GTIN exemption
A GTIN exemption is Amazon’s permission to list a product that has no GTIN, such as an own-brand item, granted per product category and per store.
- Product ID exemption
- UPC exemption
- EAN exemption
- Barcode exemption
What it means
For most categories, Amazon needs a GTIN, such as an EAN, to create a new product page, because it uses the GTIN to match listings to products already in its catalogue.1 A GTIN exemption lets you list without one when the product genuinely has none. Amazon’s own pages also call it a product ID exemption or a UPC or EAN exemption.23
An exemption is only for products that have no barcode. Amazon’s list of who can apply starts with private-label and handmade products and products you make or brand “without barcodes”, and goes on to parts, bundles and generic, unbranded products. A product with “an existing GS1-approved barcode” cannot have one, nor can one already in the Amazon catalogue or from a brand that Amazon says must use a barcode.2
One exemption covers a product category in one store. To list a shirt and trousers without product IDs, Amazon says, “you only need one exemption for the entire clothing category”, but selling in another Amazon store means applying again there.2
Think of it like this
It is like a note excusing a pupil from PE. You ask for it in advance, it covers one subject rather than the whole timetable, and it only holds while the reason for it does.
For example
Brackmore makes its own candles and has never licensed barcodes from GS1. Before listing them on Amazon UK, it applies for an exemption in the candles’ product type, with photos of all six sides of a candle and its box, the Brackmore name printed on both. Once approved, its spreadsheet rows leave the product ID blank, and listing in Amazon’s German store later means applying again.2
Why it matters
Without a GTIN or an exemption, most categories will not let you create the product page at all.1 An exemption can also lapse: Amazon may expire exemptions for brands that “have since acquired GS1 barcodes”.2 If barcodes come later, a listing made under an exemption is the one kind whose product ID Amazon lets you change.4
Not to be confused with
Sources
- Amazon Seller Central UK. Find your product ID (GTIN).
- Amazon Seller Central UK. List products that do not have a product ID (UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN).
- Amazon Seller Central UK. Overview of category UPC requirements.
- Amazon Seller Central UK. Product detail page rules.
- Amazon Seller Central UK. Amazon generic product policy.