How to list products that do not have a GTIN (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN)

Listing products that do not have a GTIN (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN)

As a Vendor on VegaVend, you may occasionally encounter products that lack a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). While GTINs (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN) are generally preferred, VegaVend recognises that not all items have these identifiers. Therefore, this guide will walk you through the process of listing such products effectively.

Which products typically don’t have GTINs 

Firstly, it’s important to understand which products typically don’t have GTINs (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN). These often include:

• Handmade or custom-made items
• Vintage or antique products
• Certain private label goods
• Books released before ISBN was approved as an ISO standard in 1970
• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or replacements for OEM parts
• Some store-brand products

If your product falls into one of these categories, you can proceed with the following steps:

Verify GTIN exemption eligibility:

Initially, check if your product qualifies for a GTIN exemption and falls within the list above.

Use alternative identifiers:

In the absence of a GTIN (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN), VegaVend may accept other unique identifiers. For instance, you might be able to use:

•    Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPNs)
•    Your own unique product codes
•    Brand name and product name combination

Apply for exemption:

• If your product truly doesn’t qualify for a GTIN and alternative identifiers aren’t accepted, you may need to apply for a GTIN exemption. To do this:
• Contact us Vendor Help 
• Please include as much information as possible, explaining why your product doesn’t have a GTIN
• Submit your request and wait for approval

Create a detailed product listing:

Once you’ve secured an exemption or determined you can use an alternative identifier, focus on creating a comprehensive product listing. Be sure to include:

• Accurate product title
• Detailed description
• High-quality images
• Relevant attributes (size, colour, material, etc.)

Use brand name consistently:

If you’re listing a private label or store-brand product, ensure you use the brand name consistently across all listings. This helps maintain uniformity and improves searchability.

Monitor your listing: After your product is live, keep an eye on its performance. If you notice any issues, such as difficulty in customer searches, you may need to refine your listing or reconsider obtaining a GTIN.

Remember, while VegaVend allows listings without GTINs in certain cases, having a GTIN can often improve your product’s visibility and searchability. Therefore, if possible, consider obtaining GTINs for your products in the long run.

Additionally, it’s crucial to stay updated with VegaVend’s policies. VegaVend may update its requirements periodically, so regularly check for any changes in the GTIN exemption process or alternative identifier acceptance.

In conclusion, it is possible to list Products that do not have a GTIN (UPC, EAN, JAN or ISBN) on VegaVend, but it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to our guidelines. By following these steps and maintaining clear, accurate product information, you can ensure your non-GTIN products are listed effectively and reach your target customers.

Additional Information

GS1 Company Database (GEPIR)