Amazon’s market requires some type of a product identifier for almost each class. Whether or not it’s child toys or industrial bolts, sellers want a Common Product Code (UPC) or, equally, a International Commerce Merchandise Quantity (GTIN).
But some objects don’t have any such identifier and require an “exemption” from Amazon.
GTIN
GS1, a world requirements group, developed the GTIN to establish merchandise. The identifier encompasses a number of worldwide codecs, together with the acquainted UPC (GTIN-12) in the US and Canada. In Europe, retailers use the European Article Quantity (EAN), technically GTIN-13.
The GTIN requirements establish any commerce merchandise (services or products) priced, ordered, or invoiced. Therefore GTINs assist Amazon and the retailers promoting in its market preserve observe of stock and handle orders.
| Time period | Stands For | Digits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTIN | International Commerce Merchandise Quantity | 8, 12, 13, or 14 | International |
| UPC | Common Product Code | 12 | U.S., Canada |
| EAN | European Article Quantity | 13 (often) or 8 | Europe |
Figuring out Merchandise
For resellers providing merchandise from outstanding shopper manufacturers, itemizing a product on Amazon is so simple as trying up the GTIN or copying the UPC quantity from the merchandise’s barcode.
There are, nevertheless, many merchandise that don’t have an apparent barcode or identifier. Listed here are some examples.
- Print-on-demand merchandise. T-shirts are maybe the perfect instance. Companies resembling Printful and Gooten are glorious sources of high quality shirts with crisp printing, however they don’t have UPCs.
- Personal label objects. Some small manufacturers, together with in-house producers, might not have a GTIN.
- Handmade merchandise. Artisans creating something from leather-based belts to home-sown bibs might not have UPCs.
- Elements or equipment. Alternative components, parts, and equipment might not include particular person GTINs. An instance is a generic telephone case.
- Bundled or objects in a multipack. Most main manufacturers have a GTIN-14 or related for multipack, however some smaller corporations with bundled merchandise don’t, regardless of Amazon’s pointers.
For these and different numberless merchandise, Amazon market sellers have two choices: acquire a GTIN or get an exemption from Amazon.
GTIN Exemption
Amazon typically awards exemptions for classes with private-label, handmade, or related merchandise.
The method is simple. Create an inventory in Amazon Vendor Central, choose “I don’t have a product ID,” and click on “Subsequent.” An “Apply” button will seem for merchandise requiring a GTIN exemption.
If the product class is restricted, the vendor will want double approval: an authorization to promote and a separate GTIN exemption.
Manufacturers with present GTINs can’t apply for an exemption for different like-branded objects.
Exemption approval sometimes requires glorious documentation, as follows.
- Clear pictures. Amazon desires detailed product and packaging pictures, not illustrations or markups. These footage ought to present the merchandise and packaging from all sides, however won’t seem in product listings.
- No GTIN. There can’t be (i) any barcode or identifier on the merchandise or package deal or (ii) a GTIN related to the product. Amazon has an exhaustive record of registered GTINs and can verify.
- Constant branding. The model title on the GTIN exemption type should precisely match the packaging and product. And the packaging should completely present the model title or emblem.
- Correct class. Make sure the product class for the GTIN exemption is right. An error will virtually assure a rejection.
In response to its help, Amazon often approves or rejects an exemption request inside two days. Retailers who’ve obtained an exception typically advocate ready an extra day afterward earlier than constructing these product listings, permitting Amazon’s programs to mirror the standing.
Amazon’s notification of denied GTIN exemptions might state why. For instance, the product and packaging pictures won’t reveal the absence of a GTIN or might belong to a model requiring a UPC.
Sellers with denied exemptions can reapply after updating or clarifying the preliminary culprits.
Lastly, if all else fails, an organization can buy a UPC for about $30, plus an annual charge.
