Amazon GTIN exemption: warehouse worker scanning box (ID 49299028 © Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com)

How to List Products on Amazon Without a GTIN or UPC

For beginners just starting out on Amazon, barcodes can be a confusing and frustrating topic. What is a UPC? What is a GTIN? What is an FNSKU? Can you sell on Amazon without a UPC? Where do you get a UPC? We’ll cover all of this and more.

  • A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique identifier for physical products. They consist of two parts; a scannable barcode and a unique number underneath.
  • A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the number that identifies individual products and is not the actual barcode. A GTIN is affixed to various barcode types (UPC, EAN, ISBN, JAN).
  • An FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) is an Amazon-specific barcode assigned to each product sold through FBA. Also known as the Amazon barcode, the FNSKU identifies sellers’ products and connect those products to your Amazon Seller account

 

  • An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a product identifier used specifically for books, and is usually associated with a publication date.
  • An EAN (European Article number) is a type of product identifier used specifically for products for the European marketplace. This product identifier is also referred to as an international article number.
  • A JAN (Japanese Article Number) is a type of product identifier used specifically for products for the Japanese marketplace. This product identifier is also referred to as an international article number.

UPCs are the most common barcode type worldwide and can be found on most physical products in retail stores. Barcodes are important because stores use them to keep track of inventory, as does Amazon, when sending products into an FBA warehouse.

Barcodes, UPCs, EANs, FNSKUs — with all these terms and acronyms being thrown around, it’s easy for new Amazon sellers to get confused, but it is much simpler than most think.

There is a lot of conflicting information about how to obtain barcodes for your Amazon products. Years ago, you were able to just purchase UPC codes from eBay sellers or other third-party vendors. The problem with doing this was that most of the UPCs were reused and your product wouldwill not match the original brand associated with that UPC.

Doing that may result in Amazon suppressing your listing or even suspending your seller account.

Amazon’s TOS regarding Valid UPCs:

“We verify the authenticity of product UPCs by checking the GS1 database. UPCs that do not match the information provided by GS1 will be considered invalid. We recommend obtaining your UPCs directly from GS1 (and not from other third parties selling UPC licenses) to ensure the appropriate information is reflected in the GS1 database.

All invalid product UPC listings will be removed and may result in your ASIN creation or selling privileges being temporarily or permanently removed.”

Do I need a UPC to sell on Amazon?

The short answer is no. The long answer is it depends on the brand you want to sell or the category you want to sell in. If you sell a private-label or handmade product, you may be eligible for what’s called a GTIN exemption.

Amazon now requires all products that are listed with a barcode, to have a GS1 registered barcode. GS1 stands for Global Standards 1 and is a not-for-profit organization that develops and maintains global standards for business communication.

In simpler terms, GS1 is the only legitimate place to purchase a UPC code to use on Amazon. 

That means you can no longer purchase cheap barcodes from eBay and other barcode reseller websites. Other sellers may tell you otherwise, but we recommend staying on Amazon’s good side.

The reason Amazon did this is because there are hundreds of thousands of duplicate listings on Amazon as well as products listed that do not match the original owner of the UPC. 

Ex. You are selling a sports & outdoors product and the UPC you bought matches a toy brand. That will not fly with Amazon.

Purchasing barcodes through GS1 can be pretty expensive: $250 for 1-10 barcodes with a $50 annual renewal fee. The price per barcode gets cheaper as you purchase more, but for someone just starting out, this can be a big expense.

GS1 now offers a single UPC barcode for just $30 but if your product does not have one or need one, you can apply for the GTIN exemption. 

Fortunately, there are ways around purchasing a UPC for certain brands and categories. Amazon also has a list of brands that require a GTIN. You can find that list here.

If you are selling a branded product, that is not your brand, then DO NOT attempt to add your own UPC or do a GTIN exemption. In that case, always use the barcode supplied by the manufacturer — unless they don’t have one. Then, you can do a GTIN exemption.

Applying for a GTIN exemption is a good short-term solution to get your products that do not have a barcode listed on Amazon. If you want to build a long-term brand in the future, such as list on other marketplaces or sell to a physical store, it is recommended you purchase a GS1 barcode down the line.

