Last Updated: February 2026
You might be interested in becoming an online seller on Amazon. One of the requirements for selling on Amazon is to have a unique product identifier, such as a UPC (Universal Product Code) or EAN (European Article Number) code. These codes aid Amazon in inventory and sales tracking and are used to identify products on the global market.
If your products don’t already have a UPC or EAN code, you may be wondering where you can get one. There are several options, but it’s critical to choose a trustworthy source to ensure that your codes are genuine and will be accepted by Amazon.
Based on our own experience and active listings, we have found that high-quality third-party codes work perfectly fine for most sellers, provided they are unique and prefix-verified. This approach allows you to bypass expensive annual fees while remaining fully compliant with Amazon’s listing requirements.
Option 1: Purchase Straight from GS1
GS1 (Global Standard 1) is the international non-profit organization that officially manages and issues UPC and EAN codes. While they are considered the most “official” source, they are also the most expensive and complex for new sellers.
Cost: Depending on your region, a single GS1 prefix or membership can cost hundreds of dollars upfront.
Recurring Fees: Unlike other options, GS1 requires annual renewal fees. If you stop paying, you lose the rights to your barcodes.
When to use: GS1 is a solid choice if you are a large-scale manufacturer or plan to sell in major physical retail chains (like Walmart or Target).
Option 2: Purchase from a Verified Reseller (Recommended for Small Sellers)
Many third-party resellers offer UPC and EAN codes at a fraction of the cost of GS1. However, the market is full of invalid or recycled codes that could get your Amazon account flagged. The key is finding a reseller that provides GS1-verified, unique prefixes.
Our Experience & Recommendation: > Based on our own active Amazon listings and long-term tests, we have found that purchasing from a reputable reseller is the most practical and cost-effective way to scale. Specifically, we recommend BuyReliableBarcodes for purchasing high-quality codes that work flawlessly on Amazon.
Why we use this method:
One-Time Payment: A single UPC/EAN code costs only $4, with no annual or renewal fees ever.
Instant Delivery: You receive your codes immediately after purchase, allowing you to list your products on Amazon right away.
Verified for Amazon: These codes are GS1-originated and unique, ensuring they pass Amazon’s initial database checks for private label and generic items.
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Option 3: Apply for Amazon GTIN Exemption (The Free Route)
If you are selling private label products, handmade goods, or unbranded items, you might not need to buy a barcode at all. Amazon allows you to apply for a GTIN Exemption.
How it works: You provide Amazon with photos of your product and packaging showing that there is no barcode.
Best for: Brand owners (Brand Registry) or “Generic” product sellers.
The Benefit: It is completely free and officially supported by Amazon.
The Catch: If you get an exemption, you must still label your products with an Amazon Barcode (FNSKU) before sending them to FBA warehouses.
Note: While GTIN Exemption is free, most professional sellers still prefer purchasing their own UPC codes to ensure their brand has a global identifier and to make the listing process faster without waiting for Amazon’s approval.
You can apply for this directly through your Seller Central account. For the official requirements and eligibility list, you can check Amazon’s GTIN Exemption Page here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Amazon still accept third-party UPC codes in 2026?
Yes, Amazon accepts third-party codes as long as they are unique and originated from GS1. However, if you are building a private label brand and want to join Amazon Brand Registry, we recommend having your own GS1 prefix or applying for a GTIN exemption.
2. What is the difference between a UPC and an EAN?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode primarily used in the USA and Canada. An EAN (European Article Number) is a 13-digit barcode used internationally. Amazon accepts both, regardless of where you are selling.
3. Do I need a different barcode for every color or size?
Yes. Every SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) requires a unique barcode. For example, if you sell the same T-shirt in 3 colors and 3 sizes, you will need 9 unique UPC/EAN codes.
4. Will my barcodes expire?
If you purchase from GS1, you must pay an annual fee to keep them active. If you purchase from our recommended reseller, BuyReliableBarcodes, there are no expiration dates and no renewal fees.
Conclusion
If you are a small business or a private label seller looking to launch on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, using a reputable reseller (Option 2) is the fastest and most budget-friendly path. However, if you are a large-scale manufacturer involved in international imports/exports or global retail projects, GS1 remains the official standard.
Always ensure you are using a legitimate source to keep your Amazon account in good standing. Based on our experience, the codes from our recommended source work flawlessly with all Amazon features.
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In this article, you learned exactly how and where to buy UPC/EAN barcode numbers for your business. We hope you found this guide useful for your selling journey. Best of luck!
