Selling on Amazon requires every product to have a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) such as a UPC, EAN, ISBN, or GTIN-14 to ensure accurate cataloging and prevent duplicate listings. However, not all products come with a GTIN. If you are selling private-label goods, handmade items, bundled products, replacement parts, or unbranded merchandise, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to list a product without a GTIN.

So, how do you sell products on Amazon without a GTIN? The answer lies in Amazon’s GTIN exemption process, which allows certain products to be listed without a barcode. This article will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding GTINs to successfully applying for an exemption and listing your products correctly.

What Are GTINs and Why Some Products Do Not Have Them

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identifier assigned to products for retail and eCommerce purposes. It helps marketplaces like Amazon keep their catalog organized and ensures that customers can easily find the correct product.

Common Types of GTINs

1. UPC (Universal Product Code) – Primarily used in North America.
2. EAN (European Article Number) – Used in Europe and most international markets.
3. ISBN (International Standard Book Number) – Assigned to books.
4. GTIN-14 – Used for product cases or cartons.

Amazon requires all products to have a GTIN, but there are exceptions. Many sellers, especially those dealing in private-label, handmade, or vintage goods, may not have access to manufacturer-assigned GTINs. This is where Amazon’s GTIN exemption becomes essential.

Why Does Amazon Require GTINs?

• Prevents duplicate listings and maintains product catalog accuracy.
• Protects brands from counterfeit or misrepresented items.
• Improves search visibility by ensuring products are indexed correctly.

However, there are many situations where products simply do not have a GTIN, making exemption necessary.

Who Needs a GTIN Exemption?

If your product falls into one of the following categories, you may qualify for a GTIN exemption:

• Private-label products manufactured exclusively for your brand.
• Handmade items such as custom jewelry, crafts, or artwork.
• Generic or unbranded items with no official manufacturer barcode.
• Replacement parts and accessories that don’t have individual GTINs.
• Bundled product sets where multiple items are grouped together as one sale.
• Vintage or limited-edition products that predate modern barcodes.

For example, if you are selling a custom-designed yoga mat under your own brand, you don’t need a barcode from GS1, as Amazon allows you to apply for a GTIN exemption.

What is a GTIN Exemption and Why is it Useful?

A GTIN exemption allows you to list products on Amazon without providing a UPC, EAN, or ISBN. This is particularly useful for sellers who create their own products, bundle existing products, or sell in niche categories where a GTIN is not applicable.

Benefits of a GTIN Exemption

• Avoids the cost of purchasing barcodes from GS1, which can be expensive for small sellers.
• Enables the sale of handmade and private-label products without needing manufacturer-provided GTINs.
• Allows you to list bundled products without requiring a barcode for the bundle.
• Speeds up the listing process, as you don’t need to obtain external GTINs.

However, keep in mind that Amazon is strict about approving GTIN exemptions and will only grant them if your product qualifies under their guidelines.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before applying for an exemption, make sure that:

• The product is not already listed on Amazon. If an identical product already exists with a GTIN, you must use that ASIN instead of creating a new listing.
• Your brand name matches what is on your packaging. If you’re selling a branded product, ensure that Amazon recognizes your brand.
• Some brands require GS1 barcodes. Certain brands are restricted and must use GS1-registered barcodes, regardless of exemption status.
• GTIN exemption is not always ideal for long-term sellers. If you plan to scale your business, investing in GS1 barcodes may be beneficial.

If your product meets these criteria, you can proceed with applying for an exemption.

How to Apply for a GTIN Exemption on Amazon

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before submitting a request, ensure you have:

• Your product name and category
• High-quality product images showing all angles, with no GTIN or barcode visible
• Branding proof (if applicable) – The brand name should be on the product or packaging (not a sticker)
• Supporting documents (if requested) – A manufacturer’s declaration confirming no GTIN exists

Step 2: Submit the GTIN Exemption Request

1. Log into Amazon Seller Central.
2. Go to Catalog > Add a Product.
3. Click “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.”
4. Select “Apply for a GTIN exemption.”
5. Choose the product category and enter the brand name or “Generic” (if unbranded).
6. Upload product images and documents to support your request.
7. Click Submit Request and wait for approval.

Step 3: Monitor Application Status

Amazon typically reviews GTIN exemption requests within 24-48 hours. You can check the status under Seller Central > Case Log.

How to List Products After GTIN Exemption Approval

Once Amazon approves your GTIN exemption, you can proceed with listing your product.

Manually Listing GTIN-Exempt Products

1. Go to Catalog > Add Products in Seller Central.
2. Select “I am adding a product not sold on Amazon.”
3. Enter the approved category and brand name exactly as in the exemption request.
4. Leave the GTIN/Product ID field blank (Amazon will recognize the exemption).
5. Complete the remaining product details and submit the listing.

