Will Our Barcodes Work On Amazon?
Our EAN-13 barcode numbers are perfect for use as “Amazon Barcodes”. Amazon have historically advised that our Amazon barcode numbers are acceptable and meet their standards.
Amazon seller central says ‘Any valid GCID, UPC, or EAN.’ is accepted.
But Amazon seller central also says “The validity of a product ID is checked against the GS1 GEPIR and ISBN.org databases. If your Product ID is not registered with GS1 then the linked ASIN will be suppressed and it may result in removal of your product creation privileges.”
Since our barcode numbers were originally sold by GS1 prior to 2002, if Amazon decides to check the numbers (and it is unclear whether they check many barcode numbers), our barcode numbers will show up on the GS1 GEPIR database (hence showing that they are of GS1 origin). The problem might be that the database will show the name of the first owner who originally bought the numbers from GS1. If Amazon finds this suspicious and asks for proof of connection between our customers and the original barcode licensee, we can provide our customers the proof of authenticity – a pdf document that shows proof of chain of purchase of the numbers from the original source to India Barcodes (IBN). Sometimes, our customers registering their product details with their barcode at barcodesdatabase.org can also act as a proof that the barcode numbers are legitimate.
We spoke to a customer recently who has 3 products on Amazon using our barcodes. Amazon had just asked him for further proof of ownership for one of the barcode numbers but not the others. Apparently, he was able to provide the proof needed (of ownership) and the problem was solved.
We have also been advised by customers occasionally that Amazon requires their website address (URL) on the barcodes invoice – so please let us know (when you purchase barcodes or later) if you would like your website address on the invoice/receipt.
Amazon’s barcode policy continues to change, along with variations in how strictly it is enforced. We hope they will be reasonable and allow people to list products using legitimate and verifiable barcode numbers (the ones we sell). While we attempt to keep this information up-to-date, if you wish to be certain about barcode acceptance on Amazon or with any other retailer, it is best to check directly with them.
It might also be possible to register with Amazon’s Brand Registry, which can make it easier to have products approved on Amazon, and also reduce the occasional problems with barcodes.
Feel free to make contact if you have any questions.