A 100% guaranteed UPC and EAN barcode solution for Amazon.
Looking for Amazon Error Codes and Potential Fixes? Click here
Please note that the UPCs/EANs offered on this page and the other Nationwide Barcode Pages are exactly the same.
We often rephrase what we sell to clarify the different uses for the same UPCs and EANs. All UPCs/EANS sold by us come from the same database, and there is no difference between the barcodes sold on the different pages of this website.
As we have a limited refund policy, we recommend that you buy a trial batch and test these with your products before buying increasing numbers of UPCs, and read this article in its entirety. Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase.
- GUARANTEE
DIGITAL MARKETPLACE (Amazon, Walmart.com, Etsy, eBay, Google Merchant, etc.): Nationwide Barcode has a 15-day 100% refund guarantee from the date of purchase, should you find that the UPCs/EANs are not working for any reason. (Limited to orders of 250 UPCs/EANs or less) After the 15-day period (and no longer than 90 days after purchase), at our option, we will replace the barcodes should you find that there is an issue. There are no refunds after the 15-day period. There is no guarantee or warranty after the 90-day period.
BRICK AND MORTAR and all orders of 250+ UPCs/EANs: You are responsible for discussing 3rd party UPCs/EANs with your retailer(s) before purchasing. There are no refunds or guarantees.
There is no guarantee or warranty after the 90-day period.
Email us at info@nationwidebarcode.com or use the support form on the right of our site.
If you are going to print labels, do not have them printed until after you have successfully listed your product on Amazon.
If you are attempting to list your products on Amazon and experience an Error Code, try to correct it using one of our fixes listed on this page. If this does not work, please submit a help ticket to Nationwide Barcode before contacting Amazon Seller Support. We are here to help!
Amazon recommends using UPCs directly from the GS1. This is a recommendation, and they have not yet made this a requirement. UPCs from the GS1 can be costly. Nationwide Barcode’s affordable UPCs may be a better solution for selling your product. Our UPCs will work for you unless you:
- Are using Amazon’s EDI system (if you don’t know what this is, you probably aren’t using it)
- Sell your product using the Amazon Brand Registry
- Bundle name-brand items that have one or more National Brands
- Need your company name to appear in the GS1 database. (Purchasing from Nationwide Barcode does not grant access to GS1 Membership)
Nationwide Barcode owns and sells subsets of pre-2002 UCC Settlement 6-digit prefixes. We provide every buyer with pristine, unused UPCs and EANs and the Certificate of Authenticity. If the buyer should look up the Prefix in the GS1, the value returned will be that of the original owner. Your name will not show up, and this cannot be changed.
To read our detailed article about Amazon and the GS1, click here.
Labeling your products (putting the UPC/EAN image on your product)
Because of a variety of issues that can take place, we strongly suggest that you list your product on Amazon first and then, add the UPC/EAN to your product. This can save you time and expense should there be any issues with your Amazon listing.
Amazon’s barcode and product-identification rules are often discussed in absolutes, but the reality is more nuanced. While Amazon strongly prefers GS1-licensed UPCs tied directly to a seller’s brand, there are well-established situations in which Amazon may accept barcodes purchased from a reputable reseller such as Nationwide Barcode.
Understanding why Amazon accepts these barcodes—and when they are most likely to work—helps sellers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Understanding Amazon’s Primary Goal: Catalog Integrity
Amazon’s barcode policies are not about where a seller buys a UPC—they are about:
- Preventing duplicate listings
- Maintaining accurate product identification
- Reducing counterfeit and brand conflicts
- Ensuring products can be reliably scanned and tracked
When a barcode supports those goals, Amazon’s systems may accept it, even if it was purchased from a reseller.
Why Reseller Barcodes Can Work on Amazon
1. Many Reseller Barcodes Are Legitimate GS1-Issued Codes
Companies like Nationwide Barcode specialize in legacy GS1 prefixes, many of which were issued prior to changes in GS1’s licensing and renewal structure.These barcodes:
- Were legitimately issued by GS1
- Exist in global barcode databases
- Have valid check digits and formatting
- Scan correctly in retail and warehouse systems
From a technical standpoint, Amazon’s automated systems first verify that a barcode is structurally valid, not who originally owned the prefix.
2. Amazon Prioritizes Validity Before Ownership
When a seller creates a new listing, Amazon’s system typically checks:
- Is the GTIN (UPC/EAN) valid?
- Does it already exist in the Amazon catalog?
- Is there an immediate brand conflict?
If a reseller barcode:
- Is valid
- Has not been reused
- Is not already tied to another ASIN
- Does not trigger a brand mismatch
Amazon may allow the listing to go live.
3. Incomplete or Inactive GS1 Brand Records
Many older GS1 prefixes:
- Belong to companies that no longer exist
- Have inactive or outdated records
- Are not actively enforced in brand-matching databases
When Amazon cannot clearly determine a conflicting brand owner, the system may not block the barcode, allowing the listing to proceed.This is one reason legacy UPCs are more likely to work than newly issued third-party codes.
