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Amazon Error Codes and Fixes
When using third-party barcodes as a seller on Amazon, you may encounter multiple error codes that stem from Amazon’s policies focused on persuading sellers to purchase only from the GS1.
Below is a list of errors explaining why you’re seeing them and how to address them. Nationwide Barcode is committed to providing all our customers with fast and professional support. If these error fixes do not solve your issue, please submit a support ticket to Nationwide Barcode.
Amazon Seller Central uses error codes to flag listing issues, catalog conflicts, pricing violations, barcode problems, inventory errors, and compliance concerns. While these codes can feel cryptic, each one points to a specific problem Amazon needs resolved before allowing a product to go live, stay active, or be fulfilled.
This guide explains common Amazon seller error codes, listed from lowest to highest, what they mean, and how sellers can resolve them efficiently.
Error Code 20000 – Invalid Product Identifier
What it means:
The UPC, EAN, or GTIN submitted is not recognized by Amazon.
Common causes:
- Incorrect barcode length or format
- Typographical errors
- Barcode not accepted by Amazon’s system
How to fix it:
- Double-check all digits
- Ensure the barcode is valid and unused
- Apply for a GTIN Exemption if eligible
Error Code 20001 – Invalid Product Identifier
What it means:
Similar to Error 20000, this indicates Amazon cannot validate the product identifier.
How to fix it:
- Verify the UPC/EAN format
- Confirm that the identifier matches the product being listed
- Use GTIN Exemption if applicable
Error Code 20004 – Restricted Product
What it means:
The product falls into a restricted or gated category.
Common restricted categories:
- Supplements and ingestibles
- Medical or health devices
- Topical products
- Certain electronics
How to fix it:
- Apply for category approval
- Submit required compliance documentation
- Remove restricted or medical claims from the listing
Error Code 503 – Service Unavailable
What it means:
Amazon’s system is temporarily unavailable.
Common causes:
- System maintenance
- Temporary outages
How to fix it:
- Wait and retry later
- No action required on the seller’s end
Error Code 429 – Too Many Requests
What it means:
You have exceeded Amazon’s API or submission rate limits.
Common causes:
- Too many uploads in a short time
- Excessive API calls
How to fix it:
- Reduce submission frequency
- Space out uploads or API requests
Error Code 5461 – Product Already Exists in the Catalog
What it means:
The product already exists under the same UPC, EAN, or ASIN.
Common causes:
- Attempting to create a duplicate listing
- Reusing an existing barcode
How to fix it:
- Search Amazon using the UPC or ASIN
- Add your offer to the existing product listing instead of creating a new one
Error Code 5665 – Brand Name or Trademark Conflict
What it means:
The brand name is protected by another seller through Amazon Brand Registry.
Common causes:
- Using a brand name you do not own
- Attempting to modify a protected ASIN
- Private-label listings without brand approval
How to fix it:
- List the product as Generic (if allowed)
- Obtain authorization from the brand owner
- Enroll your brand in Amazon Brand Registry
Error Code 6024 – Inventory File Processing Error
What it means:
Amazon could not process your inventory upload file.
Common causes:
- Formatting errors
- Missing required fields
- Incorrect file template
How to fix it:
- Download the correct template
- Review the error report
- Correct and re-upload the file
Error Code 8059 – Listing Suppressed Due to Pricing
What it means:
Your listing is active but suppressed due to pricing issues.
Common causes:
- Price outside Amazon’s acceptable range
- Sudden price changes
How to fix it:
- Adjust pricing to a competitive level
- Allow time for Amazon to re-index the listing
Error Code 8541 – Missing Required Attributes
What it means:
Required product attributes are missing.
Common causes:
- Missing size, color, or variation data
- Incomplete category-specific fields
How to fix it:
- Review Amazon’s category style guide
- Complete all required attributes
- Re-submit the listing
Error Code 90086 – Pricing Policy Violation
What it means:
Your price violates Amazon’s pricing policies.
Common causes:
- Price too high compared to market
- Price too low (triggering minimum thresholds)
- Automated repricing errors
How to fix it:
- Adjust pricing within Amazon’s acceptable range
- Review and modify repricing rules
Error Code 13013 – UPC Does Not Match Brand
What it means:
Amazon believes the barcode belongs to a different brand.
Common causes:
- Brand mismatch in catalog records
- Legacy or reseller UPCs
- Incorrect brand field entry
How to fix it:
- Match the brand name exactly as Amazon lists it
- Apply for a GTIN Exemption
- Use the catalog-recognized brand if permitted
Error Code FBA_INB_0182 – Invalid FBA Shipment Data
What it means:
There is an issue with your FBA shipment plan.
Common causes:
- Incorrect SKU
- Invalid quantities
- Box content errors
How to fix it:
- Recreate the shipment plan
- Verify SKUs, quantities, and packaging requirements
Best Practices to Reduce Amazon Error Codes
- Use accurate, validated product identifiers
- Match brand names exactly as shown in Amazon’s catalog
- Avoid creating duplicate listings
- Follow category-specific style guides
- Keep pricing competitive and stable
- Maintain compliance documentation for restricted products
- Review error reports carefully before resubmitting
Barcode & UPC Troubleshooting for Amazon Sellers
Barcode and UPC-related issues are among the most common reasons Amazon listings fail or become suppressed. Understanding how Amazon evaluates product identifiers can prevent repeated errors and delays.
How Amazon Uses UPCs and Barcodes
Amazon uses UPCs, EANs, and GTINs to:
- Identify products uniquely
- Prevent duplicate listings
- Maintain catalog integrity
- Associate products with brands
Once a UPC is linked to an ASIN, it becomes part of Amazon’s permanent catalog record.
Common UPC-Related Problems on Amazon
UPC Already in Use
Amazon will reject a UPC if it is already tied to an existing ASIN.
Solution:
Search Amazon using the UPC and add your offer to the existing listing if it matches your product.
UPC Does Not Match Brand (Error 13013)
Occurs when the brand name you enter does not match Amazon’s internal catalog record.
Solution:
Use the brand name exactly as Amazon lists it or apply for a GTIN Exemption.
Invalid or Unrecognized UPC (Errors 20000 / 20001)
Amazon cannot validate the barcode format or data.
Solution:
Confirm barcode length and accuracy. Ensure there are no extra spaces or missing digits.
Legacy or Reseller UPCs
Some UPCs were originally issued to companies that no longer exist or no longer use them. Amazon may associate these UPCs with the original company name.
Solution:
- Match the existing catalog brand name
- Use a GTIN Exemption
- Understand that Amazon does not change historical UPC ownership records
When to Use a GTIN Exemption
A GTIN Exemption may be appropriate when:
- You sell handmade products
- You sell private-label products without barcodes
- You cannot use a standard UPC without conflict
GTIN Exemptions allow sellers to list products without submitting a UPC.
Best Practices for Barcode Success on Amazon
- Never reuse a UPC for a different product
- Match brand names exactly, including capitalization and punctuation
- Avoid creating duplicate listings
- Keep records of barcode assignments
- Understand that Amazon’s catalog data cannot always be changed
Final Thoughts
Amazon seller error codes are not random—they are specific signals that something in your listing, pricing, or inventory does not meet Amazon’s requirements. Sellers who understand these codes can resolve issues faster, reduce listing suppression, and keep their accounts in good standing.
Treat error codes as diagnostic tools, not roadblocks. Clean data, accurate identifiers, and compliance awareness go a long way toward smoother selling on Amazon.