How to Buy Amazon UPC Codes in 2025 | A Complete Guide

UPC codes on Amazon might seem like an intimidating task in itself, not to mention against the strict requirements that Amazon maintains. For third-party sellers, making sure their product listings conform to Amazon standards is a significant step. For the year 2025, purchasing legitimate UPC codes is a necessity, rather than a matter of choice—it’s the beginning of building trust and visibility in the platform. 

This guide shows you how to purchase Amazon UPC codes the proper way so your listings stand out and comply with all the requirements.

What Are UPC Codes and Why Do Amazon Sellers Need Them?

UPC is the abbreviation for Universal Product Code, a 12-digit number used to encode a product to track and identify it. Amazon uses these UPC codes for identifying products and allows the platform to streamline inventory and prevent duplicate listings while maintaining consistency.

For 3P sellers, a legitimate UPC means your product is unique and searchable. Without a legitimate UPC, your listing may be flagged or even removed.

Why Buying Legitimate UPC Codes Matters

Amazon demands that sellers acquire UPC codes directly from GS1, the only official provider of barcodes globally. Cutting corners, such as buying cheap or recycled codes, can cause severe issues, including suspension of listings.

Why authenticity matters:

• Compliance: Amazon checks UPC codes against the GS1 database to ensure accuracy.
• Trust: A legitimate UPC will make your brand look professional and trustworthy.
• Long-term Security: Investing in legitimate codes today avoids risks later on and saves time and money.

How to Buy Amazon UPC Codes in 2025

1. Register With GS1

The first step for buying UPC codes is to register with GS1. This is the only approved organization that can issue globally unique barcodes.

Steps:

1. Go to the GS1 website.
2. Create an account for your business.
3. Purchase a prefix—a unique identifier for your brand.
4. The prefix determines how many products you can barcode. For

The prefix determines how many products you can barcode. For example:

• A small prefix covers up to 10 products.
• A large prefix accommodates thousands of items.

Note: GS1 fees vary depending on the prefix size and your country.

2. Determine the Number of Codes Needed

Every possible product variation — size, color, or flavor — deserves its UPC. A T-shirt in three sizes and five colors would have 15 different UPCs.

3. Generate Your Barcodes

Once you are registered with GS1, you can now create a UPC barcode for each product. These will contain your GS1 prefix and unique product identifier.

Source: UPC Barcodes Explained 

4. Upload UPC Codes to Amazon

During the process of setting up your product listing in Seller Central, enter the relevant UPC in the “Product ID” field. Amazon will verify the code against the GS1 database.

Other than GS1: Are They Safe?

Third-party sellers market cheaper UPCs. However, most of them are recycled or invalid.

Why Avoid Them:

• Use of invalid codes violates Amazon policies.
• The listings associated with fake codes could be permanently lost.
• Use only GS1 to ensure authenticity and avoid the trouble.

Stick to GS1 for guaranteed authenticity and peace of mind.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying UPC Codes

1. Buying From Unverified Sellers
   Non-GS1 codes bought can be duplicate, invalid, etc. Always verify with GS1’s database
2. UPC codes reuse
   Each product variation needs its own code. Reusing UPCs can confuse Amazon’s system and customers.
3. Not Accounting for Product Variations
   Failing to plan for variations can leave you short on codes, disrupting your inventory management.

Shortcuts for Established Amazon Sellers

• Bulk Purchase: If you manage a large catalog, buy in bulk from GS1 to save on long-term costs.
• Hire Experts: Partner with agencies like AMZDudes to streamline the process.

Conclusion

This is a very crucial step for 3P sellers in order to gain trust and remain compliant on the platform by buying genuine Amazon UPC codes. You get rid of all the hassle associated with invalid or recycled codes during the listing process if you buy directly from GS1. After all, each variation of a product requires a different UPC code; therefore, you should always be planning ahead if you are looking to scale your business properly.

Whether you are launching your first product or managing a large catalog, investing in authentic UPCs is a long-term strategy that pays off in credibility, visibility, and customer trust.

Ready to Streamline Your Amazon Success?

Let AMZDudes help you simplify every step of your Amazon journey. From obtaining UPC codes to optimizing your listings, we offer expert solutions tailored to your brand’s needs. Contact us today and elevate your Amazon business!