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Insight Horizon Media

Can I sell on Amazon without a UPC code?

Author

Michael Henderson

Published Feb 14, 2026

Can I sell on Amazon without a UPC code?

The short answer is, no. UPCs are common, but not required for every single product sold. The long answer is that it depends on the brand you want to sell or the category you want to sell in. Otherwise, Amazon now requires all listed products without the Amazon GTIN exemption to have a GS1 registered barcode.

Can I create my own UPC code for Amazon?

Amazon’s only requirement is that you need to buy a “GS1 UPC code” to finalize your product listing and start selling on Amazon. Remember, you cannot create your own Amazon UPC code.

Does every item have a UPC?

How Many UPC Codes do I Need for my Products? Each individual product that you are planning on selling will need its own unique UPC Code. Each variant of product will require a unique UPC so products of different size and colors will each be unique represented with an individual UPC.

Do I need a UPC code to sell online?

Not for Internet Sales – A UPC barcode is primarily used by store retailers and isn’t mandatory to sell a product. If you sell your products via the Internet, you don’t need to join or pay GS1. You may use any barcode you’d like for internal purposes.

Do you have Universal Product Codes Upcs for all your products Amazon?

You need UPC for all products sold on Amazon except for your own brand products. You can buy UPC codes on GS1’s website or through other third-party vendors. Place a barcode on your product properly so it can be scanned.

How do I know if I need a UPC code?

Each of your products should have its own unique number. In fact, each individual SKU needs its own UPC. So, if you have one shirt that comes in three different colors, each color variation needs its own UPC.

Does Amazon show UPC?

Directly on Amazon If you need to analyze one or few products, you can enter the code of the product in the search box on Amazon and the system will show you the products with UPCs you entered. If you have a lot of products, then this method will be time-consuming.

Can I make my own UPC barcode?

A company can not “make up” its own UPC number. To have a UPC code that will scan at Point of Sale, the UPC number must contain a GS1 assigned Company Prefix, also known as a manufacturer prefix.

Can a seller list product and sell without UPC EAN number?

If there is no Product ID (Bar code, UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN) on your product or the packaging, you can apply for GTIN exemption and add your products without the Product ID. After you have GTIN exemption, wait for 30 mins before listing your products.

Does every product have a UPC?

Every product requires a unique UPC (GTIN) barcode assignment so companies need to take into consideration every variance of size and color.

Do you need a UPC to List A product on Amazon?

If you sell a private-label or handmade product, you may be eligible for what’s called a GTIN exemption, meaning you do not need a UPC to list the product on Amazon. (We’ll get to this shortly.) Otherwise, Amazon now requires all listed products without the Amazon GTIN exemption to have a GS1 registered barcode.

Can I list an item without a UPC or Asin?

In the past, when you listed an item, like jewelry, without a UPC, you can choose to use an ASIN and the system would generate an ASIN for you. You could then add the product under the newly generated ASIN. As you can see in the screenshot above, this is no longer true.

Can you sell jewelry on Amazon without a UPC?

This is great for customers but what about new items that do not have a UPC, like jewelry. Amazon does allow items to be listed without a UPC but often an exemption is required. For some products, like unbranded jewelry, Amazon gives a blanket exception and allows you to list against an ASIN that they generate for you.

How do I enter a product without a UPC code?

If it is your own private label or handmade product, select ‘No’. Next, you will need to enter in the product name and at least 2 images of your product and the packaging. Make sure to include all angles of the product and the packaging that shows there is no UPC code.