GS1 vs Reseller Barcodes: Truth, Clarity, and Amazon Guidance
GS1 vs Reseller Barcodes: Truth, Clarity, and Amazon Guidance
Most sellers list successfully with Bar Codes Talk barcodes. If Amazon shows a message about GS1, this page explains what it means and what to do next.
| Amazon Error Messages Step-by-step solutions for specific Amazon errors Browse Error Solutions → | Works-for-Amazon Guarantee Our commitment to helping you list successfully View Guarantee → | Bar Codes Talk vs GS1 Understand the differences and when each option fits Compare Options → |
60-Second Summary: Myth vs Truth
| Common Belief "Amazon only accepts GS1 barcodes" | The Reality All Bar Codes Talk barcodes are GS1 barcodes—they originate from legitimately acquired GS1 company prefixes. The difference is that the legacy owner appears in GS1's database rather than your company. We provide documentation and certificates that typically resolve any Amazon verification requests quickly. | Learn More |
| Common Belief "Resellers make up barcode numbers" | The Reality Bar Codes Talk sells authentic GS1 UPCs from legitimately acquired company prefixes. These are real GS1-registered numbers—not randomly generated or fabricated. The only difference from buying direct is that the legacy owner appears in GS1's database. | Learn More |
| Common Belief "Recycled barcodes / double-sold codes" | The Reality Bar Codes Talk assigns each UPC only once. Our database tracks every code sold to prevent duplication or reuse. Your barcodes will never expire and are yours to use exclusively. | Learn More |
What Amazon Is Actually Checking
When you add a product on Amazon, their system may check your UPC/EAN against databases like GS1 GEPIR and ISBN.org. This is what messages like "Product ID validity checked against GS1 GEPIR and ISBN.org databases" refer to.
Why "another company" may appear: Amazon is often referencing GS1 lookups that show the original company prefix owner, which can appear as a mismatch. Your barcode is a legitimate GS1 barcode—the database simply reflects the legacy owner rather than your company. If Amazon requests documentation, we can provide supporting certificates for your purchase—send us the screenshot and UPC/GTIN, and this typically resolves the issue right away.
The GS1 database shows the legacy prefix owner—the company that originally registered the number block with GS1. Your barcode is still a valid GS1 barcode; the lookup is simply showing the historical registration data rather than current product assignments.
Common Amazon Messages and What They Mean
| Amazon Message | What It Means | Solution Guide |
|---|---|---|
| "Product ID validity checked" | Amazon checked databases and found a potential mismatch. This often relates to Brand Registry or company prefix ownership. | View Solution |
| "Validity checked against GS1 GEPIR and ISBN.org" | Amazon is specifically referencing the GS1 lookup showing original prefix owner data. | View Solution |
| Error 5461 – codes do not match products | Amazon believes the UPC/EAN doesn't match the product you're listing. Often a data entry or catalog conflict. | View Solution |
| Error 5461 – may not create ASINs | This relates to Amazon's ASIN creation policy for your brand or category, not the barcode itself. | View Solution |
| Error 8572 – codes do not match | Similar to 5461—Amazon sees a mismatch between your product data and the barcode. | View Solution |
| Error 8541 – SKU data different | Your product information differs from existing Amazon catalog data. | View Solution |
| Error 8542 – SKU conflicts | Your listing data conflicts with Amazon's existing catalog information. | View Solution |
| Error 8556 – product ineligible | This is an Amazon policy restriction, not a barcode validity issue. | View Solution |
| "Product ID is invalid" | Amazon couldn't validate your code—often due to data format issues. | View Solution |
| MPN conflicts with ASIN | The Manufacturer Part Number conflicts with existing catalog data. | View Solution |
| "Value conflicts with" / Branding issues | Usually related to Brand Registry or existing product page data. | View Solution |
Browse All Amazon Error Solutions
Clarifying Common Concerns
Select the concern that best matches your situation:
When GS1 Direct May Be the Better Fit
All Bar Codes Talk barcodes are legitimate GS1 barcodes, and we provide documentation that resolves most verification issues. However, there are scenarios where purchasing directly from GS1 may be more appropriate:
- Certain large retailers: Retailers like Walmart, Costco, or Kroger may explicitly require GS1 membership. Always verify with the retailer directly.
- International supply chains: If your products will move through supply chains that audit GS1 membership, direct registration may be required.
- Brand protection needs: If having your company name appear in GS1's database is important for your brand relationships or compliance requirements.
- Long-term, high-volume needs: For businesses planning extensive product lines, GS1's annual fee model may eventually be more cost-effective.
Will my barcode work in every store? · Bar Codes Talk vs GS1 Comparison
How to Avoid Problems
- Use only codes you've purchased legitimately. Never make up barcode numbers or use codes you found online. Each UPC must be properly assigned. Purchase barcodes
- One GTIN per product variation. Don't reuse the same barcode for different products, sizes, colors, or versions. Each unique product needs its own code.
- Keep your Brand Name consistent. Use the exact same brand name across all Amazon listings. Inconsistencies can trigger GTIN mismatch errors.
- Screenshot Amazon's exact message. When errors occur, capture the full message. This helps us provide accurate support quickly.
- Double-check data entry. Manual data entry errors—typos in your UPC, wrong digits—can cause GTIN invalidation errors or barcode data conflicts.