Requirements for a GTIN exemption

If the product you want to sell is your own private label brand, a generic no-brand name product, or a handmade product, you can apply for a GTIN exemption. If you are selling another brands product that does not have a UPC, you may also apply, with the brands approval.

As mentioned above, you can download a list of brands provided by Amazon that are required to have a UPC. You can download that list here.

“GTIN exemptions are not available for these brands. Any product that belongs to any of these brands and does not have a GTIN will be suppressed.”

Who does this apply to?

  • 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.

What if you don’t have a brand name?

  • Amazon allows you to apply for a GTIN exemption as ‘Generic’
  • Must provide images that prove the product or packaging does not have a brand name attached to it (in some cases, you may be automatically approved to sell as Generic).

 

How to request an Amazon GTIN exemption

1. Apply for GTIN exemption or type in ‘Apply for GTIN exemption’ using the search function in Amazon Seller Central).

After you sign into your seller account, It will bring you to this page.

As noted by Amazon, once you apply your brand for the exemption, you will not have to apply again when adding new products under that same brand. 

Ex. Your brand name is BC Sports. Once Amazon approves BC Sports to be GTIN exempt, you can list as many products as you want under the brand name BC Sports in the sports category.

2. Choose your product category.

  • You may also apply for multiple categories and brands at the same time by clicking “+ Add more categories”

3. Add the Brand / Publisher 

  • You will see in the text box Amazon states “ “For unbranded items or bundles enter “Generic”
  • This means on your product listings, it will say “By Generic” underneath the title

 

Amazon GTIN exemption: product category options

 

In the above example, I choose ‘Generic’.

4. Click ‘Check for eligibility’

When you choose ‘Generic,’ it may show you an automatic approval for that “brand.” If not, you will need to add images of the product showing there is no UPC or brand name.

Now I am able to add a product using the brand name ‘Generic’ in the sports category without having to input a UPC code.

But let me show the steps when you enter an actual brand name.

Using my previous example, I entered BC Sports as the brand name. 

If the brand name is eligible for an Amazon GTIN exemption, you will see a green check mark under status and you can continue to submit proof.

You will need to provide proof that this product does not have a UPC or GTIN. The first question is, “Do you have a supporting letter from the brand owner, manufacturer or publisher?”

If it is your own private label or handmade product, select No.

Next, you will need to enter in the product name and at least 2 images of your product and the packaging. 

Make sure to include all angles of the product and the packaging that shows there is no UPC code. Your images should also include the brand name on the packaging or on the product somewhere.

Amazon GTIN exemption: showing the submit button

5. Submit request

It may take up to 48 hours to hear back from Amazon (though it usually only takes a few hours).

You will be able to 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.

 

How to create your new listing once approved

Were you approved? Yes? Congratulations! Now you can list your products without having to purchase a UPC code.

Amazon recommends that you wait 24 hours before adding your product, once you have the UPC exemption. This is to be sure that the exemption is updated in their system.For your GTIN exemption to work, you must enter in the same category and brand you were approved for. If you use different uppercase or lowercase letters, add additional spaces or characters, the system will not recognize your exemption.

Catalog > Add Products

From there, click on “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.”

Since I was approved in the Sports category, I am going to choose Sports & Outdoors as the main category. 

From there, you will need to dig deeper into the subcategories to find the one that matches closest to your product.

 

After choosing the category, it will bring you to a section to enter in your product information. 

Enter your product name (which will be the title on your listing) the manufacturer (you can enter the same as the brand name), and the brand name exactly as it was submitted for the GTIN exemption. Since I was approved for BC Sports, I entered BC Sports.

Notice there is no asterisk next to the product ID field. Since your exemption was approved, you will no longer be required to enter a UPC or EAN for that brand!

Under the ‘Offer’ tab, make sure you choose FBA as the fulfillment channel — if using FBA of course.

Amazon GTIN exemption: Seller Central

When you are finished filling in the other required fields, you can hit Save and finish. After approximately 15 minutes, your product will be listed under your manage inventory.

