If you plan to sell products on Amazon in 2024, you'll need UPC barcodes to list your items. UPC (Universal Product Code) barcodes are essential for product identification and tracking on the world's largest e-commerce platform .i.e  Amazon. 

Whether you buy UPC barcodes exclusively for Amazon or leverage other Amazon programs, including UPC/EAN, UPC, GTIN, FNSKU, ASIN, ISBN, and EAN barcodes, these codes are essential in your Amazon selling journey.

If you need clarification on the technical aspects of these codes or barcodes, fret not. In the forthcoming sections, we will delve into the importance of these codes for Amazon vendors and provide a step-by-step tutorial for getting UPCs. 

Why Do You Need UPC Barcodes on Amazon?

UPC barcodes are crucial on Amazon for several reasons:

• Product Identification: UPC barcodes uniquely identify your products, ensuring customers can find and purchase the correct items.
• Listing Creation: Amazon requires UPCs to create product listings. With them, you can list your products on the platform.
• Inventory Management: UPCs help you manage your inventory more efficiently by tracking sales, restocking, and preventing overselling.
• Buy Box Eligibility: To be eligible for the Buy Box (the prominent "Add to Cart" button), you must have a UPC barcode associated with your product.

Stepwise Guide For Getting UPCs for Amazon

Step 1: Register Your Business

Before you can request UPCs, ensure your business is registered. Amazon requires sellers to have a legal business entity. This typically means having a registered business name, tax ID, and a bank account for business transactions.

Step 2: Determine the Number of UPCs You Need

Each unique product variation, such as size or colour, requires a different UPC. Ensure you clearly understand your product catalogue to determine how many UPCs you need.

Step 3: Apply for a Company Prefix

You'll need to apply for valid GS1 codes, which work worldwide. You can buy upc online through various registered certified websites and provide codes at discounted prices. 

Step 4: Create Individual UPCs

Once you have your company prefix, you can create individual UPCs for each product or variation. Ensure these codes are unique and not duplicated.

Step 5: Assign UPCs to Your Amazon Listings

When listing your products on Amazon, assign the corresponding UPCs to each item. This will ensure proper product identification and listing creation.

Types of Barcodes for Amazon

Amazon accepts various barcode types, but UPC and EAN (European Article Number) barcodes are the most commonly used. Here's a brief overview of these barcode types:

UPC-A (Universal Product Code - 12 digits)

UPC-A barcodes consist of 12 numeric digits and are commonly used in North America. They are suitable for most products sold on Amazon.com.

UPC-E (Universal Product Code - 6 digits)

UPC-E barcodes are a compressed version of UPC-A, with only six digits. They are suitable for small products with limited packaging space.

 EAN-13 (European Article Number - 13 digits)

EAN-13 barcodes are similar to UPC-A but have 13 digits. They are commonly used in Asia, Europe and other regions. Amazon accepts EAN-13 codes for international listings.

EAN-8 (European Article Number - 8 digits)

EAN-8 barcodes are a shorter version of EAN-13, with eight digits. They are suitable for small products with limited packaging space and are accepted by Amazon for international listings.

ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)

Amazon also assigns ASINs to products listed on its platform. ASINs are unique to Amazon and are automatically generated for each product. While you can use ASINs for listing, having your own UPC or EAN codes for better control and brand recognition is recommended.

Conclusion

In 2024, UPC barcodes will remain essential to selling on Amazon. Correctly identifying and listing your products helps you meet Amazon's requirements and ensures a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

Remember to follow the steps outlined in this guide for getting UPCs for your products. Additionally, consider the different barcode types mentioned to choose the one that best suits your business needs. With suitable UPC barcodes, you'll be well-prepared to succeed as an Amazon seller in the coming year and beyond.