Introduction
Barcodes play a critical role in e-marketplaces like Amazon. They help sellers streamline their operations by helping in quick listing of products on the e-marketplaces and smoothly manage their vast product catalogue. In this blog we will discuss the
role of barcodes for Amazon sellers, understand the different types of barcodes and learn the process a seller should follow to register for barcodes.
Understanding Barcodes and Their Role on Amazon
Barcodes are representations of data either in 1D or 2D format that are machine-readable. They help in quick and unique identification of products in the market. In India, GS1 India is the only authority which is authorised to issue Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) to companies. GS1 barcodes are interoperable, standardised and structured, making them globally acceptable. Amazon also recommends its sellers to register for GS1 barcodes for faster listing on their marketplace.
If you are a new seller it is crucial for you to understand the two most important identification numbers. Amazon Seller Identification Number (ASIN) and GTIN. ASIN is used by Amazon to identify products in its vast product catalogue easily. It is an internal product identification number Amazon uses and does not help in the unique identification of products in the domestic or international market. ASIN is a 10 digit alphanumeric code which makes it easier for retailers to manage products quickly on Amazon and also is a critical component of the product detail page.
On the contrary, a
GTIN is required to uniquely identify products in the market. GTINs are encoded in a barcode and these barcodes can be scanned at various checkpoints to decode product’s details. GTINs facilitate efficient sort and track of products in transit and are the surest way to match your product to an existing one already being sold on Amazon. GS1 India is the only authority in India to issue GTINs to companies or online sellers like you who wish to sell on Amazon’s marketplace.
Benefits you will enjoy once you get registered for GS1 barcodes –
- Faster Product Listing – With GTIN, you can list your products faster on e-marketplaces like Amazon. You can enter the GTIN on the product listing page and Amazon will automatically pull in all the information associated with that GTIN.
- Elevated Accuracy – With data being automatically pulled from the GTIN, it mitigates errors caused due to manual product listing.
- Streamlined Inventory Management – Sellers can utilise real-time updates to maintain accurate inventory levels. This will help you avoid situations like overstocking or stockouts, steering you closer to maximised process efficiency.
- Compliance with Amazon’s Policies – GS1 barcodes are recommended by Amazon, they will help you comply with the stringent policies of Amazon. The barcodes are verified by Amazon through the GS1 database and helps sellers like you oblige with the rules and regulations set by Amazon.
- Maximised Customer Experience – Barcodes issued by GS1 promote quicker order deliveries which ultimately increases customer satisfaction.
Types of Barcodes for Amazon
EAN (European Article Number)
EAN is also a type of barcode symbology that is used and accepted internationally. Like UPC, it also has two types – EAN-8 and EAN-13. EAN-8 is similar to UPC-E and is used for smaller products like cosmetics. EAN-13 is a 13-digit numeric code assigned to products to uniquely identify them in the market.
UPC (Universal Product Code)
UPC is a type of barcode symbology used specifically to identify products in North America. The UPC has two types; UPC-A and UPC-E. UPC-A has 12-digits and includes information on the product manufacturer and unique product details. UPC-E is a 8-digits code and is used on smaller products.
How to Obtain Barcodes for Amazon
As a seller, if you want to get barcodes for Amazon, you can follow the following steps –
- Visit ‘Register for Barcodes’ page of GS1 India.
- Enter your business email or PAN card details.
- Fill the complete form and submit the documents as and where asked.
- Select the subscription model. Please note this can not be modified again and hence it is recommended you consider all your business requirements; including any future business expansion goals.
- Submit the form and pay the fees.
- Within 7-10 days of submitting the form you will receive an allotment letter and your Global Company Prefix (GCP). This can be used to log into DataKart, wherein you can start generating your GTINs.
Ensuring Barcode Compliance with Amazon Policies
Amazon requires sellers to follow some specific guidelines before they start selling their products. Some of the label requirements of Amazon are mentioned below for your reference –
Label Size – The label size of the barcodes must be 1-3 inches tall 2-3 inches wide.
Label Colour – The barcodes must be printed in black ink on a white, non-reflective and self-adhesive paper.
Scannable Barcode – The label should have a scannable barcode, a product identification number corresponding to it, and product name.
Proper Printing – Barcodes must be printed on a high-quality paper and sellers must ensure the barcode quality does not deteriorate for at least 24 months since its application.
Barcode Placement – Barcodes must be placed on a clear and plain surface. It should be pasted in full and any truncation of barcode must be avoided. Barcodes must not be placed on edges, corners, and curved areas of the product.
Barcode on Extra Packaging – If the product is to be shipped in extra packaging such as bubble wraps, sellers need to paste labels on them so they are efficiently scanned at fulfilment centres.
Conclusion
Barcodes play a critical role for sellers who wish to sell their products online on e-marketplaces like Amazon. They facilitate quicker product identification, faster listing, reduced human errors and help in achieving operational efficiency. More than 41 million products carry GS1 barcodes on them and benefit from elevated supply chain efficiency. If you are an Amazon seller, we recommend you get barcodes for your products and make your selling experience fast and
easy.