Bulk Listing for Professional Sellers

If you have multiple products, use Amazon’s inventory file template:

1. Download the template from Seller Central > Inventory > Add Products via Upload.
2. Fill in the required fields, leaving the GTIN field blank and marking “Yes” in the “Is product exempt from GTIN?” field.
3. Upload the completed file back to Seller Central.

Once processed, your products will go live without a GTIN.

Using FNSKU Instead of GTIN for Amazon FBA

Once your GTIN exemption is approved, you still need a way to track your inventory, especially if you are using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Amazon assigns a unique identifier called FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit) to every product stored in its warehouses.

What is an FNSKU and Why Do You Need It?

• FNSKU (Fulfillment Network SKU) is a barcode unique to Amazon’s fulfillment system that identifies your specific product in their warehouses.
• Unlike a UPC or EAN, which is used globally, an FNSKU is Amazon-specific and ensures your products are linked to your seller account, preventing inventory mix-ups with other sellers.

How to Generate and Apply an FNSKU Label

1. List Your Product Without a GTIN (After Exemption Approval)
   • Follow the steps outlined in Part 1 to create a new product listing without a GTIN.
2. Get the Assigned FNSKU
   • Once your product listing is created, Amazon automatically assigns an FNSKU.
   • Find it in Seller Central > Manage Inventory > Print Item Labels.
3. Print and Apply the FNSKU Barcode
   • Download the barcode from Manage Inventory > Print Item Labels.
   • Print and apply it to each unit’s packaging before shipping to an Amazon fulfillment center.
   • If you don’t want to apply labels yourself, you can opt for Amazon’s Labeling Service ($0.30 per unit).

💡 Tip: If you use Amazon FBA, you must use the FNSKU for inventory tracking. If you fulfill orders yourself (FBM – Fulfilled by Merchant), you don’t need an FNSKU, but you must ensure accurate order processing.

Troubleshooting Common GTIN Exemption Issues

Even after submitting a GTIN exemption request, Amazon may reject it for various reasons. Here’s how to address common problems.

1. GTIN Exemption Request Denied

Possible Reasons:

• The product already exists in Amazon’s catalog with a GTIN.
• The product images didn’t meet Amazon’s requirements.
• The brand name didn’t match the exemption request.
• The category selected was incorrect.

How to Fix It:

Check if your product is already listed on Amazon. Search for similar listings before applying for an exemption.

Ensure your brand name matches your packaging. If you are selling a branded product, it must appear on the product or package (not a sticker).

Submit new images if requested. Amazon requires high-quality photos showing all sides of the product without any barcodes.

2. Unable to List a Product After GTIN Exemption Approval

Possible Reasons:

• The listing still requires a GTIN due to system errors.
• The brand name doesn’t match what was approved.
• The exemption is category-specific, and you chose the wrong category.

How to Fix It:

Double-check your approved brand name and category. Ensure they match exactly as in your exemption request.

Use the “Add a Product” tool manually instead of bulk uploads if encountering errors.

Contact Amazon Seller Support if the issue persists.

3. Amazon Asks for a Manufacturer’s Letter

Amazon may request a manufacturer’s declaration confirming that your product does not have a GTIN.

What to Do:

• Contact the manufacturer or supplier and request a formal letter stating that no UPC or GTIN exists.
• Ensure the letter is on official letterhead and includes the manufacturer’s contact details.
• Submit this document as proof during your GTIN exemption request.

Alternative Solutions If GTIN Exemption Is Not Approved

If your GTIN exemption is denied and you still need to list your product, you have a few alternative solutions.

1. Purchase UPCs from GS1 (Official Barcodes)

If Amazon denies your exemption request or your category requires a GTIN, the best option is to buy a legitimate UPC from GS1 (Global Standards 1).

Why GS1?

Amazon only recognizes GS1-registered UPCs (not third-party resellers).

Ensures long-term brand credibility and compliance with Amazon’s policies.

Prevents listing takedowns due to invalid UPCs.

Cost: GS1 charges $30 per barcode (1-9 barcodes) + $50 annual renewal fee. For larger businesses, bulk packages start at $250 for 10 barcodes.

Where to Buy: Official GS1 Website

2. Sell as a Generic Brand (Last Resort Option)

If you cannot get a GTIN exemption and do not want to buy GS1 barcodes, you can try listing your product under Generic as the brand name.

⚠️ Warning:

• This works only for non-branded items.
• If your product has branding, Amazon may reject the listing or request proof of ownership.

Best for: Generic accessories, unbranded products, and inexpensive items.

Next Steps: Get Your Products Listed on Amazon Today

Now that you know how to list products without a GTIN, follow these steps to get started:

• Check if your product qualifies for GTIN exemption.
• Apply for an exemption through Amazon Seller Central.
• List your product using the approved category and brand name.
• If using FBA, print and apply the FNSKU barcode.
• If GTIN exemption is denied, consider buying GS1 barcodes.

Need help listing a product that doesn’t have a GTIN? We at ZonHack with our comprehensive Product Listing Service, we help sellers like you take their Amazon ecommerce business to the next level. 

Contact ZonHack today.