What is a GTIN exemption on Amazon?
A GTIN exemption is Amazon's official permission to create a product listing without a GS1-issued Global Trade Item Number (the UPC, EAN, or ISBN barcode that normally identifies a product). Every Amazon listing usually requires a valid amazon gtin, but many legitimate products simply don't have one — so Amazon lets you request a gtin exemption amazon sellers can use to publish those items.
With an approved amazon gtin exemption, Amazon still creates an internal ASIN for your product; you just skip the UPC/EAN field when adding the listing. The exemption is granted per brand + product category, so one approval can cover many listings under the same brand.
Who qualifies for a GTIN exemption?
Amazon grants the exemption for products that genuinely have no manufacturer barcode. You likely qualify as a gtin exemption amazon seller if you sell any of the following:
| Situation | Why a GTIN exemption applies |
|---|---|
| Private-label / your own brand | You own the brand but never bought GS1 GTINs for the products. |
| Generic or unbranded products | Items sold as "Generic" that have no barcode at all. |
| Handmade goods | Artisan or made-to-order items with no manufacturer code. |
| Bundles & multipacks | A custom set you assemble has no single GTIN. |
| Parts & accessories | Replacement parts the maker never assigned a GTIN. |
If you are reselling a branded product but you are not the brand owner, you can still get an exemption — but Amazon will usually ask for an amazon gtin exemption support letter for brand confirming you are authorized to sell and that the items have no GTIN.
How to apply for a GTIN exemption in Seller Central
Applying for a gtin exemption amazon approval takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps:
- Sign in to Seller Central and search help for "Apply for a GTIN exemption", or go directly to the GTIN Exemption tool (Catalog → Add Products via Upload → GTIN Exemption).
- Select the product category that matches your item, then click Select.
- Enter your brand name (or type "Generic" for unbranded products) and click Check eligibility.
- Confirm eligibility — a green check means that brand/category is approved for the exemption.
- Upload proof: 2–9 real images of the product and packaging from multiple angles showing there is no barcode. For branded goods you don't own, attach the gtin exemption letter from the brand owner.
- Submit. Amazon usually responds within 24–48 hours. Once approved, add your listing and leave the Product ID / UPC field blank.
Tip: photograph the product on a plain background, all sides visible, so the reviewer can clearly confirm there is no amazon gtin printed on the packaging.
The brand support letter — what it is and when you need it
An amazon gtin exemption support letter for brand is a signed statement from the brand owner (or manufacturer) that authorizes a seller to list the brand's products and confirms those products do not carry a GS1 GTIN. Amazon requests this letter when:
- You list a branded product but you are not the registered brand owner.
- The brand exists but the products were never assigned UPC/EAN barcodes.
- Amazon's automated eligibility check flags the brand and asks for authorization.
A strong gtin exemption letter is written on the brand's letterhead, is dated, names the seller and the products/ASINs, states clearly that the items have no GTIN, and is signed by an authorized brand representative. Use the ready-made template below — fill in the bracketed fields, then copy it or download it as a Word document to sign.
Free GTIN exemption letter template (brand support letter)
Below is a professional amazon gtin exemption support letter for brand you can use directly. Replace every bracketed placeholder (for example [Brand Name], [Date], [Seller Name]) with your details, then Copy the text or Download it as an editable .doc Word file to print on brand letterhead and sign.
Note: this template is a starting point, not legal advice. Print it on official brand letterhead and have it signed by an authorized representative before submitting to Amazon.
After your GTIN exemption is approved
Once Amazon approves the amazon gtin exemption, you can create listings for that brand and category without entering a product ID. If you later decide you want a real, scannable barcode, remember that generated codes are for testing only — a genuine, registered amazon gtin must be purchased from GS1. You can still use our free tools to understand and validate code formats:
- GTIN Generator — generate valid-format GTIN-14 codes for testing.
- GTIN-14 Validator — check a code's check digit and format.
- GTIN Lookup — inspect a code's structure and barcode type.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GTIN exemption on Amazon?
It is Amazon's permission to list a product without a GS1 GTIN (UPC/EAN). Amazon grants the gtin exemption for brands without barcodes, handmade items, bundles, and parts with no manufacturer code.
Who qualifies as a GTIN exemption Amazon seller?
Sellers of unbranded/generic products, private-label brands without GTINs, handmade goods, bundles/multipacks, and parts or accessories with no manufacturer GTIN. Branded resellers need a brand support letter.
Do I need a support letter for the exemption?
If you list a branded product you don't own, yes — Amazon requires an amazon gtin exemption support letter for brand. Brand owners applying for their own products usually don't need one.
How long does approval take?
Amazon typically reviews GTIN exemption applications within 24–48 hours.
Need to test or validate GTIN codes?
Use our free GTIN Generator to create valid-format GTIN-14 codes, or the Validator to check any existing code.
Open the free GTIN Generator