One of the key steps to launching any product on Amazon is obtaining a UPC (Universal Product Code). This code is essential for listing and tracking your product within Amazon’s marketplace. If you’re new to selling on Amazon, you may be wondering where to get these UPC codes and why they’re important. In this article, I’ll share how I get my UPC codes and why it’s crucial to go through an official source.

Why You Need a UPC Code

Every product listed on Amazon needs a unique UPC code so that it can be easily identified and tracked. This is a requirement, as it helps Amazon manage inventory, ensure product authenticity, and keep listings organized. If you have multiple variations of a product (such as different colors or sizes), you’ll need a separate UPC for each variation.

For my own business, I’ve been working on launching hooded baby towels in three different color variations: Mustard, Pink, and Pink with Leaf Prints. Each of these required its own unique UPC code, so I had to make sure I purchased multiple codes.

Where I Get My UPC Codes: GS1

To avoid any issues with UPC authenticity, I always purchase my codes from the official source: GS1. The GS1 is the global standard for barcodes, and they’re the only organization authorized to issue legitimate UPC codes. Amazon strongly recommends using GS1 because third-party UPC providers often sell reused or fake codes, which can lead to problems with your listing or even get your product removed from Amazon.

In my case, I always go to gs1us.org, the official website for GS1 in the U.S. The process is simple, reliable, and ensures my codes are legitimate.

Step 1: Visit the GS1 US Website

To ensure that you get authentic and recognized UPC codes, you’ll need to purchase them from GS1—the only globally recognized source of legitimate UPCs. I always use GS1 US, as it's what Amazon prefers.

Go to the official GS1 US website: www.gs1us.org.
On the homepage, locate the “Get a Barcode” button, as shown in the first screenshot below. Click on it to start the process.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of GTIN (UPC)

Once you’re on the Get a Barcode page, you'll be directed to choose between a GTIN or a barcode prefix. For most small to medium-sized businesses, you’ll need a GS1 US GTIN (which includes your UPC). Each individual product and each variation (like different colors or sizes) requires its own UPC code.

Step 3: Add Product and Brand Information

Now that you've selected the GTIN option, you will need to provide some basic information:

Brand Name: Enter the name of your brand. For my hooded baby towels, I used our brand name to ensure it would be properly linked with the product.
Product Description: Add a clear and concise description of your product. This is especially important because it will be stored in the GS1 Registry, allowing retailers and marketplaces to easily identify your product.

Once you’ve filled out the required information, click Add to Cart to continue.

How Much Does It Cost?

On gs1us.org, you can purchase a UPC code for $30 per code. This fee covers the cost of generating and registering a unique barcode for your product. It’s an investment worth making to ensure your products are listed correctly and without complications on Amazon.

Since I have multiple color variations for my hooded baby towels, I needed to buy one UPC code for each variation. For example, I purchased one UPC for the Mustard towel, one for the Pink towel, and one for the Pink with Leaf Prints towel. If I expand my product line and introduce more colors or designs in the future, I’ll need to buy additional UPC codes.

Remember: One UPC per Product Variation

It’s important to remember that every unique product variation—whether it’s color, size, or any other difference—requires its own UPC code. So, if you’re selling a product in multiple variations, make sure you have enough UPC codes to cover each one.

In my case, having three different colors meant I needed three separate UPC codes. This ensures that each variation is listed correctly on Amazon and that customers can easily find the specific color or style they’re looking for.

Conclusion: Don’t Cut Corners

When it comes to selling on Amazon, it’s essential to follow the rules and use legitimate UPC codes from a trusted source like GS1. While you might find cheaper alternatives online, cutting corners can lead to bigger problems down the line—such as your product being delisted or blocked.

For me, investing in official GS1 UPC codes has been a crucial part of launching my products successfully on Amazon. It’s a small cost in the grand scheme of things, but it ensures everything runs smoothly and that I’m following Amazon’s guidelines.

If you’re preparing to launch your own product, make sure you get your UPC codes directly from gs1us.org for peace of mind and compliance. Stay tuned as I continue sharing more tips and insights on my Amazon brand journey!

Where to Get a UPC Code for Your Amazon Product