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Many Amazon sellers waste thousands of dollars on GS1 UPC barcodes they don't need.

Amazon's verification process doesn't require sellers to purchase barcodes directly from GS1, despite what you might have heard. According to Amazon Seller Central’s FBA Product Barcode Requirements, the platform verifies that a product’s UPC or GTIN “is associated with the brand and product in the GS1 database” — but it doesn’t specify that the barcode must be purchased from GS1 itself. Third-party GS1-issued barcodes work perfectly for most Amazon sellers and help them avoid annual renewal fees and high upfront costs.

This common mistake has led sellers to overpay for their barcodes, thinking it's their only option to avoid listing suppression. The truth is that verified, GS1-issued codes without hidden fees are legal and thousands of Amazon sellers use them successfully every day.

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Why Amazon Rejects Some Barcodes

Sellers often face frustration when Amazon rejects their product listings because of barcode problems. A clear understanding of the verification process can help you avoid wasted time and money.

Amazon's GS1 barcodes database check explained

Amazon's reference to “GS1 database checks” refers to a verification process that validates whether a barcode originates from a legitimate GS1 prefix. You don’t need to buy directly from GS1 to pass this check — Amazon simply ensures that your barcode was originally issued by GS1, consistent with GS1’s global identification standard. This process ensures compliance with barcode standards and helps maintain product identification integrity across the platform.

The policy wording creates confusion by mentioning GS1 verification without explaining that third-party GS1-issued codes work just as well. These barcodes come from companies that bought GS1 prefixes before 2002. A landmark lawsuit against the former Uniform Code Council (now GS1 company) made it legal to resell these codes.

Brand Registry vs regular seller requirements

Standard Amazon sellers can use barcodes from legitimate GS1 prefix resellers like Bar Codes Talk with no issues. These are genuine GS1-issued barcodes — the same identifiers that originate from GS1, just obtained through companies that legally purchased prefixes before 2002.

The biggest difference applies to Brand Registry members. Amazon requires these sellers to purchase barcodes directly from GS1. This rule affects only Brand Registry participants, which make up a small portion of Amazon sellers.

Are third-party barcodes allowed on Amazon?

Most Amazon sellers can use third-party barcodes without any problems. These codes only need legitimate sourcing from original GS1 prefixes. Reputable GS1 barcode providers — such as Bar Codes Talk — offer a cost-effective solution for meeting Amazon’s GTIN requirements without ongoing renewal fees.

Bar Codes Talk provides verified, GS1-issued codes that work successfully for thousands of Amazon sellers. These barcodes originate from pre-2002 GS1 prefixes that were legally purchased but never used.

Retailers of all sizes understand GS1's database limitations. They know businesses shouldn't have to buy or lease from just one private entity. This explains why Bar Codes Talk barcodes work on almost every retail platform, including Amazon's marketplace.

The authenticity and proper documentation of your barcode matter more than where you bought it. As long as the barcode meets Amazon compliance standards, it should pass the verification process.

How to Legally Use Reseller Barcodes on Amazon

You have several legal ways to get GS1 barcodes that work perfectly on Amazon. Knowing the history and legal foundations of barcode resellers can help you save money and stay compliant.

The truth about GS1 barcode resellers

GS1-compliant barcodes from verified GS1 prefix resellers like Bar Codes Talk are functionally identical to those bought directly from GS1, because both originate from GS1-issued prefixes. They originate from unused GS1 prefixes purchased before 2002, making them legally transferable under the UCC Settlement.

To understand how the barcode system and GS1 evolved over time, check out our detailed History of the UPC Barcode — it explains how GS1 came to manage barcode standards and how reseller prefixes originated before 2002.

The pricing structure makes the biggest difference. Reseller purchases require one payment and give you permanent ownership of the barcodes. GS1 charges an original fee plus yearly renewal fees that grow with your barcode needs. This makes it more like a lease than true ownership.

