How to Apply for an Amazon GTIN Exemption
There are many situations where it may be appropriate to apply for a GTIN exemption from Amazon. This article will help assist you in this process – it is quite simple and only takes a few minutes.
Why should you apply for an Amazon GTIN Exemption?
Applying for an Amazon GTIN Exemption allows you to sell products on Amazon with your own branding/private-labels or selling handmade products without a GTIN. We typically suggest you buy a UPC at UPCs.com and use it to list your product. However, in some situation, applying for a GTIN exemption may be necessary.
If the product you want to list is your own private labeled product, a generic no-brand name product, or a handmade product, you can apply for a GTIN exemption. If you are selling another brands product that does not have a UPC, you may also apply, with the brands approval.
What is a GTIN?
A GTIN is Global Trade Item Number, which identifies products. You can read our article here for more information: GTIN vs. UPC – What are they and How to Use Barcodes
Things to remember:
Whilst GTIN Exemptions are an easy way to sell products on Amazon without an identification number of sorts, it’s usually recommended only as a short-term strategy to sell non-barcoded products.
Amazon also has a list of brands that require a GTIN no matter the circumstance. Exemptions are not allowed for these products, so if you’re selling products from another business or manufacturer, check first if they already require a GTIN for selling.
When applying for an Amazon GTIN Exemption, ensure that the brand name you’re planning to sell is an exact match, otherwise it might result in your application being rejected. Also, images must be real-world pictures. Finally, the branding or QR Code you’re using must be permanently affixed to the product you’re planning to sell.
Requirements to apply for an Amazon GTIN Exemption
Not sure when to apply for a GTIN exemption? Amazon has a list of scenarios on their website, which contain some situations where the exemption is handy.
- When you want to sell products where the brand, publisher, or manufacturing company doesn’t already provide a GTIN.
- If you want to private-label products, or hand-made products—for example, having your own identification on the product, such as a QR Code.
- You want to sell a product that uses generic naming/doesn’t have a brand name.
- Selling parts for a product that doesn’t have a GTIN. For example, car/vehicle parts.
- Selling items in bundles, as you can’t have a GTIN that covers all the products.
How do you start applying for a GTIN Exemption?
Here are all the steps to get started to apply for a GTIN exemption.
- First of all, you want to head over to the “Apply for a GTIN Exemption” page on Amazon. You’ll need to have a Seller Account on Amazon. Need to sign up for an Amazon Seller account? Head over to here. You’ll need to have a chargeable card, identification, and a business or at least list your place of residence.
- Assuming you have an Amazon Seller Account, and you’ve opened the “Apply for a GTIN Exemption” page, it’ll ask you for details for your product. Click the “select” button, and then select the relevant category for your product. The page should look something like this:
3. Next, you’ll want to write in the Brand/Publisher for the product you want to be selling. For example, if it’s a Generic-branded product, put in “Generic.” If it’s a product manufactured/made by your own company, put that in.
Pro Tip! You can actually apply for multiple exemptions at once—which goes up to 10. You can simply just click the + Add More Brands/Publishers link. It isn’t limited to just one category either! You can click the +Add More Categories link, too.
4. All finished with adding in the products you want to apply for an exemption for? All you need to do now is click the giant “Check for eligibility” button at the bottom of the page. If you’re eligible to apply for a GTIN exemption, you’ll be able to continue the process, and Amazon will ask for proof.
5. From here, you’ll need to apply proof of the product. This includes providing Amazon with the product name, as well as uploading images of the product—this will need to be repeated for every product you’re putting in the application… Then just click Submit request! Applying for an Amazon GTIN Exemption is just that easy!
How long does approval take?
You’ll receive an email regarding the approval status of your GTIN exemption within 48 hours of the submitted request. Don’t check your emails often? The approval status is also made viewable in your case log for the request. Amazon is quite quick to respond, so don’t stress!
If you’re trying to build your own branding, or add your own QR Codes for identification and marketing reasons—applying for a GTIN Exemption is a must. The process is quite simple and straightforward.
We wish you the best of luck! Not sure where to get started with adding QR Codes to your products? Or why? Check out our post on how and why to add QR Codes to your product labels!
See Amazon’s Seller University video below for more info: