Barcodes for Amazon UK

Last reviewed: 17 September 2026. Amazon changes its rules without notice. Spot something out of date? Let us know.

Amazon checks every barcode against GS1’s database. Which barcode you need depends on how much of your business runs through Amazon.

Which route is right for you?

Choose GS1 UK if:

  • Amazon is your main or only sales channel
  • You’re building a brand on Amazon or using Brand Registry

Safe for Amazon, but it comes with joining and annual fees.

Choose a free Amazon GTIN exemption if:

  • Your product has no manufacturer barcode (handmade, private label, bundles)

Free, but it gives you no barcode for shops.

Choose our barcodes if:

  • you sell mainly in shops, wholesale or on other marketplaces
  • you have a GTIN exemption but need a barcode for packaging

From £26, one-off, no annual fees. They scan in shops, but Amazon doesn’t guarantee acceptance.

Why it matters

  • Amazon checks ownership. A resold number traces back to its original owner in GS1’s database, not you so that Amazon can reject it.
  • Enforcement is unpredictable. Some listings are never flagged. Others are blocked immediately or removed months later.
  • You can’t fix it afterwards. Once a listing is live, its barcode is locked. Replacing it means starting a new listing and losing your reviews and ranking.

What we do

We search Amazon for every number before we sell it and withdraw any that have been used before. That prevents the most common problem, but no reseller can register a number to your brand with GS1.

Applying for a GTIN exemption

Go to Seller Central → Add Products → I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon → GTIN exemption. You’ll need photos of your product and packaging. It’s quicker if you’re in Brand Registry.

Good to know

  • EAN vs FNSKU: Your EAN identifies the product. An FNSKU is Amazon’s warehouse label for FBA stock, and you may need both.
  • Listing errors are usually caused by the Brand field, not the barcode. See our Amazon error code fixes and listing videos.

Not sure?

Please tell us what you sell and where, and we’ll give you an honest answer before you buy.

See retail barcode packages · From £26 · Delivered by email in minutes

FAQ

Can I use a reseller barcode on Amazon?
Sometimes. It may pass Amazon’s checks, but it isn’t guaranteed.

Can I change the barcode on a live listing?
Usually not, so get the number right before you list.

Does Amazon.co.uk accept EAN and UPC?
Yes. Our packages include both formats for every number.

Why was my listing suppressed?
Usually because of a failed GS1 check, a brand name mismatch or a duplicate number. The error code in Seller Central will tell you which.