EAN barcodes on Amazon

If you're an Amazon seller, you will probably already know that the marketplace requires EAN barcodes to list products for sale. Without these unique product identifiers, you won't be able to create product listings on the Amazon marketplace. This guide explains why EAN barcodes are necessary for Amazon sellers and how you can buy barcodes for your products.

What is an EAN barcode?

EAN stands for European Article Number. An EAN-13 is a unique 13-digit code that identifies a specific product: 12 digits of data and a final check digit. EAN barcodes are used worldwide to identify products in retail stores, warehouses and online marketplaces like Amazon.

Why does Amazon require EAN barcodes?

First, EAN barcodes give each product a unique identifier, which helps prevent confusion and errors. This is particularly important for sellers who offer similar products, such as electronics or cosmetics, where the differences between products may be subtle.

Second, EAN barcodes make it easier for Amazon to track inventory levels and manage the fulfilment process. When a customer places an order, Amazon's systems use the barcode to identify the product and track its location in the warehouse. This helps Amazon ship the correct product and keep inventory levels accurate.

Where can you buy EAN barcodes for Amazon?

You have two main options, and it's essential to choose a reputable provider so that your codes are valid and will work on Amazon.

The first option is to get EAN barcodes directly from GS1, the organisation that manages barcode standards worldwide. However, GS1 charges membership and registration fees, which may be cost-prohibitive for some sellers.

The second option is to buy EAN barcodes from a reseller like BarcodeMarket, which offers affordable, authentic GS1-originated EAN barcodes that are guaranteed to work on Amazon. Packages start at £6.99 for 10 codes as a one-time payment. Codes are delivered instantly by email with a PNG image of each barcode, ready for your Amazon listings.

Bottom line

If you're an Amazon seller, you will need EAN barcodes to list your products for sale, because they give each product a unique identifier that prevents errors and confusion. You can get them directly from GS1, but this may be expensive for some sellers, or you can buy GS1-originated codes once from a reseller like BarcodeMarket. Buy EAN barcodes today and start selling your products on Amazon with confidence.