GTIN Exemption on Amazon: How to Apply (and When You Shouldn't)

A GTIN exemption lets certain Amazon sellers create listings without a UPC or EAN. It's a legitimate option for a specific group of sellers — but for most people searching this term, buying a barcode is actually faster, cheaper, and less likely to get a listing flagged.

What Is a GTIN Exemption?

Normally, Amazon requires a valid GTIN (UPC, EAN, or ISBN) to create a new product listing. A GTIN exemption is Amazon's process for approving specific products or brands to list without one — typically because the product genuinely has no manufacturer barcode, such as certain handmade, custom, or bundled items.

Who Actually Qualifies

• Handmade products sold through Amazon Handmade.
• Certain private label products in categories Amazon has approved for exemption, generally after Brand Registry enrollment.
• Bundles or multi-packs the manufacturer never assigned an individual barcode to.

What does not qualify: reselling an existing branded product, or simply not wanting to pay for a barcode. Amazon reviews exemption requests against the specific category and product, not the seller account as a whole.

How to Apply for GTIN Exemption Step by Step

• In Seller Central, go to Add Products → search your product → select "I want to apply for a GTIN exemption."
• Provide your brand name and the product category.
• Upload supporting images showing the product and packaging with no barcode present.
• Submit and wait for Amazon's review — approval isn't guaranteed and can take several business days.

Why Most Sellers Should Just Buy a UPC Instead

A GS1-certified UPC costs a few dollars and is approved instantly, versus an exemption application that can be rejected, takes days to process, and only covers the specific product you applied for — meaning you may have to repeat the process for every new SKU. If you're planning to list more than one or two products, buying UPCs upfront is almost always the faster path, and it also gives you a portable identifier that works on Walmart, eBay, and beyond if you ever expand past Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a GTIN exemption also remove the need for an FNSKU?

No. GTIN exemption only removes the requirement to provide a UPC/EAN when creating the listing. You will still receive an FNSKU for FBA inventory tracking if you use Fulfillment by Amazon.

Can my exemption request get rejected?

Yes. Amazon reviews each request individually and can reject it if the category or product doesn't meet their criteria, or if supporting documentation is unclear.

Is it cheaper to get an exemption than to buy a barcode?

Usually not once you factor in your time. A UPC purchase is typically a few dollars and instant; an exemption application can take days and isn't guaranteed to succeed.

Can I use the same exemption for multiple products?

No, exemptions are generally evaluated per product/listing, not as a blanket approval for your whole catalog.

Ready to get your barcode? Buy GS1-certified barcodes here →