After clicking Save and finish, it will bring you to the ‘Choose Barcode Type’ page. Since you do not have a manufacturer’s barcode (UPC or EAN) you will choose Amazon barcode, which is the FNSKU.

After hitting ‘Save & Continue’, it will bring you to your FBA shipping plan.

Using the Amazon barcode (FNSKU)

Even though you were approved for a GTIN exemption, you will still need to affix the FNSKU label, aka an Amazon barcode, to each unit. That way, Amazon can track your inventory once received in an FBA warehouse. If you are selling through FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant), you can skip this step.

How to find your FNSKU barcode

When continuing on to your shipping plan, you will have an option to have Amazon label the products for you (for a fee) or you can print and label each unit yourself. 

In the Label Product section you will be able to print the amount of labels you need. When you download the label pdf, you can also give that exact barcode to your packaging designer so they can add the Amazon barcode to your packaging. That way, you won’t need to manually label each product or pay Amazon to do it.

Amazon GTIN exemption: barcode example

Another way to find your FNSKU barcode

You should now see your product in your ‘Manage inventory’ section. Scroll down to your product and on the right hand side click the drop down menu next to ‘Edit’.

Then click on “Print item labels.”

Amazon GTIN exemption: Print item labels option

 

 

What if you’re not eligible for an Amazon GTIN exemption?

If the product or category you are trying to list in is not eligible for a GTIN exemption, then you will need to purchase a UPC code or receive the UPC code from the manufacturer.

Again, we recommend that you purchase from a legitimate source like GS1. 

If you wish to build your products and brand outside of Amazon in the future such as selling in a brick and mortar store, you will need to have a UPC or EAN anyway. 

 

Did you apply for a GTIN exemption? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments.

 

85 comments on “How to List Products on Amazon Without a GTIN or UPC

  1. Hi Brian,

    I bought an unbranded product and the requirement to apply GTIN exemption is:

    – Images of the product and/or packaging, showing branding on either. The images can show the product and/or packaging held in hand, or placed on a table. The branding must be permanently affixed.

    How should I show the brand on the product? Should I print my brand name permanently or can I just add a label with my brand name?

    Thank you.

  2. At what stage should I apply for GTIN exemption? After I have received sample products with my private label on them, but before mass production? Is it a bad thing to have packaged products shipped to FBA center, not knowing if the exemption was approved? Thank you!

    1. Hi Gene,

      Once you know the product you are going to sell, you should apply. You will not be able to create a listing and ship inventory to FBA without a UPC or an exemption.

      By the way, you can buy just one UPC from GS1 for $30.

  3. Hey, JS:
    Do I need a GTIN for every size of an item x $30? I am on the GS1 website and the process looks very expensive.

  4. On 7/14/22 you wrote “And yes, enter your brand name under “Manufactuer.” I have a problem with that. In categories that require safety documents such as toys, baby products etc. the paperwork will be coming from the REAL manufacturer and not our brand name. How do we get around this?

    1. Hi Benjamin,

      If you sell the products under your brand name, you are technically the manufacturer even if you don’t physically manufacture the products.

  5. Hi:

    Very interesting, I have a product that want to sell in Amazon as Private Labels, is a Palo Santo Essential Oil (there are more already selling in Amazon), But my product is special, as is handcrafted, and pure oil steams pressed, from the fruit, not from the wood of the tree, as most or all of the sellers), which makes a big difference. I already bought 2 Barcodes from GS1, But I/m investigating about Amazon Regulations, are not clear, (as I want to offer my product to prevent pains and strains, and also are used, in Ecuador, for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis. and more. Still investigating at the DBPR and FDA (where you can’t find and exact information, as is very confusing). The product is not hazard, and I will appreciate if you give some more information about this availability or requirements or at Amazon or FDA, or any information about, If you have. I already have a Professional Seller Account in Amazon..

    Regards,

    Silvana O’Connor

  6. Greetings for the day,
    Yes, I had applied for the GTIN exemption and got approval also. Thanks for your guidance, it is a really valuable note.

  7. Hi Brian, I am about to sale bath sponges , they have a logo tag attached on them from my own brand, I haven’t registered the brand yet, tell me if I go to trademarks at USPTO to register my brand, do I still need the UPC barcode? and thanks for your time and help!

