that can often occur when trying to list on Amazon. These typically relate to the ‘Brand’ field during the listing process.
Fortunately, however, they usually have a simple solution. You can find common error codes and their solutions can here: https://buybarcodes.se/amazon-error-codes-and-how-to-resolve-them/.
For further questions feel free to contact us.
Buy Barcodes or view some of our barcodes being used on Amazon