New sellers need UPCs to list the products on Amazon.
You can get these codes in literally just 3 simple steps:
- Register with a UPC code provider like GS1,
- Provide your product details and pay,
- The next moment, you’ll have a UPC barcode.
That’s it. This is so simple – I don’t know why sellers get so confused about it. Just pay around $30 for one product and enjoy the party.
No, you don’t get a free or fake code. Amazon will not only block your products but will also de-list you.
Alright, let’s dive deep into details and try to find out:
- How to get UPC,
- How to apply to your products,
- How to verify your UPC code,
And a lot more, such as how to 3x your sales on Amazon – yes I am serious.
So why don’t you stick around for 5 minutes and find out more yourself?
I get you in a hurry. Here is how you can apply and get a UPC code for Amazon in under 5 seconds:
- Register with GS1,
- Either apply for a GS1 company prefix or a single GTIN/UPC,
- Download the barcode images,
- Paste them on your products.
That’s so simple. Right?
That’s why I said to wait and stick for 5 minutes. Hurry below to find the details.
Also Read for Fresh Sellers: What is an ASIN Number and How to Create It?
A Detailed Guide on How to Get a UPC Code for Amazon
Before we dive deep into how to get a UPC code for Amazon, you need the following essentials:
Requirements to Get UPC Codes
- Business legal name and address
- Contact name, phone, email
- Number of products/variations you need GTINs for
- Brand name
- Product name/description
- Internal SKU or item reference number
Step-by-Step Guide to Get a UPC Code
Have a look at the easy and concise steps on how to get a UPC code for Amazon below.
Step 1: Register with GS1
Go to the GS1 website and click “Get a Barcode.”
Step 2: Get the Codes
The next box will display 2 options. You can choose the one that best fits your needs:
- Multiple Products?
- Choose “Get Several UPC Barcodes”
2. The next page will teach you what a GS1 Company Prefix is, which is essentially a way to get UPC codes for 10 products at one time. Click “Get a GS1 US Company Prefix.”
3. On the next page, click on the “Add to Cart” and pay the price. It starts from $250 per 10 products and goes higher as per your needs.
4. After a few minutes, you’ll receive a GS1 Company Prefix. Now log in to your GS1 account (credentials received via your email after payment).
5. Go to the Product tab, create a new product, and enter the product details.
6. Download the barcode for your product. Repeat this step for as many products you have created.
B. One Product?
- Select “Get a Single UPC Barcode.”
2. Choose “Get a GS1 US GTIN” from the next screen.
3. Input your product or company details and proceed to pay. The usual price is $30 per product. You can add as many products as you want, based on this price.
4. You will receive the barcode information for your product in your email inbox in a while.
Step 3: Use the Barcodes
The next step is quite obvious.
You just have to use these barcodes on your products or paste them on the packaging.
Read More: Amazon FBA Box Size Limit & Shipping Requirements for Sellers
How to Use Amazon UPC Codes?
Look at the steps below to add the UPC codes for Amazon to your product listing:
Step 1: To begin with, log in to your Amazon Seller Central portal.
Step 2: Go to the “Inventory” tab and select “Add Products”.
Step 3: Select the product category by entering the product name or ASIN number (if you have any).
Step 4: Enter product details. Fill in the required product information. When you reach the “Product ID” section, select “UPC” from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Add the UPC code. Enter your unique, GS1-registered UPC number into the provided field. Do not include dashes or spaces. Complete, submit the forum, and wait for approval.
Recommended for you: Amazon Fulfillment Center: How It Works & Where It’s Located
What is GTIN vs Company Prefix?
GTIN is the number that identifies a specific product.
But a company prefix is the part of the barcode that identifies your brand as the owner.
In other words, a company prefix is assigned to your whole brand, but the GTIN number is assigned to one single product.
GTINs can be used for single items or for multiple variations, like size or color. While the company prefix stays the same, each product gets its own GTIN.
Where to Buy UPC Codes for Amazon?
You can buy Amazon UPC codes from GS-1 and other sellers. GS1 is more accepted by Amazon.