  8. Hi Brian,

    Great article. Valuable information.

    I have a few questions.

    On Amazon I see that same exact generic products are listed under different brands in separate listings. So as long as they are listed under different brands does Amazon allow this?

    In the article you put your own brand as the manufacturer. For a private label product can/should we enter our brand as the manufacturer although we are not the manufacturer?

    As a response to one of the comments, you said if the product is listed under Generic brand then other sellers might be hopping in the same listing. So if we list it with a specific brand, cannot other sellers list in the same listing even if the brand does not have a trademark?

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Eric,

      Yes, as long as you list the product under a different brand name, you can create a new listing. I suggest if you are selling a product similar to or the same as other sellers, that you brand the product itself with your logo or brand name. That will help differentiate the product a little and prevent other sellers from listing on your listing.

      And yes, enter your brand name under “Manufactuer.”

  9. Hello, If I apply for GTIN exemption and get approved will a product Id still be required for my product if I have different variations? If it is required how would I go about that? Thank you.

  10. Hi Brian,
    I am starting a tshirt business with my own design, my question is, the company that I used to print my tshirts used a Hanes product for my shirts, do i have to purchase a bar code for this? I am gonna be selling my tshirts from my place (fbm) .
    And if i do need a barcode, is the barcode per color, sizes and design? And not a barcode for each tshirt,correct? Pls help.

    1. Hi Jill,

      You will need a UPC for each t-shirt variation you are selling on Amazon, or you will not be able to create the listings.

      For example, if you sell a S,M,L, and XL size t-shirt, you will need a UPC for each size/color.

      If you are not able to get a UPC or want to try to list without a UPC, apply for a GTIN exemption on Amazon as laid out in this article.

  11. Hello Brian,
    I hope you can help me. We have listed few items on Amazon (fbm), and needed to fix incomplete listings by adding few extra information, 3 hours later our listings were suppressed – Amazon giving us the following reason:
    “A technical problem has prevented us from loading the issue description. Please try again in a minute.

    You are not authorized to fix this issue. A contribution from the brand owner or an authorized reseller is required to resolve this issue and activate the ASIN. If you are the brand owner or an authorized reseller for this brand, please apply for the appropriate role for this brand in Amazon Brand Registry.”

    Now, we do have GTIN exemption approval already for the brand we want to sell, and the brand is not on the Amazon list for restricted brands.
    What do we do now? Can you help please?!

    1. Hi Biljana,

      Make sure the brand name on your listing is exactly how you applied for the GTIN exception. If the brand name does not match, it likely will give you an error. Also, try contacting support to see why you’re not able to edit the listing. Did you create the listing or add to an existing listing?

  12. Hi Brian, awesome article. If I have a product with an existing UPC code that I want to launch on Amazon, will I end up with two barcodes on my product? 1. UPC code and 2. FNSKU?

    1. Hi Sam,

      The FNSKU is the unique barcode you will get from Amazon. That’s how Amazon knows that product belongs to your account. Before sending products to FBA, you will cover the UPC with your FNSKU barcode. You only need the UPC to list the product on Amazon. Amazon will then use your FNSKU to scan.

  13. Hi your article is really awsome, easy to understand and very satisfying clarification.
    Although I did all that , but when I tried adding a product in kitchen category and marked ” yes this has variation” it is asking me to add product ID.
    i can see that kitchen is not in the list where upc is required
    please guide what should i do in that case
    please note i am selling as an individual, and im not the brand owner, but i have approval from amazon to sell that brand and this is amazon UAE marketplace.

    1. Hi Sadaf,

      Did you get a GTIN exemption from Amazon? It may take up to 24 hours before you can list a product after getting approved. Also, it may be better to have a professional account to list your products.

  14. I have a brand that has UPC already. But when we list Amazon blocks them due to the UPC not being registered with GS1. The manufacturer of this brand said they don’t do anything with UPC but said other dealers do have listings on Amazon for their product.
    So, if the brand already has UPC’s do I still need to buy UPC’s from GS1?

