Amazon ASIN, EAN, ISBN, and UPC Explained

As an Amazon seller, you may have encountered terms like ASIN, UPC, EAN, and ISBN and wondered what they mean and how they affect your business. ASIN, UPC, EAN, and ISBN are all unique identifiers used to identify products on Amazon. These codes help efficiently manage Amazon product inventory and ensure customers can easily find and purchase the products they seek. Each code serves a specific purpose, and understanding their differences and functions can help you optimize your Amazon business. This post will provide an overview of these codes and explain their significance in the Amazon ecosystem.

Related: Seller Assistant App Extension Review

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What Is an ASIN?

ASIN stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number. It is a unique identifier assigned by Amazon to each product listed on their marketplace. ASINs are used to identify and track products in Amazon's catalog.

Sellers use ASINs to list and sell their products on Amazon. When a seller creates a new product listing, they must enter the product's ASIN. If the product already exists in Amazon's catalog, the seller can simply use the existing ASIN. If the product is new and doesn't yet exist in the catalog, the seller can create a new ASIN.

ASINs are essential for sellers because they allow their products to be easily found by customers searching on Amazon. Customers can search for products by ASIN, and Amazon's search algorithm uses ASINs to match products with relevant search queries.

ASINs are universally applicable only for books on Amazon, where ISBN and ASIN are used interchangeably. However, for other products, the ASIN can differ depending on the location. For example, an identical item in the UK and the United States may have different ASINs.

How to get an ASIN?

When you list a product on Amazon, the platform automatically assigns an ASIN. However, every third-party seller is responsible for ensuring their inventory is marked with the correct ASIN for the corresponding location. You can quickly locate an ASIN by searching on Amazon, as it is included in the item's URL. You can also find the ASIN on the item’s Amazon product page.

Amazon ASIN

What Is UPC?

UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique identification number assigned to a product. Amazon sellers can use UPCs to list and sell their products on the Amazon marketplace. UPCs help identify products and track inventory, making it easier for sellers to manage their listings and for buyers to find the products they are looking for.

Unlike EAN, UPC is primarily used in the United States and Canada. It is a 12-digit-long code containing information about the product’s manufacturer, size, weight, and other data.

Amazon requires sellers to provide a valid UPC for each product they list, as it helps to ensure accurate product information and helps prevent listing duplication. To list a product on Amazon, sellers must first create a product listing, which includes the product’s UPC, title, description, images, and other relevant information. When a buyer searches for a product on Amazon, they can use the product’s UPC to locate the correct listing and purchase the product.

How to get a UPC?

UPCs are typically available on product labels and packaging. Suppose you need to get UPCs for new products. In that case, you can obtain them by purchasing directly from a GS1-certified provider, which is the organization responsible for issuing and managing UPC and EAN codes, or from a third-party provider.

UPC example

Note. You can use special converters if you need to match the product’s Amazon ASIN with its UPC.

What Is EAN?

EAN, which stands for European Article Number, is a 13-digit barcode used to identify products uniquely. It is used in Europe and elsewhere globally, while the U.S. and Canada apply UPC.

Amazon sellers must provide a valid EAN or UPC code for their products to list them for sale on Amazon. That ensures each product has a unique identifier which can be used by Amazon's system to track inventory, sales, and shipping information.

Using an EAN code also makes it easier for customers to find and purchase products on Amazon, as they can search for a specific product by its unique code. That can improve the visibility and sales of a seller's products on the platform.

How to get an EAN?

EAN can be found on the product packaging or the back of your product. Like UPC, sellers can obtain EANs for their new products by purchasing them from a GS1. 

EAN example

What Is ISBN?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identifier assigned to every published book, which helps to identify and track it in the market. Amazon sellers can use ISBN to list and sell their books on the platform.

Regardless of its title, each book version is assigned a unique ISBN. This identification system enables publishers and authors to determine the number of books sold and the regions where they are in demand. In addition, ISBN is used by retailers, distributors, and libraries to order, stock, and manage the inventory of books. 

When a seller creates a listing for a book on Amazon, they can enter the book's ISBN to automatically populate the book's details, such as the title, author, and publication date. That saves time and ensures that the listing is accurate and consistent with other listings of the same book on Amazon. With an ISBN, Amazon sellers can reach a wider audience and make their books available to bookstores, libraries, and individual buyers.

It is important to note that not all books require an ISBN. However, if a seller wants to sell their book through a traditional publishing company or distribute it to bookstores and libraries, having an ISBN is essential.

How to get an ISBN?

To get a new ISBN for a book, you can purchase it from a local ISBN agency. Every country has a designated agency to register new ISBNs, while the ISBNs as such work internationally. If you need ISBN self-published book, you can get one for free through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing or other platforms like Draft2Digital or SmashWords. 

ISBN example

How to Use ASIN, UPC, EAN, and ISBN on Amazon?

ASIN, UPC, EAN, and ISBN are unique identification codes that can be used to identify products on Amazon. Below we will describe how to use them in your Amazon business.

ASIN: Amazon assigns an ASIN to each product sold on their platform. It is a 10-character unique identifier that helps identify and track products. You can also search for products on Amazon using their ASIN.

EAN and UPC: EAN and UPC are barcodes used to identify products. UPC is used primarily in North America, while EAN is used in Europe and other parts of the world. If you sell products on Amazon, you must obtain a UPC or EAN code for each product you want to list. 

ISBN: ISBN is used to identify books and other publications. If you sell books on Amazon, you must obtain an ISBN for each title. You can purchase an ISBN from your national ISBN agency, responsible for assigning and managing ISBNs in your country.

To use these identification codes effectively in your Amazon business, make sure to include them in your product listings. That will help customers find your products more efficiently and ensure that they are correctly identified and tracked by Amazon. 

FAQ

What is the difference between UPC and EAN on Amazon?

On Amazon, the main difference between UPC and EAN is their geographical origins. UPCs are primarily used in North America, while EANs are used internationally, including Europe.

Are ASIN and EAN the same?

No, ASIN and EAN are not the same. ASIN is a unique identifier assigned by Amazon to each product in its catalog, while EAN is a globally recognized barcode system used for product identification.

How to create a new ASIN in Amazon?

To create a new ASIN on Amazon, you need to go to "Add a Product" in your Seller Central and select the category for your item. Provide all required information about your product, and follow Amazon’s prompts to complete the listing process. 

Final Thoughts

ASIN, UPC, EAN, and ISBN are used to identify a product, making it easier to track inventory, sales, and distribution. They help retailers integrate products into their systems and to manage inventory and sales. Also, these codes allow products to be identified and sold across borders, making it easier for businesses to reach a global audience. Therefore, using them properly will enable you to effectively manage your inventory and ensure timely order delivery to your customers.

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