How Your UPC Code could Soon Pose Problems on Amazon

Nov 19, 2024 | Amazon FBA | 0 comments

If you’re a seller on Amazon, your UPC code is about to become a nightmare. Why? Because Amazon recently announced a change to its UPC code policy, which could have a major impact on sellers and their ability to list products on the platform.

In the past, sellers could use any UPC code to list their products on Amazon. However, starting in 2020, Amazon will require sellers to use GS1-registered UPC codes for all products. This means that if you’re currently using a UPC code that you purchased from a third-party reseller or received from a manufacturer, you may soon find yourself unable to list your products on Amazon.

So why is this change such a headache for sellers? Well, for starters, obtaining a GS1-registered UPC code can be a time-consuming and expensive process. GS1 charges an annual fee for membership, which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the number of UPC codes needed. For small sellers, this cost could be prohibitive and could potentially force them to stop listing their products on Amazon altogether.

Furthermore, even if sellers are willing to pay for a GS1-registered UPC code, the process of obtaining one can be confusing and frustrating. Sellers may need to provide extensive documentation and go through a verification process, which can take weeks or even months to complete. This delay could result in lost sales and revenue for sellers who are unable to list their products on Amazon during this time.

In addition, some sellers may have already ordered inventory with non-GS1 UPC codes, thinking that they would be able to use them to list their products on Amazon. With this change in policy, sellers may now find themselves with inventory that they can’t sell on Amazon, leading to additional financial losses.

Overall, the change to Amazon’s UPC code policy is likely to create headaches for sellers of all sizes. Small sellers may struggle to afford the cost of obtaining GS1-registered UPC codes, while larger sellers may face delays and lost revenue as they work to comply with the new policy. As a result, many sellers are left wondering how they will be able to continue selling their products on Amazon in the future.

In conclusion, if you’re a seller on Amazon, be prepared for your UPC code to become a nightmare. Take the necessary steps to obtain a GS1-registered UPC code and ensure that all of your products are compliant with Amazon’s new policy. Otherwise, you may find yourself unable to list your products on the platform, leading to potential financial losses and headaches for your business.