No More Mix-Ups: How to Identify an Amazon Item’s UPC/EAN/ID

Are you confused when it comes to UPCs, EANs, and Product IDs on Amazon? Good news: You don’t have to be anymore. We’re here to put an end to all the mix-ups, and help you easily identify the exact code for your item on Amazon. Whether you need a UPC for branding, or a Product ID for fulfillment, we want you to know how to get exactly what you need. That’s why we’ve created this guide that walks you through how to find the correct code quickly and easily. No more guessing or searching around in the dark—we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from understanding what these codes mean, to how best to use them. So let’s get started!

What Is the Difference Between UPC, EAN and Product ID?

Are you a retailer shipping items to Amazon that are already in the system? If so, it’s essential to know the difference between a UPC, EAN and Amazon Product ID. Not understanding their distinctions can lead to all sorts of headaches down the line.

UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit number that uniquely identifies your product in the marketplace. This code should appear on every product label and packaging—so you’ll know exactly what you’re shipping to Amazon.

EAN (European Article Number) is just an extension of UPC – they are essentially identical, but EAN has 13 digits instead of 12—which is commonly used in Europe and Canada.

Product ID is an identification number assigned by Amazon, used when listing products on their site. If a listing already exists for your item, then this ID will be listed too. Knowing the Product ID can help you easily locate items in bulk uploads or identify multiple versions of the same product.

So if you’re ever unsure whether or not an item is already listed on Amazon, make sure to look out for these codes—they’ll help ensure a smooth process for uploading items!

How to Identify a Product's UPC on Amazon

Don’t get your UPC, EAN, or Product ID mixed up on Amazon again! Whether you’re a seller looking to upload new products or a buyer researching the item you want to purchase, understanding how the various item identifiers work is key. First, let’s talk about what UPCs and EANs are. UPC stands for Universal Product Code and it’s just that: a universal code used to identify products across the entire world regardless of language or country. An EAN is an International Article Number; essentially it’s the same as a UPC, but instead of 12 digits it uses 13 digits which make it easier to sort in Europe where most stores don’t use UPC codes. Next let’s talk about Product IDs. These have nothing to do with physical items – they identify virtual items such as digital downloads and subscriptions. On Amazon they are called ASIN numbers (Amazon Standard Identification Number). To find the unique product ID on Amazon, simply look underneath the product’s title and features list – you should see three key pieces of information: “UPC/EAN/ISBN,” “ASIN,” and “Product ID.” Now you won’t ever have to worry about getting your item identifiers mixed up again!

How to Identify a Product's EAN on Amazon

You may be wondering how to identify a product’s EAN on Amazon. Fortunately, it’s easy! All you need to do is find the item you’re looking for, then look for its listing details.

What Are Listing Details?

Listing Details are a set of information about the item in question. They usually include a product description, some images, the UPC/EAN/Product ID, and more. Most importantly, they’ll have a section that states the “EAN” of an item – so all you have to do is look for that.

How Do I Find Listing Details?

Finding an item’s Listing Details is incredibly simple. Just go to the item page and scroll down until you see them (right underneath the ‘add to cart’ button). Then, look for the EAN section and voila – you’ve identified the right product number! So, if you ever get confused about your Amazon item’s product ID or EAN code again – remember: just check its listing details. You’ll be able to find them quickly and easily every time!

How to Identify a Product's Product ID on Amazon

It can be hard to keep track of a product’s unique identifiers, like UPC/EANs and Product IDs. Luckily, with Amazon you can always find out what these numbers are for any product—you just have to know how to look!

Search for the Product

First, type the keyword of the product into the Amazon search bar. When you see your item, click on it and you’ll be taken to its product page.

Look for the UPC/EAN/ID

On the right side of the page, you should find a section that says “Product Information”. Scroll down until you see “Identifiers” and this is where you’ll find your UPC/EAN/ID numbers. For example, if you sold an apple watch, it would have a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). In this example, it would begin with 8859098771010. That’s all there is to it! So now you never have to worry about getting your UPCs and EANs mixed up on Amazon ever again.

Advantages of Using UPCs and EANs on Amazon

Do you want to make sure your products stand out on Amazon? Then you’ll definitely want to learn the advantages of using UPCs and EANs!

Unique and Universal Identification

A UPC—or Universal Product Code—is a 12-digit code that is unique to each product, creating an unmistakable and universal identifier for online retailers. EANs—or European Article Numbers—have 13 digits and are used primarily in Europe. Whatever number you choose, both help customers quickly identify your product and recognize it anywhere it’s sold.

Easy Management & Maintenance

Using UPCs and EANs makes it much easier to manage data across all the different channel partners and platforms, saving you time and money in the long run. And if anything changes with your product, like size or color variants – you can use the same number to easily update all the related information, getting it back out onto the market faster than ever!

Increased Credibility & Possibility of Automation

A strong identifier lets customers know that your product is legitimate, which can lead to more sales. Plus, if you decide to look into automation for inventory or processes – having a UPC/EAN speeds up the process drastically! So there you have it, three reasons why using correct identifiers such as UPC/EAN codes will help make your products shine on Amazon – no misidentification necessary!