    1. Hi Keith,

      If the brand has a UPC already, you do not need to buy one from GS1. Just find the listing of the product you want to sell and use that ASIN when adding the product to your Seller Central account.

      Brian

  15. Hy
    My question is I applied for GTIN exemption and got approval for a category.
    now as we all know I do not have any UPC or other barcode so which barcode do I have to use on my products while shipping to the Amazon warehouse.
    should I attach SKU or FNSKU or both barcodes in case of GTIN Exemption?
    Please help me in this situation.

  16. Are there any consultants available to help with listing unique products? Our company manufactures custom-built industrial tarps. We do not inventory specific tarp sizes – they are all custom built to meet the customer’s needs. We do not have a GTIN. Price is dependent upon square footage. Our product is unique to us and we do not have a GTIN. We are set up with an Amazon Seller account and are also set up to do all of our own order fulfillment. The challenge is listing our product. Ideally, the customer is able to select sizes from a drop down menu and the price will calculate based on their selection. I am at a loss for listing such a product. Can you help? Or at least point us to a consultant who would be willing to get this done for us?

    1. Hi Jae,

      I suggest going on a freelancer marketplace such as Upwork or Freelancer.com. You can post a job and find someone with that kind of expertise.

  17. I am a new a amazon individual seller. I will be listing resell items. Am I required to have a upc code. I am very confused because I will not be listing a private label or brand products. Am I required to purchase or put one on a resell item. Please clarify and gain understanding. Thank you so much with much appreciation.

    1. Hi Patricia,

      Where are you getting your products to sell on Amazon? Not sure what you mean by “resell items.” If you are reselling another brands products, you will list your products on an existing listing on Amazon and will use that brands UPC when adding the product to your account.

      Can you please clarify what you will be selling?

  18. Hi Brian

    Im getting a tad confused!

    I’am in the UK selling to the UK
    It is my own product made for me, with a GS1 barcode.
    Can I use this GS1 barcode for using FBA or do I need to stick a FNSKU over the top of my GS1 barcode?

    Big thank you for answering this question.

    Sam

    1. Hi Sam,

      In most cases, you just need the GS1 barcode to create your listing on Amazon. You can choose your barcode preference on Amazon to be your manufacturer’s barcode or the FNSKU.

      Amazon may require you to label your products with the FNSKU, though. When you create a shipment, it should give you a message if that is required.

  19. We are currently using GTINS/UPC codes but would no longer like to do so, as we are running into issues with companies buying our UPC prefixes on GS1. We did not register them with GS1 several years ago and now we no longer own them. Amazon sees that our UPCs are not correct so our listings are frozen. We cannot edit them and they will not update with things like inventory level, etc…. Our brands do seem to qualify for a GTIN Exemption as we get the green check mark.

    My question is, is it OK to ask for an exemption on products that already have GTINs/UPCs? Can we remove ask for exemption and then remove them all from the listings, or does this only work before you add new products/

    1. Hi Brad,

      I believe this only works when you are creating new products on Amazon. But I suggest reaching out to support to see if this is something you can do.

  20. Thanks for axplying but i am still cunfusing for the par cood. Because i have around 60 different item my question is do i need different par cood for each etim. Thats mean i have to $250 × 60 = $ 15000
    Or i misunderstanding because. All my items is not cost that much to seale them

    1. Hi,

      You will need a barcode for each product that you are selling. You will need to purchase the UPC codes if they’re brand new products not yet in the market. If you are reselling other brands products, you will not need a new UPC code as they’ll already have one.

  21. I got a product. It already has a UPC. Its a boxed AMD CPU I got a distributor. I am sending one to FBA for fullfillment. Do I need the AMAZON label or may I just use the boxes provided UPC just to be clear on your article, I don’t have to. Besides it would make the box look uglier. So to ask again, do I need a label if I already have the manufacturers upc on it.

  22. You have quoted membership in dollars so I assume that is for GS1 US, but there are in fact 115 offices around the world. Given the global nature of marketplace selling, the sellers can be based anywhere so local language and local time zone support for learning about GTINs and the other GS1 standards to help you trade might be better for you.

