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

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.
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: Learn more about the overview of category requirements and UPC exemptions to understand about categories that do not require product IDs for listing.

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:

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:
- Brand name entered during application process should be an exact match to brand name available on the product or packaging.
- 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.
- Branding is permanently affixed on the packaging or product.
- 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.

On the Apply for a GTIN exemption page, click the Select button and then select the relevant Product category from the pop-up list.

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.

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.

If your product is eligible for exemption, click the Continue to submit proof.

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.

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.
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

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.
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.
After you have GTIN exemption, wait for 30 min before listing your products.
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.
Select the exact product type in which GTIN exemption has been approved.
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.
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.

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

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.