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
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.
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.
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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.
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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: 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.
How to request a GTIN exemption
You can apply for GTIN exemption here. Before you apply, make sure you have the following:
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Product name and a minimum of two (and maximum of nine) images showing all sides of your product and the packaging of the product. Ensure below mentioned guidelines are met:
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Brand name entered during application process should be an exact match to brand name available
on the product or packaging.
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Images should be real-world pictures of the products and packaging, meaning the product and
packaging need to be held in hand, or placed on a table while
clicking the picture.
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Branding is permanently affixed on the packaging or product.
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Products should not have GS1 approved barcode available on the product or packaging of the
product. If a GS1 approved barcode is available, you can make use of
same to list products instead of applying for GTIN exemption.
Once you have your product images, follow the steps below to apply for a GTIN exemption.
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On the Apply for a GTIN exemption page, click the Select button and then select the relevant Product category from the pop-up list.
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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.
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Click Check for eligibility.
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.
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If your product is eligible for exemption, click the Continue to
submit proof.
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On the Provide proof page, upload your images:
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Provide the Product name and upload images showing all sides of the same product.
Repeat step 5 for all products in your exemption request.
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Click Submit request.
You will receive an email within 48 hours regarding the approval
status of your request. Alternatively, you can check the status of your request in your
case log.
During the application process you may encounter the following errors. Go to each
of the following for more information on the error and how to resolve it:
How to add a product after you receive a GTIN exemption
Things to Remember:
-
After you have applied for GTIN exemption, check the status of your request in your case
log.
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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
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After approval, you can leave product ID and product ID type column blank

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You can re-apply for exemption in case you have taken GTIN exemption under incorrect brand name or category.
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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.
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Every time you want to list under a different brand or a category, you will have to apply for the GTIN exemption.
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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
Go to 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.
Note: Ensure that the category under which you are listing is non-restricted or you have already taken the required approval. For more information on categories that require approval, go to
Overview of Categories.

-
Go to Inventory > Add a Product > click 'I am adding a product not sold on Amazon' and enter the product details.
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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.
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After you have GTIN exemption, wait for 30 min before listing your products.
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When you are ready to add listings, click '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.
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Select the exact product type in which GTIN exemption has been approved.
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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.
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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 at the bottom will change from grey to
teal.

Note: If your product is unbranded, such as a bundle, enter “Generic” (case sensitive) in the 'Brand name' field.
Go to Add your products using inventory
files 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.
Note: Ensure that the category under which you are listing is non-restricted or you have already taken the required approval. For more information on categories that require approval, go to
Overview of Categories.
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Go to Inventory > Add products Via Upload > Click the Download an Inventory File tab
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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.
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If the search tool is not returning the category you are looking for, try using the product classifier categories below the search bar.
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As of now, only fashion jewellery does not require any UPC exemption.
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After you have selected all your relevant nodes, click the type of template you want to generate
and click Generate Template.
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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.
Note: GTIN exemptions granted
after August 24, 2018 will not expire. If your exemption was approved before this date,
re-apply using the
GTIN exemption page. Check for existing GTIN exemptions in
your
case log.
Additional Resources