    You can find your local office here: https://www.gs1.org/standards/get-barcodes

  23. Hi Brian,

    Thanks very much for the post. If you list a private label product with a gtin exemption, but then ultimately get a upc code in the future, can you change your product listing (ie add a upc code to the listing in the future)? Thanks!

  24. Hi Brian

    I took each step as you have said but did so before reading this post. My listing was created but unfortunately I missed clicking the FBA choice. Now that my product has went through and is under FBM. I have tried to edit and switch to FBA but when I do so now it asks for a UPC. Is there anyway to remedy this?

    1. Hi Brett,

      You can create an FBA SKU under the same ASIN. Go to Add a product and enter in your ASIN. You can enter in a unique SKU number and make sure to check you would like Amazon to fulfill your orders.

      Then, you’ll have both an FBM and FBA sku under one ASIN. You can just leave the FBM sku with zero inventory.

  25. Hi, this article is helpful…but would like to ask, if i apply for gtin exemption under the brand generic, would it affect the sales as compared to those with brand? what is the implication in the long run? because getting brand approved is not easy as it seems. thanks in advance.

    1. Hi William,

      That is tough to say without knowing anything about your product. I may or may not. Depends on the quality, price, etc.

      Though, with a “generic” listing, you may find other sellers hoping onto your listing selling the same generic product.

  26. Thank you so much for this info
    I just need to know, what is brand, does it mean patent?
    so if I am going to sell handmade products, can I give a name (not registered brand) to all my products? Or I have to use “Generic” ?

    Thanks in advance

  27. I m trying to apply for GTIN EXEMPTION from my phone only. But it all goes in fiasco as after entering my brand name I m not getting into the next submit proof window.
    What can I do, or how can I make it through my phone kindly suggest.

  28. Thank you for the information. It has cleared my mind!
    But I have a question: I would like to my brand to appear on the sales page. Not as Generic.
    For me, it didn’t show the check mark to submit a proof, it went straight to add a product, so I didn’t have a chance to request.
    How can I do it?

  29. Hello Brian,

    thank for such valuable information.

    I have the GTIN exemption and manage to add my product etc, however when it comes to who prepares option, it does not give me an option to select Amazon even though i have updated my settings to Amazon to prepare my product and labelling.

    please can you let me know if GTIN / EAN / UP etc is mandatory for Amazon to prepare the product? if yes, can i just buy from GS1 ?
    Note, i dont have brand name etc, am selling individual products with any brand.

    thanks

    1. Hi Asma,

      It should give you the option to have Amazon label the products for you. If you don’t, they will label them automatically when reaching the warehouse.

  30. An important lesson I learned the hard way – if you have a GTIN exemption and no UPC code, Amazon will NOT allow you to select Amazon for packaging in the shipping for some bizarre reason – it has to be you – the merchant. I am trying to ship bundled jams in glass jars (hence no UPC) and have read in other reviews that people received broken jars because even though the product was well wrapped, it was placed by Amazon in a much larger box with NO sort of cushioning or crumpled paper, hence it bounced around and broke. I was told by the Amazon support agent to make sure to select “Amazon” for packaging and pay the 30 cents per unit since I had a fragile product, but the system kept rejecting that and finally they told me it was because I did not have a UPC code. It’s horrible and I wonder if there are other little inexplicable punishments for people without UPCs.

  31. When I enter my brand name to see if it is eligible for an Amazon GTIN exemption, I am not seeing the green check mark under status . Instead it is giving this error. Does this means that I won’t get GTIN exemption for this brand name?

    Brands require approval
    Amazon must approve your brand before you can use it to apply for exemption and list products. Brands should be registered through Brand Registry, but if your brand is not eligible for Brand Registry, you can obtain an exception by contacting Selling Partner Support and mentioning error code 5665. When contacting Selling Partner Support, provide the following information:
    – The brand name used when creating the listing.
    – Images of the product and/or packaging, showing branding on either. The images can show the product and/or packaging held in hand, or placed on a table. The branding must be permanently affixed.
    For more information, please review our Brand Name Policy. Once you have received an approval for the brand name, please come back and apply for GTIN exemption with the same brand name to list products without GTIN(barcode/UPC/EAN/ISBN etc)

    1. Hi Sameena,

      Just follow the steps that Amazon has outlined for you. Simply send them images or your product/product packaging with your branding on it. Then they will approve your brand. After that, you will be able to apply for the GTIN exemption.

