A Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit barcode used for identifying retail products globally. On Amazon, it plays a crucial role in listing products, linking them to existing catalog entries, and ensuring compliance with marketplace standards. However, many sellers face issues where their UPCs do not work, leading to listing failures, mismatches, and even account restrictions.

Amazon verifies UPCs against the GS1 database, the only officially recognized source of UPCs. If a UPC is not properly registered, already assigned to another product, or does not match Amazon’s catalog, it may trigger errors.

Let’s learn what causes these errors and how to fix them.

Why Amazon Rejects UPC Codes

1. Invalid UPC Source

Amazon only recognizes UPCs issued directly from GS1. If you buy barcodes from third-party resellers, they might be recycled, resold, or previously assigned to another product.

Solution: Always purchase UPCs from GS1, as Amazon validates UPCs against the GS1 database.

2. Newly Purchased UPCs Not Yet Registered

It can take 72 hours to several weeks for a new UPC to sync with Amazon’s database.

Solution: If your UPC is not recognized, wait a few days and verify it in the GS1 Lookup tool before trying again.

3. Incorrect Product ID Type

Using the wrong product ID type can lead to rejection. Here’s when to use each identifier:

Solution: Make sure to select the correct Product ID Type in your listing settings.

4. UPC Already in Use

If your UPC is linked to another seller’s product, it can block you from using it.

Solution:

• Check the UPC history by searching on Amazon.
• If your UPC is wrongly assigned, dispute the issue with Seller Support and provide your GS1 certificate as proof.

Common UPC Errors and What They Mean

Amazon’s system enforces strict validation rules when sellers attempt to list products using UPCs. When a UPC does not work, it usually results in specific error messages. Understanding these errors is the first step in resolving them.

1. SKU & ASIN Mismatch Errors

One of the most frustrating errors occurs when Amazon cannot associate a UPC with an existing ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) or cannot create a new ASIN due to conflicting information.

A common error message reads:

“The SKU does not match any ASIN and contains invalid value(s) for attributes required for creation of a new ASIN.”

This usually happens when Amazon fails to verify the UPC in its database. Possible reasons include:

• The UPC is not registered with GS1.
• The product’s attributes (brand name, category, dimensions) do not match Amazon’s records.
• The UPC is already associated with another ASIN.

To fix this issue, verify the UPC’s legitimacy using the GS1 Lookup Tool and ensure that your product information exactly matches GS1’s records. If discrepancies persist, a case with Amazon Seller Support may be necessary.

2. UPC Already in Use

Another frequent error occurs when a seller tries to list a product with a UPC that is already linked to another product in Amazon’s catalog. The error message typically states:

“You are using UPCs, EANs, ISBNs, ASINs, or JAN codes that do not match the products you are trying to list.”

This issue often arises when sellers purchase UPCs from third-party resellers instead of GS1. Many resellers recycle UPCs, leading to conflicts in Amazon’s database.

The best way to resolve this is by searching the UPC on Amazon. If the barcode is associated with a different product, sellers must contact Amazon with proof of ownership, such as a GS1 certificate.

3. Brand and GTIN Errors

Some products are flagged due to brand name inconsistencies or restrictions. If Amazon detects a mismatch, the following errors may appear:

• Error 5665: “Brand does not match” – Occurs when a seller tries to list under a brand they are not authorized to sell.
• Error 8572: “Catalog update issue” – Happens when trying to modify a UPC, EAN, or GTIN on an existing listing.
• Error 8541: “Single matching error” – Occurs when the UPC is already associated with an existing ASIN, preventing the creation of a new listing.

To fix these, sellers must ensure the UPC details match Amazon’s database and may need to apply for Brand Registry or seek a GTIN exemption if their product lacks a valid UPC.

How to Fix Existing UPC Errors and Prevent Future Issues

Step 1: Verifying UPC Authenticity

Before listing a product, sellers must confirm that their UPC is valid. The best way to do this is by checking the GS1 database.

1. Visit GS1 Lookup Tool (https://www.gs1.org/) and enter the UPC.
2. Ensure that the registered brand and product details match the information you are submitting to Amazon.
3. If the UPC is not found in GS1, it is likely invalid or expired, and a new GS1-issued UPC must be purchased.

Step 2: Correcting Product Information

Even with a valid UPC, Amazon may reject listings due to discrepancies in product details. To avoid mismatches:

• Ensure the brand name, product title, and attributes match GS1’s records.
• Avoid abbreviations or slight modifications, as Amazon’s system checks for exact matches.
• If an error persists, updating product details and re-submitting may resolve the issue.

Step 3: Handling UPCs Already in Use

If your UPC is flagged as already assigned to another product, follow these steps:

1. Search the UPC on Amazon to see if it is linked to a different product.
2. If the UPC is incorrectly assigned, open a case with Amazon Seller Support and provide:
   • GS1 certificate proving ownership.
   • A letter explaining the issue on company letterhead.
   • Photos of the product and packaging showing the UPC.

Step 4: Applying for a GTIN Exemption

For sellers who manufacture their own products or sell unique items, applying for a GTIN exemption may be a viable solution. This is especially useful for private-label brands, hand-made goods, and customized items.

To apply for a GTIN exemption:

1. Go to Seller Central → Help → Apply for a GTIN Exemption.
2. Select the category and brand (or input “Generic” if applicable).
3. Provide images of the product without a barcode.
4. Submit supporting documents like invoices and manufacturer details.
5. Wait for Amazon’s approval, which usually takes 48 hours.

Step 5: Contacting Amazon Seller Support

If all troubleshooting steps fail, contacting Amazon Seller Support is necessary. When submitting a case, provide:

• A detailed description of the issue.
• Screenshots of error messages.
• GS1 ownership proof and relevant documents.
• Order history if UPCs were purchased directly from GS1.

Amazon may request additional verification or a conference call to resolve the issue.

Get Expert Help with Amazon UPC Issues – Try ZonHack Today

Struggling with UPC errors on Amazon? ZonHack provides expert solutions to help sellers overcome listing issues, brand restrictions, and GTIN mismatches. Whether you’re dealing with invalid UPCs, brand gating, ASIN mismatches, or GS1 verification problems, our team ensures smooth resolutions to keep your products live and compliant.

Why Choose ZonHack?

• Amazon Listing Experts – We handle UPC, ASIN, and GTIN-related errors with precision.
• GS1 Verification & Compliance – Ensure your UPCs meet Amazon’s strict standards.
• Brand Approval & GTIN Exemptions – Get authorized to sell restricted products.
• Fast Issue Resolution – Minimize downtime and keep your sales uninterrupted.
• End-to-End Amazon Support – From product research to PPC management, we help you scale.

Amazon’s algorithms are complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Let ZonHack take care of your UPC challenges while you focus on growing your business. Contact us now.