What the 2002 GS1 barcodes lawsuit means for you

A major 2002 class action lawsuit against the Uniform Code Council (UCC) — now known as GS1 — confirmed that companies who purchased prefixes before August 28, 2002 retained ownership rights and could legally resell unused barcodes. This was established under the UCC Settlement Agreement (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, Case No. 02-CV-06471).

The UCC changed its name to GS1 and updated its terms of service after this lawsuit to stop future prefix subdivisions. This created two types of barcodes:

• Pre-2002 prefixes: Legally transferable and resellable
• Post-2002 prefixes: Subject to GS1's new non-transferable terms

How Bar Codes Talk ensures compliance

Bar Codes Talk provides verified, GS1-issued codes that work in retail platforms of all types, including Amazon. While resellers cannot update data in GS1’s Global Electronic Party Information Registry (GEPIR), the system itself only displays the original prefix owner, not current legal holders. This sometimes causes confusion even for GS1’s own customers — a limitation GS1 publicly acknowledges. However, they provide an Authentic Certificate of Ownership for your numbers.

This certificate combined with proper product information registration will allow for a smooth barcode operation. Retailers worldwide currently use over 200 million barcodes that spread through Bar Codes Talk.

Standard Amazon sellers (non-Brand Registry) use these barcodes without any problems. Amazon verifies if the barcode came from a legitimate GS1 prefix rather than checking its purchase source. This process ensures that the barcodes meet the necessary barcode standards and are verified by GS1, even if not purchased directly from them.

Step-by-Step: Buying GS1 Barcodes That Work on Amazon

Getting your barcodes right the first time saves money and prevents headaches. This simple guide shows you how to get a GS1 barcode that Amazon will verify every time.

Step 1: Decide how many barcodes you need

Your products need unique barcodes for each variation. Count your SKUs with care - you'll need one for each size, color, or bundle. Note that multipack items need different barcodes than single products. This careful planning ensures you meet all product identification requirements for Amazon fulfillment.

Step 2: Choose a GS1-compliant reseller

A trusted provider like Bar Codes Talk will give you verified, GS1-issued codes with no hidden costs. Direct GS1 purchases usually come with yearly renewal fees. Resellers are different - you pay once and the barcodes are yours forever.

Step 3: Register your product info correctly

The next step is to register your product details with your barcode provider. This documentation makes your codes traceable and helps them pass Amazon's verification process. Proper registration is crucial for avoiding potential Amazon listing issues related to product identification.

Step 4: Upload to Amazon and verify

Add the barcode number to the product identifier field in your Amazon Seller Central listing. Amazon checks its origin against the GS1 database automatically. Bar Codes Talk barcodes consistently pass this check for standard sellers who aren't Brand Registry members. This verification process ensures your product meets Amazon GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) requirements.

Step 5: Keep your barcodes ownership certificate safe

Your ownership certificate needs to be stored safely. This document is your proof of legitimate ownership if questions come up. Bar Codes Talk gives you an Authentic Certificate of Ownership as verification backup.

You can complete this process in minutes and list your products quickly. There's no need to wait for long GS1 registration processes.

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Cost, Ownership, and Long-Term Considerations

Understanding GS1 barcode costs helps you invest wisely in your Amazon business's future.

How much do GS1 UPC barcodes & GS1 GTIN barcodes cost?

Direct purchases from GS1 come with an original fee and yearly renewal costs that grow as you need more barcodes. Bar Codes Talk and other authorized resellers offer a different approach - you pay once and own the barcodes forever.

GS1 has added a single GTIN purchase option without renewal fees, but the price for each barcode is higher than what resellers charge. When considering costs, it's important to factor in both immediate expenses and long-term financial implications for your Amazon fulfillment strategy.

One-time purchase vs annual renewal

The biggest difference between these options comes down to your long-term costs. GS1's approach works like a lease - you keep paying to keep your barcodes active. Reseller barcodes need just one payment with no other costs, which could save you thousands as your business grows.

Why ownership of barcodes matters for long-term selling

Having permanent ownership keeps your product identifiers safe, especially when you have a growing product catalog. You won't risk losing your listings because of missed renewal payments.

