If you are an Indian seller trying to list a new product on Amazon India Seller Central, you will almost certainly encounter a field asking for a barcode or GTIN. This guide explains exactly what barcode you need, how to get it, and how to use it correctly in your Amazon listing — without any confusion.
What Is a Barcode and Why Does Amazon Require It?
A barcode is a globally unique product identification number. On Amazon, it is called a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Every product listed on Amazon needs a GTIN so that Amazon can uniquely identify your product in its system, connect it to the correct category, and make it searchable for buyers.
Without a valid barcode, Amazon will reject your product listing or require you to apply for a GTIN exemption (which is not always granted).
What Type of Barcode Does Amazon India Accept?
Amazon India primarily accepts the following barcode types as GTINs:
- EAN-13 — 13-digit European Article Number. This is the most widely used format globally and the most common choice for Indian sellers.
- UPC-A — 12-digit Universal Product Code. More common for products being sold in North American markets, but also accepted on Amazon India.
- ISBN — for books only.
For Indian sellers, EAN-13 is the recommended and most accepted format on Amazon India.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Barcode and Use It on Amazon India
Step 1 — Decide How Many Products Need Barcodes
Each unique product variant needs its own barcode. A variant is any version of a product that a customer would consider a different item — different size, colour, flavour, pack quantity, etc.
Example: You sell a face cream in 3 sizes (50g, 100g, 200g) = you need 3 barcodes.
Step 2 — Buy Your EAN Barcode Package
Contact Planet Retail on WhatsApp at +91 8920675323 and tell us how many barcodes you need. We will confirm your package, share payment details, and deliver your barcode files by email within 2 hours.
Your package includes EAN-13 barcode image files (PDF, JPEG on request) and a number list in Excel.
Step 3 — Note Your EAN Number (the 13 digits)
Once you receive your package, open the Excel number list. You will see a 13-digit number for each barcode — for example: 8901234567890. This is the number you will enter into Amazon Seller Central.
Step 4 — Create Your Product Listing on Amazon Seller Central
Log in to Amazon Seller Central India → Catalogue → Add a Product → I'm adding a product not sold on Amazon.
Select your product category. When you reach the field asking for Product ID / GTIN / EAN, enter your 13-digit EAN number from the Excel list.
Step 5 — Place the Barcode on Your Packaging
Send the PDF or EPS barcode image file from your package to your packaging designer. They will place it on the back or bottom of your product box or label. This ensures your physical product can be scanned in Amazon's warehouse and at store checkouts.
Ready to Get Your Amazon Barcode?
WhatsApp us now and receive your EAN barcode package in 2 hours. Starting at ₹1,075.
Order on WhatsApp — +91 8920675323What Is GTIN Exemption on Amazon?
Amazon offers a GTIN exemption for sellers who sell handmade, custom, or private-label products and cannot obtain a standard barcode. However, GTIN exemption is not available for all categories and not always approved. It also has limitations — for example, your product may be harder to find by buyers searching by barcode.
For most sellers, buying an EAN barcode is the faster, simpler, and more reliable path to getting your product listed.
Common Mistakes Amazon Sellers Make with Barcodes
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using the same barcode for multiple products | Amazon rejects the listing or merges your product with another | Always use one unique barcode per product variant |
| Entering UPC without leading zero as EAN | Barcode doesn't match, listing rejected | Use the 13-digit EAN number, not 12-digit UPC |
| Not printing barcode on physical packaging | Amazon warehouse cannot scan product | Always include barcode on the physical product label/box |
| Buying a barcode after packaging is printed | Need to reprint packaging | Buy barcodes before finalising packaging design |
| Using a barcode already used by another seller | Listing conflict, potential suspension | Only buy from trusted barcode providers like Planet Retail |
Amazon Brand Registry and Barcodes
If you enroll in Amazon Brand Registry, you need a registered trademark. Once enrolled, you get more control over your product listings and can use Amazon's A+ Content feature. Even with Brand Registry, you still typically need EAN barcodes for your individual products unless GTIN exemption is approved for your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one barcode for all sizes of my product?
No. Each size variant needs its own unique barcode. A 50g pack and a 100g pack of the same product must each have a different barcode number.
Do I need to register my barcode with GS1 for Amazon?
Amazon previously required barcodes issued directly by GS1. In 2019, Amazon updated its policy to accept barcodes from resellers in most categories. However, Amazon Brand Registry products may have stricter requirements. If you are not sure, contact us on WhatsApp and we can guide you based on your specific product and category.
How do I know if my barcode will be accepted by Amazon?
EAN-13 barcodes are accepted by Amazon India for the vast majority of product categories. You will know immediately when entering the GTIN in Seller Central — if it is accepted, the listing creation process will continue. If rejected for your specific category, you can apply for GTIN exemption.