  32. Hi Brian,

    I bought my products from wholesale market, i.e. unbranded and no manufacturer’s information and also no Product Number.

    I got the exact screen cap as above to ask me “You have been approved to list products in the below brand and category. You can start listing these products after 30 minutes.” and “Add a Product”. However, when I added my product, the Product ID is still required. What should i do?

    1. Hi Joanna,

      You will still need to apply for the GTIN exemption. What brand were you approved for?

      You will need to apply for the GTIN exemption for whichever ‘brand’ you were approved for or simply as ‘Generic.’

  33. Hello,
    I applied and received a GTIN exemptions for my brand products.
    I have followed the step-by-step instructions for adding a new product not sold on Amazon which accompanied the GTIN acceptance letter and I am unable to add a new product.
    Questions:
    When I applied for the GTIN exemption, none of the categories available actually described my product, which should have been Arts and Crafts Sewing, so I had to choose one and decided on Entertainment Collectibles. When I follow the instructions from the GTIN acceptance letter, that exact category, Entertainment Collectibles, doesn’t exist.
    If I try to add a new product not sold on Amazon, and go through the correct categories, Arts and Crafts Sewing, Bead and Jewelry Making, etc. it requires the product ID, UPC etc.
    Can you please help me resolve this and figure out how to add products for my brand? Yes, I am listing the brand exactly as described in the acceptance letter. These are short-term inventory products and do no require a UPC code. Thank you for your assistance.

  34. Hi Brian,

    Can we post both the GTC barcode and FNSKU barcode within the same box packaging? The reason I am asking is that I am allowed to use FNSKU for certain marketplace (e.g. US) and not on some other marketplace (e.g. UK). Thanks

  35. Hi,

    I’m hoping you can help me. Ive already been granted an approval for the GTIN exemption. The email stated that I should wait 24 hours before listing. This is day 2 at the moment and the asterisk does not disappear when I attempt to add the product. Have you had this trouble before and do you know how this can be solved?

    Thanks,
    kristen

  36. Hello Brian,

    I am hoping you can help. I have followed the steps you detailed above and was approved to sell “generic” in the health and personal care category however when I try to create my listing and try to “save and finish” it will not let me as I have not inputed a product number. Please note there is no asterix beside the product number.

    Have you run into this before? Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this issue? I have reviewed the seller central forums without success.

    1. Hi Amanda,

      Do you have “Generic” as the brand name? If it is spelled wrong or with a lowercase, Amazon will not accept it.

      Also, how much time was there in between getting approved and trying to create the listing? Usually takes about 24 hours for you to be able to list the product.

      Brian

    1. Hi Justin,

      You have tried creating a new listing with the UPC barcode and you’re getting an error? Or Is the product already listed on Amazon?

  37. Thanks for the beneficial information you shared with us.

    i have question, actually i dealing with a supplier and the products i received has a bar-code on the product side, but i don’t know what’s the type for this bar-code, and when i tried to scan it and search but it’s not exist in GS1 database

    1. Hi Ahmad,

      Thanks for the question! So the product you received from your supplier already has a barcode affixed to it? You didn’t supply them with the barcode?

      1. Hello Brian!

        I’m from the Philippines and I plan on sourcing products on Alibaba and selling on Amazon throught their FBA Program. The questions I have on my mind right now are:

        1. Is this possible to do from where I’m from, and from where I plan to run my operations?

        2. If I would be selling a generic item, and apply for a GTIN exemption, as seen on this article, do I tell my supplier to print out the FNSKU I got and attach them to my order?

        Honestly, I’ve only known about this opportunity through TikTok and is something that intrigued me, which led me to this website! They have been very informative and would like to know more!

        Thank you.

        1. Hi Charles,

          Yes, you can do so from your location!

          Yes, you can ask your supplier to print the FNSKU barcode onto your product packaging. That way, you won’t need to do it yourself or pay Amazon to attach the labels.

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