Your Authentic Certificate of Ownership from resellers serves as proof if anyone questions your barcodes' legitimacy. This ownership model provides stability and helps prevent future Amazon listing issues related to barcode validity.

How long does it take to get GS1 barcodes?

Bar Codes Talk delivers your GS1 code(s) right after purchase. You can create Amazon listings without waiting, unlike the longer registration process with GS1 that might delay your product launch. This quick turnaround is particularly beneficial for sellers focused on efficient Amazon fulfillment processes.

Join 200,000+ businesses who trust Bar Codes Talk to power their Amazon listings.
No renewals. No confusion. Just real GS1-issued barcodes that work — guaranteed.

Key Takeaways

Here are the essential insights every Amazon seller needs to know about obtaining GS1 barcodes that pass verification without overpaying:

• Third-party GS1 barcodes are completely legal for most Amazon sellers - You don't need to buy directly from GS1 unless you're in Brand Registry, saving thousands in unnecessary fees.

• Amazon checks barcode authenticity, not purchase source - The verification process confirms your barcode originated from a legitimate GS1 prefix, regardless of where you bought it.

• One-time purchase beats annual renewals - Authorized resellers offer permanent ownership without ongoing fees, while GS1 typically charges initial costs plus yearly renewals.

• The 2002 lawsuit legitimized barcode reselling - A landmark class action case granted "grandfathered" prefix owners the legal right to sell their barcodes, establishing the foundation for today's reseller market.

• Each product variation needs its own unique barcode - Count your SKUs carefully including different sizes, colors, and bundle variations to determine how many barcodes you actually need.

Understanding these fundamentals can save you significant money while ensuring your Amazon listings get approved consistently. The key is choosing verified, GS1-issued codes from reputable resellers that provide proper ownership documentation and work across all major retail platforms.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to buy barcodes directly from GS1 for Amazon? No, most Amazon sellers don't need to purchase barcodes directly from GS1. Third-party GS1-issued barcodes from legitimate, GS1 prefix resellers are completely valid and pass Amazon’s verification process. The exception is for sellers enrolled in Amazon's Brand Registry program, who are required to use GS1-direct barcodes.

Q2. How much do GS1 barcodes typically cost? The cost of GS1 barcodes varies depending on the source. When purchasing directly from GS1, you usually pay an initial fee plus annual renewal fees that increase with the number of barcodes. Authorized resellers often offer a one-time payment structure where you pay once and own the barcodes permanently, potentially saving thousands over time.

Q3. How long does it take to get barcodes for Amazon? With authorized resellers like Bar Codes Talk, you can receive your barcodes immediately after purchase. This allows for quick product listing on Amazon without delays. The process of obtaining and implementing barcodes typically takes just minutes from purchase to use.

Q4. Are third-party barcodes allowed on Amazon? Yes, third-party barcodes are allowed for most Amazon sellers. The key requirement is that these barcodes must be legitimately sourced from original GS1 prefixes. Amazon's verification process checks if the barcode originated from a valid GS1 prefix, not where it was purchased.

Q5. How many barcodes do I need for my Amazon products? You need a unique barcode for each product variation. This includes different sizes, colors, or bundle variations. For example, if you sell a t-shirt in three colors and four sizes, you would need 12 unique barcodes. Remember that multipacks also require separate barcodes from individual items.

Q6. What is a GTIN exemption and do I need one? A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) exemption is for products that don't have a manufacturer-assigned GTIN. While most products require a GTIN for Amazon listing, some categories may be eligible for exemption. Check Amazon's guidelines to see if your product qualifies for a GTIN exemption.

About the Author

Brandon Gordon is the CEO and Founder of Bar Codes Talk, a trusted industry leader providing GS1-issued barcodes to more than 200,000 businesses worldwide.
Since founding the company in 2009, Brandon has helped eCommerce sellers and manufacturers navigate barcode compliance with honesty, transparency, and efficiency.
Under his leadership, Bar Codes Talk has become one of the most reliable sources for legitimate GS1 barcodes—helping Amazon sellers avoid costly mistakes and get their products listed quickly.