Let’s look at the main sources below.
- GS-1
The GS-1 (Global Standards 1) database is an Amazon-recognized source for buying UPC codes for Amazon. It is your way to go if you have enough budget and want to avoid third-party resellers (that sell non-GS1 barcodes).
Key Features of GS-1
- Supports accurate scanning across retail, e-commerce, and logistics.
- Reduces listing errors on platforms like Amazon and Walmart.
- Helps brands maintain authenticity and avoid duplicate codes.
- Offers standardized data that improves supply chain visibility.
Pros of GS-1
- Easy to use and accepted by Amazon everywhere.
- Helps your items get approved faster on Amazon.
- Builds trust because buyers know the codes are official.
Cons of GS-1
- Costs more than third-party barcode sellers.
Can I Get a UPC Code Other Than GS1?
You can buy UPC codes from third-party sites, but you have to ensure that the code is in the database of GS-1. This is because Amazon checks every barcode against the GS1 database.
Top sites other than GS-1 include:
- UPCs.com
- NationwideBarcode
- GTIN.info
Pros of Other Third Parties
- Lower initial cost as compared to GS-1 (Cheaper prices).
- Quickly and easily accessible.
- Useful for low-risk or small-scale listings.
Cons of Getting UPC Code from Other Parties
- Issues of code compatibility with the GS-1 database.
- Higher risk of listing removal.
- No long-term reliability.
Explore Next: A Complete Guide to the Amazon Brand Story Feature
What is the Cost of a UPC Code for Amazon Products?
The cost of a single UPC code from GS1 starts at $30, and this includes one GTIN. Prices increase when you need more codes because each product and each variation must have its own GTIN.
That’s why sellers with multiple colors, sizes, or bundles usually choose a GS1 Company Prefix instead of buying single codes. The bigger your catalog, the cheaper each code becomes in the long run.
| Number of Items | Initial Fee | Annual Renewal Fee |
| 1 GS1 US GTIN | $30 | None |
| 10 | $250 | $50 |
| 100 | $750 | $150 |
| 1,000 | $2,500 | $500 |
| 10,000 | $6,500 | $1,300 |
| 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,100 |
Can I use a free UPC code or generate one myself for Amazon?
No! You can not use a free or random UPC code to sell your products on Amazon. Amazon qualifies product UPCs to the GS1 database. It must design genuine authenticity, and the brand name associated with the UPC stored in the GS1 database must match the name stored in the Amazon listing.
You might like: Is Amazon FBA Worth It in 2025?
How to Check if a UPC is Valid?
You can use a check to see if a UPC is valid through the
- UPC validator.
- By purchasing directly from GS-1.
How to Apply for Amazon Brand Registry Without a UPC code?
You can apply for Amazon Brand Registry without a UPC code using a GTIN exemption. GTIN exemption is an approval from an online marketplace, like Amazon, to list products that don’t have a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), such as a UPC.
Requirements for GTIN Exemption
- Your brand must be registered or approved with Amazon Brand Registry.
- Products must be your own brand, or you must have authorization to represent the brand.
- Provide product images showing that there is no UPC or brand name on the items.
- Submit accurate product titles and select the correct product category.
- Proof that the product is not already associated with a GTIN.
- Once approved, you can list products without UPCs using this exemption.
This is a separate process that must be completed after you have been approved for Brand Registry or Amazon brand approval.
Steps to Apply for GTIN Exemption
Step 1: Apply for GTIN exemption or type in ‘Apply for GTIN exemption’ in the search function in Amazon Seller Central.
Step 2: Now, enter the product title and click through to the product type/category selection.
Step 3: Fill in the brand name or publisher that was approved.
Step 4: When you choose ‘Generic,’ it may show you an automatic approval for that “brand.”
Step 5: When you enter your brand name, you will have to add images of your product that show there is no UPC or brand name. You will see a green check mark under status if the brand name is eligible for the Amazon GTIN exemption. Next, you can continue to submit proof.
