Amazon UPC Codes: Real Costs & Buying Guide for Sellers (2025)
Amazon third-party sellers must have a UPC to list products in 2025. Universal Product Codes uniquely identify items so Amazon can track and catalog inventory correctly.
The marketplace requires sellers to provide these identifiers for new listings. A UPC serves as a 12-digit numeric identifier for retail products. Many sellers assume UPCs are expensive, but costs vary widely depending on purchase source and volume. Each variation (size, color) requires its own UPC.
Amazon maintains strict UPC verification rules—see Amazon barcode requirements. You can avoid expensive subscription services with yearly renewal fees. Authentic third-party providers sell permanent codes at lower prices. UPC prices range from $30 to $10,500 depending on source and quantity.
What is a UPC Code and Why Barcodes for Amazon Are Required
UPC codes are foundational to retail inventory systems and play a major role for Amazon sellers.
What is a UPC code in simple terms?
A Universal Product Code (UPC) is a standard 12-digit barcode (GTIN-12) that uniquely identifies a product and its manufacturer. It typically consists of:
- A 6–10 digit manufacturer ID (GS1 Company Prefix)
- A 2–5 digit product number
- A 1-digit check digit
Scanning a UPC anywhere in the supply chain identifies exactly what the product is and who made it.
Why Amazon requires UPCs
Amazon uses UPCs to maintain a clean catalog and prevent duplicate listings. UPCs help Amazon verify authenticity and organize listings appropriately—see Amazon barcode requirements. Some categories allow GTIN exemptions, but most require UPCs.
How UPCs help Amazon track products
UPCs assist with:
- Inventory movement and tracking
- Catalog organization and visibility
- Fulfillment and error reduction
- Brand Registry structure and protection
Understanding the Different Product Identifiers
Many sellers confuse UPC, EAN, GTIN, and ASIN—see Barcode Types Resource Guide.
- UPC: 12 digits, used mainly in North America
- EAN: 13 digits, used internationally
- GTIN-8: for small items
- GTIN-14: for cases and outer cartons
- ASIN: Amazon’s internal product identifier
How ASINs are generated
Amazon generates an ASIN when a valid UPC is submitted. One UPC equals one ASIN permanently.
Why GTIN is the umbrella term
GTIN includes UPC, EAN, and ISBN formats and standardizes product identification globally.
Where and How to Buy UPC Codes for Amazon in 2025
Why Bar Codes Talk is a safe and budget-friendly option
Bar Codes Talk is trusted among Amazon sellers. They offer a 115% Best Price Guarantee and an Amazon Guarantee. Their codes are registered in the Bar Codes Talk GEPIR Database.
You own the codes permanently with no renewals.
Steps to purchase UPC codes
- Determine quantity needed
- Purchase desired amount
- Receive codes instantly
- Company added to GEPIR database
- Use UPCs in Amazon listings
Avoiding GS1 rental fees
GS1 charges recurring fees. In contrast, Bar Codes Talk sells permanent UPCs—see Bar Codes Talk vs GS1.
How to verify UPCs before using them
- Amazon Add-A-Product tool
- GS1 GEPIR database
How Much Do Amazon UPC Codes Cost?
Bar Codes Talk pricing:
- 1 barcode — $5
- 5 barcodes — $10
- 10 barcodes — $15
- 25 barcodes — $25
- 100 barcodes — $45
- 1,000 barcodes — $180
Bulk purchasing significantly reduces per-code cost.
Cost comparison: Bar Codes Talk vs GS1
GS1 charges initiation fees plus annual renewals. Bar Codes Talk charges once, no renewals—see comparison chart.
How many UPCs do you need?
Multiply base products by number of variations (size, color, style).
How to Use UPC Codes on Amazon Listings
Where to enter UPCs in Seller Central
Seller Central → Inventory → Add a Product → Select “UPC” as ID → Enter 12 digits → Submit.
Using UPCs for variations
Each variation requires a unique UPC.
What happens if you use invalid UPCs?
Amazon suppresses listings and may suspend accounts.
Conclusion
UPCs are essential to Amazon success. Bar Codes Talk offers permanent, low-cost UPCs that avoid renewal traps and protect your listings—see Bar Codes Talk.