Amazon UPC code and EAN code: obtaining methods and usage specifications
When selling products on the Amazon platform, the use of UPC codes and EAN codes is an essential part. These codes are not only a symbol of product identity, but also a key factor in ensuring the accuracy of product information. This article aims to answer some common questions about UPC codes and EAN codes, and introduce their correct use.
How to obtain UPC or EAN code?
There are several main ways to obtain UPC or EAN codes:
- Purchase through formal channels: This is the most recommended way to ensure the legality and validity of the encoding.
- Buy on Taobao: While this is an option, there is some risk as the encoding may conflict with other sellers.
- Use UPC code generator: This method is extremely risky and is not recommended.
- Manufacturer Application: For manufacturers, it can be obtained by applying to the local coding center (such as the China Article Coding Center in China).
- GCID code substitution: If you have completed brand registration on Amazon, you can use GCID code instead of UPC or EAN code.
Validity verification of UPC or EAN code
- If you only enter UPC codes without using barcodes when uploading your products, those barcodes may actually come in handy in the future. For example, when changing a title or brand name, a barcode is very important as proof of ownership.
FAQ
Warning prompts encountered when uploading products
When you encounter warning prompts when entering Title, Brand, Manufacturer and other information, it may be because the UPC code has been used. It is recommended to try multiple times or change the UPC code to a new one.
The impact of using the same UPC code for cross-regional accounts
Using the same UPC code on different Amazon sites (such as European and American sites) may cause account association problems. To avoid this from happening, it is recommended to use different UPC codes for accounts in different regions.
The purpose of Amazon’s new UPC code policy
With the surge in the number of products on the platform and the increasingly uneven quality of products, Amazon has launched a new UPC code policy to improve user experience. This initiative aims to purify the product library by combating the use of counterfeit or incorrect UPC codes, ensuring that each product is only listed once and reducing duplicate listings.
In addition, this policy will also help encourage traditional foreign trade brands and factories to join the Amazon market, thereby improving overall product quality and service levels.
Principles of permanence and uniqueness of product codes
Product identification codes (such as UPC codes and EAN codes) are permanent and unique. This means that once assigned to a specific product, its code will not be reassigned to other new products even if the product stops being produced and sold. At the same time, if the attributes of the product change (such as size, color, packaging, etc.), a new code needs to be assigned to each changed version.
For example, if a backpack has only one size but five colors, five different UPC or EAN codes are needed; if there are three sizes and five colors, fifteen codes are needed; if two more are added, For each packaging form, a total of thirty codes are required.
By following the above guidelines, sellers can better understand and apply UPC/EAN encoding rules, thereby avoiding unnecessary trouble and providing customers with more reliable product information.