Step 6: Now, provide proof that this product does not have a UPC or GTIN. Choose No to answer the question “Do you have a supporting letter from the brand owner, manufacturer or publisher?”. Next, enter the product name.
Step 7: Finally, click on Submit Request. It may take up to 48 hours to hear back from Amazon (though it usually only takes a few hours).
You can see the status of the request in your ‘Case Log’. Once Amazon reviews your case, you will receive an email notification with an approval or denial.
Related guide: A Complete Guide on How to Sell on Amazon Without Inventory
Common Issues and How to Address Them to Get an Amazon UPC Code
The common issues usually come from using the wrong type of barcode, entering mismatched product details, or relying on codes that Amazon can’t verify. The most reliable fix for all of these is to buy your UPCs from GS1. Let’s look at the specific problems and how to solve them.
1. UPC From the Wrong Source
Amazon checks every UPC against the GS1 database. If the code isn’t from GS1 or the brand name doesn’t match, Amazon blocks the listing.
Fix:
- Buy your UPCs from GS1 only.
- Make sure the brand name on GS1 matches the brand name you use in Seller Central.
2. Duplicate or Reused UPCs
A UPC already used for another product triggers an error. Amazon reads the code and sees a conflict in the catalog.
Fix:
- Give each product and each variation its own UPC.
- Check your UPC list and replace any reused codes with new GS1-issued ones.
3. Product Details Don’t Match the Code
Amazon rejects listings when the code’s record shows different product details, like a different brand or size.
Fix:
- Check your product name, brand, size, and packaging details against your GS1 record.
- Update your listing so everything lines up with the GS1 data.
4. UPC Not Allowed in the Category
Some Amazon categories don’t accept UPCs at all. They require a GCID or a GTIN exemption instead.
Fix:
- Confirm the rules for your category in Seller Central.
- Request a GTIN exemption if the category supports it.
- Upload documents that prove your brand.
5.Wrong UPC Format
Missing digits or typing errors create instant failures in Amazon’s system.
Fix:
- Use the standard 12-digit UPC-A format.
- Check the final digit with a calculator tool.
- Copy the code directly from GS1 to avoid mistakes.
Check this out: Amazon Vendor Central vs Seller Central – What’s the Difference?
Tips When Buying a UPC Code
Consider the following pro tips when buying a UPC code for Amazon:
- Set the status to “In Use” immediately after creating the product; only then does it appear in the global database.
- Download the official barcode file from GS1 Data Hub (EPS/SVG), don’t use random online generators.
- Keep your GS1 certificate PDF forever needed for Brand Registry, appeals, or audits.
- Ensure that the UPC barcodes are of adequate contrast between light and dark areas. Otherwise, you will not have your barcode scanned.
- Some marketplaces may have some specific requirements for their barcode. So it’s crucial to understand them before creating your UPCs.
Don’t miss this: How Amazon Seller Central Reports Can Tell You the Story of Your Business
Conclusion
Knowing how to get a UPC code for Amazon helps you list products without errors and keeps your brand information consistent across GS1 and Seller Central. You register with GS1, assign a GTIN to every item, create the barcode, and add it to your packaging.
Each product needs its own code, and the details must match what Amazon sees in the GS1 database. Some categories need a GTIN exemption instead, which you can request through Seller Central. When you understand these steps, you avoid listing blocks and keep your catalog clean and easy to manage.
Faqs
Can I generate my own UPC code?
No. Amazon only accepts GS1-issued UPC codes or codes covered by a GTIN exemption. Self-generated codes will be rejected.
How do I find my UPC code?
You can find it in your GS1 Data Hub after registering your product, or on the barcode label you applied to your packaging.
Do I need a GST number to sell on Amazon?
Not for Amazon UPC registration, but some countries require a GST/Tax ID for selling or receiving payments.
What if my product doesn’t have a UPC?
You can request a GTIN exemption from Amazon to list products without a UPC.
Who assigns UPC codes?
UPC codes are assigned by GS1, the global organization that manages GTINs and barcodes.
