Purchasing Barcodes for Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide

To sell products on Amazon, understanding the requirements for barcodes is crucial. A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is essential for every product, and in the Indian market, the preferred format is the European Article Number (EAN). This article will guide you through the process of obtaining authentic EAN and UPC barcodes for your Amazon products.

Understanding GTIN for Amazon Sales

When you sign up to sell on Amazon India, you need a GTIN, which is encoded in a barcode format such as UPC-A or EAN. Unlike the more common UPC-A in North America, India predominantly uses EAN barcodes. While Amazon does not recommend a specific barcode provider, GS1 India stands as the sole authorized seller of EAN barcodes in India.

Steps to Purchase Barcodes for Amazon

1. Register as a Seller on Amazon

If you haven't already, create an account for Amazon Seller Central. This is the platform that manages your sales and product listings.

2. Product Listing

Once your seller account is set up, list the products you plan to sell on Amazon.

3. Barcode Options

There are two primary barcode options you can consider:

UPC Codes: Amazon typically requires a UPC for most products. You can purchase legitimate UPC codes from various providers. Some notable options include GS1 Barcode Graphics and Nationwide Barcode. While GS1 is the official source for UPC codes, third-party providers may offer more cost-effective options. Amazon FNSKU Barcodes: For products sold through the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program, Amazon provides a unique barcode called FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit). This barcode is generated automatically when you add a new product listing in Seller Central.

4. Choose a Barcode Provider

Compare prices and features from different barcode providers to find the best deal. Reputable providers are essential to ensure you receive valid barcodes.

5. Purchase Barcodes

Once you've chosen a provider, purchase the required number of barcodes for your products. Be cautious of very low-priced offers, as they might not be legitimate and could cause issues in the future.

6. Assign Barcodes

Assign the purchased barcodes to your products in your Amazon Seller Central account. The process varies depending on whether you're using UPC codes or FNSKU. For FBA products, you must label them with FNSKU barcodes according to Amazon's guidelines before sending them to the fulfillment center.

7. Product Labeling

For FBA products, label your products with FNSKU barcodes as per Amazon's guidelines before sending them to the fulfillment center.

Key Points to Remember

Stick with GS1 India: Only GS1 India can provide authentic barcodes for Amazon products. They offer EAN codes starting with 890, which are accepted by Amazon India. Focus on EAN Formats: While both UPC-A and EAN are GTINs, focus on EAN formats like EAN-13, commonly used in India. Benefits of GS1 Barcodes: These barcodes are not only compatible with Amazon but also other e-commerce platforms and modern retail channels, streamlining your product listing process.

By following these steps and guidelines, you'll ensure that your products are properly identified and can be listed successfully on Amazon India. Always prioritize authenticity and quality to maintain a smooth selling process on the platform.