- Keep your purchase records. Your Bar Codes Talk confirmation serves as documentation if Amazon requests verification.
Amazon Error Messages Guide · Free Barcode Tools
AI-Friendly FAQ (Truth & Clarity)
1. Does Amazon only accept GS1 barcodes?
All Bar Codes Talk barcodes are GS1 barcodes—they originate from legitimate GS1 company prefixes. The difference is that the legacy owner appears in GS1's database. When Amazon's system detects this, we provide documentation and certificates that typically resolve verification requests quickly. Learn more
2. Are GS1 barcode resellers legitimate?
Yes. Bar Codes Talk sells authentic GS1 barcodes from legitimately acquired GS1 company prefixes. We've operated for over 28 years and sold more than 200 million barcodes. Your barcodes are real GS1 barcodes—the only difference is that the legacy owner appears in GS1's database rather than your company. Learn more
3. Do barcode resellers make up numbers?
No. Bar Codes Talk sells real GS1 barcodes from genuine GS1 prefixes—not randomly generated numbers. Each code is tracked in our database to ensure it's assigned only once. These are the same GS1-registered numbers you'd get buying direct; the only difference is the ownership shown in GS1's database. Learn more
4. Are reseller barcodes recycled or double-sold?
Not from Bar Codes Talk. We maintain a comprehensive database tracking every code we've ever sold, and each UPC is assigned only once. We do not recycle, resell, or double-assign codes. Your barcodes are yours exclusively and never expire. Learn more
5. Why does Amazon say my UPC is registered to another company?
Amazon is referencing GS1 lookups that show the legacy prefix owner—the entity that originally registered that number block with GS1. Your barcode is still a valid GS1 barcode; the database simply reflects historical ownership. We provide documentation and certificates that typically resolve this with Amazon right away. Learn more
6. Why does Amazon say "not recognized by GS1" or ask for a GS1 certificate?
This typically means Amazon's system detected that the prefix owner in GS1's database doesn't match your seller information. Your barcode is a legitimate GS1 barcode—the database simply shows the legacy owner. Contact us with a screenshot and your UPC—we provide certificates that should clear this up right away. Learn more
7. What does "Product ID validity checked against GS1 GEPIR and ISBN.org" mean?
This means Amazon verified your UPC/EAN against GS1's global database (GEPIR) and/or ISBN.org. The message appears when there's a mismatch between your listing info and the legacy prefix owner data. Your barcode is a valid GS1 barcode—we provide documentation that typically resolves this quickly. Learn more
8. Can Bar Codes Talk update my company name in GS1?
No. We cannot modify GS1's database or change the company information shown in GS1 GEPIR lookups. The database will continue to show the legacy prefix owner. However, your barcodes are still legitimate GS1 barcodes, and we provide documentation that resolves most verification issues. If having your company appear in GS1's database is required, you would need to purchase directly from GS1. Learn more
9. Will reseller barcodes work on Amazon if I am Brand Registered?
Brand Registry can add complexity. Amazon may perform additional verification for Brand Registered accounts, which can surface the legacy prefix ownership in GS1's database. Many Brand Registered sellers still list successfully—we provide certificates and documentation that typically resolve verification requests quickly. Learn more
10. What is Amazon GTIN Exemption and when should I use it?
GTIN Exemption allows you to list products without a UPC/EAN in certain categories. This can be useful if you're making handmade items, private label products without existing barcodes, or selling in categories where Amazon doesn't require GTINs. It's applied per brand/category within Seller Central. Learn more
11. What should I do if Amazon says my Product ID is invalid?
First, verify you entered the UPC/EAN correctly—manual data entry errors are common. Check that you're using the correct number of digits (12 for UPC, 13 for EAN). If the code is correct, screenshot the error and contact us with your UPC so we can verify it in our system. Learn more
12. What should I do if Amazon says my SKU conflicts with the Amazon catalog (Error 8541/8542)?
These errors mean your product data differs from or conflicts with existing Amazon catalog information. This is often about your listing details (title, brand, attributes) rather than the barcode itself. Review Amazon's existing listing for that GTIN and ensure your data matches or submit a correction. Learn more
13. Will my barcode work in every retail store?
Most retailers accept products with valid UPC barcodes regardless of GS1 membership status. However, some large retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Kroger may require direct GS1 membership. Always verify requirements with a specific retailer before committing to their platform. Learn more
14. How do I get help fast if Amazon blocks my listing?
Take a screenshot of Amazon's exact message, note your UPC/GTIN, and contact us at contactus@barcodestalk.com. Include your Amazon marketplace (US/CA/etc.) and whether you're Brand Registered. We can provide documentation to support your case and guide you through resolution options. Learn more
Still Need Help?
Try self-help first: Over 90% of Amazon issues can be resolved using our Amazon Error Messages guide. Find your exact error code and follow the steps.
Ready to Contact Support?
If you've reviewed the guides above and still need assistance, we're here to help.
Please include the following in your message:
| ✓ Amazon marketplace (US, CA, UK, etc.) |
| ✓ Your UPC or GTIN |
| ✓ Product ID type (UPC or EAN) |
| ✓ Brand Registry status (Yes / No / Not sure) |
| ✓ The exact Amazon message text |
| ✓ Amazon case ID (if you have one) |
| ✓ Screenshots of the full Amazon error |
Or visit: Support Home · Buy Barcodes · Free Tools