Common Scenarios Where Amazon May Accept Reseller Barcodes
1. New Product Listings with No Existing ASIN
Reseller barcodes are most often accepted when:
- The product is brand new to Amazon
- The UPC has never been used on Amazon before
- No catalog conflicts exist
Amazon’s system is designed to allow catalog growth as long as integrity is maintained.
2. Sellers Not Using Amazon Brand Registry
When a seller:
- Is not enrolled in Brand Registry
- Is not asserting GS1 brand ownership
- Uses a consistent but unregistered brand name
Amazon’s brand-to-GTIN verification tends to be less aggressive. In these cases, reseller barcodes often work without issue.
3. Low-Risk or Flexible Product Categories
Some categories historically receive lighter GTIN enforcement, such as:
- Books and printed materials
- Crafts and handmade products
- Parts and accessories
- Bundles and kits
- Specialty or niche items
While policies can change, these categories are less likely to trigger immediate barcode challenges.
4. Merchant-Fulfilled (FBM) Listings
Amazon may be more flexible when:
- Inventory is merchant fulfilled
- Amazon warehouses are not relying on UPC scans for commingled inventory
- The barcode is used primarily for catalog identification
FBM listings reduce Amazon’s operational reliance on the UPC.
5. Use of Amazon FNSKU Labels for FBA
Even in FBA scenarios, sellers often:
- Use reseller UPCs for listing creation
- Apply Amazon FNSKU labels to inventory
Once inventory is labeled with an FNSKU, Amazon relies on its internal identifier rather than the UPC for day-to-day fulfillment.
Why Amazon Allows This Flexibility
Amazon’s marketplace includes:
- Millions of small businesses
- Authors and publishers
- Independent brands
- Limited-run and test products
Requiring every seller to immediately license a GS1 prefix—with annual fees and administrative overhead—would create a significant barrier to entry. Allowing some flexibility helps Amazon:
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
- Support small and seasonal sellers
- Expand product selection quickly
- Avoid blocking legitimate but low-risk listings
Important Distinction: Acceptance vs. Long-Term Compliance
It’s critical to understand that:
- Amazon accepting a barcode does not guarantee permanent approval
- Acceptance can be conditional and reversible
- Reviews may occur later due to audits, complaints, or policy changes
Reseller barcodes are most appropriate when sellers:
- Understand the limitations
- Are not claiming GS1 brand ownership
- Are focused on cost control, testing, or short-to-mid-term selling
Why Sellers Choose Companies Like Nationwide Barcode
Nationwide Barcode stands out because it:
- Uses legitimate legacy UPCs
- Clearly explains how the codes work
- Sets realistic expectations
- Does not promise GS1 brand registration
- Encourages buyers to understand Amazon’s policies before purchasing
That transparency aligns well with Amazon’s emphasis on informed, responsible sellers.
When Sellers Should Consider Alternatives
Reseller barcodes may not be the best choice if a seller:
- Plans to enroll in Amazon Brand Registry
- Requires GS1 brand ownership
- Operates in highly regulated categories
- Needs long-term brand protection across multiple global retailers
In those cases, GS1-issued UPCs tied directly to the brand are the better option.
Final Thoughts
Amazon may accept barcodes from a reseller like Nationwide Barcode when those barcodes:
- Are structurally valid and legitimate
- Do not create brand conflicts
- Support catalog integrity
- Are used in appropriate listing scenarios
For many small businesses and independent sellers, reseller barcodes offer a practical, affordable, and effective way to launch products, provided they are used thoughtfully and within Amazon’s broader ecosystem.Success on Amazon comes from understanding how the system works—not just following rules blindly—and choosing the right tools for the right stage of your business.When you purchase from Nationwide Barcode, you immediately receive both a UPC and an EAN barcode number via digital delivery.
GS1 Originated UPCs/EANs – Volume Pricing
| UPC/EAN Quantity | Your Price | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| 5 | $4.00 | $20.00 |
| 10 | $2.80 | $28.00 |
| 25 | $1.80 | $45.00 |
| 50 | $1.26 | $63.00 |
| 100 | $0.80 | $80.00 |
| 250 | $0.76 | $190.00 |
| 500 | $0.46 | $230.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.32 | $320.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.24 | $600.00 |
| 5,000 | $0.16 | $800.00 |
| 10,000 | $0.10 | $1000.00 |
Please note that if you enter orders for 1000 UPCs/EANs, enter the number without a comma. (Example: 10,000 should be entered as 10000)
By placing an order with Nationwide Barcode
you acknowledge that you have read, that you understand,
and you accept our terms and conditions
which includes our Amazon tutorial for Amazon Sellers
Nationwide Barcode can be a quick, affordable, and legal way to get your products on Amazon.
If you have questions, either call us or e-mail us at info@nationwidebarcode.com or visit https://www.nationwidebarcode.com