Disadvantages of Using UPCs and EANs on Amazon

You may not know this, but UPCs and EANs have a few disadvantages when it comes to Amazon. When it comes to global transactions, these codes can have a higher risk of being misread. The digits can be easily transposed, resulting in orders being sent out with incorrect items. Another issue is that not all manufacturers use UPCs and EANs. This means that if you’re looking for an item from a manufacturer who doesn’t use them, then you won’t be able to find it by searching with a code. Finally, though UPCs and EANs are useful in helping you identify individual items quickly, they don’t provide detailed information about the specific attributes of each product – like color or size – which could make fulfilling orders challenging. Therefore, using the item’s Amazon Product ID (available on the product page) can be more helpful in making sure that customers get the right product they ordered.

Conclusion

Precise product identification and tracking are fundamental to successful Amazon selling, as they allow sellers to efficiently manage stock levels, prevent stockouts, and plan for future inventory requirements. At Cartkaboom, we recognize the criticality of precise product identification and tracking. Accordingly, we have developed robust strategies to ensure that accurate product information is readily available at the right place and that your Amazon listing is optimized for maximum performance.
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Krystel Borg

Krystel possesses a unique expertise in transforming company sales, thanks to her knack for devising strategic blueprints and fostering high-performing teams. Throughout her career, she’s been at the helm of businesses that have burgeoned from mere startups to eight-figure giants. She boasts two notable exits in the CPG sector, with one being the acclaimed Swander Pace Private Equity Group.
Her profound understanding of product-centric ventures spans the entire lifecycle—from conceptualizing brands to overseeing logistics, supply chain management, and devising robust digital marketing initiatives. One of Krystel’s standout accomplishments in sales is her tenure with QVC, where she not only celebrated over 100 on-air appearances but also clinched a nomination for their coveted “Rising Star” award, sharing the limelight with industry titans like Sephora.
With a proven track record of scaling startups to monumental heights—like achieving $1.5M in revenue within a year and subsequently doubling it—and salvaging firms from deficits to enjoy $1.8M profits, Krystel’s prowess is undeniable. She masterfully steered a company to emerge as an unrivaled leader in its sector by multiplying its sales from $4M to $18M in half a decade.
In recent years, Krystel has channeled her vast experience into mentoring, playing pivotal roles as a consultant or board member to embolden fellow entrepreneurs. Her versatility is further accentuated by her engagements across diverse industries

Navin Williams

With 11 years of leadership experience in Business Management, Navin Williams has consistently delivered transformative results. His leadership has championed small businesses on their path to accelerated growth, steered large enterprises towards a surge in efficiency by up to 40%, and provided strategic direction to e-commerce companies navigating the dynamic digital marketplace.
His toolkit of expertise encompasses spearheading organizational transformations, enhancing business agility, and driving process efficiency across a spectrum of domains and frameworks, with a particular emphasis on Lean principles. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by both brick-and-mortar operations and digital storefronts, Navin is adept at crafting strategies that align with specific business objectives.
His commitment to rigorous reporting ensures transparency and data-driven decision-making, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and results-driven business leader.

Jane Sampson

Jane Sampson boasts over 15 years in the Apparel & Home Fashions sector. Throughout her career, she’s demonstrated a depth of knowledge in areas like Design, Product Development, Global Sourcing, and Market Research. Her business acumen is backed by a proven record in Procurement, Business Planning, and Sales.
Central to Jane’s professional journey is JANEEN HOME LLC. This company, under her leadership, specializes in introducing new textures, designs, and prints for bedding and soft home lines. Her brand’s presence is felt in prominent retailers such as Macy’s, Ross Stores, Hobby Lobby, Bealls, and Belk.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Jane shares her industry insights as an Adjunct Professor at Baylor University. She remains committed to fostering growth and nurturing future talents, ensuring they’re equipped for success in the dynamic world of Apparel & Home Fashions.

Archana Reddy Williams

From the corporate world to the dynamic world of Amazon, Archana’s journey has been nothing short of transformative. As a seasoned management consultant, corporate leader, and a 7-figure Amazon seller, she founded CartKaboom with a vision to demystify the Amazon maze for brands.
What drives Archana? Her passion for ensuring every brand gets a fair shot at success on Amazon. CartKaboom works tirelessly as a partner, acting as a true extension of brands, ensuring they shine in the Amazon marketplace. While she cherishes working with all types of businesses, Archana’s heart holds a special place for family-owned and women-led brands. Drawing from a wealth of firsthand insights and tailored strategies, she’s had the honour of propelling many of these businesses to 7+ figure successes on Amazon.
At the heart of CartKaboom, it’s not just about metrics. Archana delves deep into a brand’s narrative and core values, designing Amazon-focused strategies that amplify their presence. From listing enhancements and keyword optimization to effective advertising campaigns, Archana ensures that brands don’t just survive, but thrive in this ecommerce behemoth. Outside the world of ecommerce, Archana is active in real estate. As an Accredited Real Estate Investor and a CRE General Partner, she oversees diverse commercial real estate ventures, bringing the same dedication and business acumen to this vertical.
At the core of it all, Archana’s faith in God and her family remain her pillars. She resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three kids. For relaxation and fun, she enjoys travelling, hiking, and exploring nature, seeing it as a reflection of God’s beauty. She’s also active in local church initiatives, emphasising community growth and unity.