Yes, Amazon does allow for GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) exemptions for products, including those from Printful. A GTIN is typically a UPC, EAN, or ISBN, which is required when listing products on Amazon. However, sellers can apply for a GTIN exemption if they are selling products that do not have these identifiers.
I have been looking into different tutorials and the process for requesting a GTIN exemption has changed. There is no open reference to the GTIN exemption or a link to get to a specific page as it used to be. Right now the process is different and you start by adding a product. Let’s see how it works now.
Before you apply, ensure you have the following details in place: Product name or title and images showing all sides of your product unless a 6-sided image cannot exist (for example, a scarf) and the packaging of the product. If your product is a printed book, you must also include images of the inside front and inside back cover of the book.
Note: If your product is a published book, it must have a publisher name. For example, you must not use “Generic” as the publisher or manufacturer name.
Once you have your product images, follow the steps below to apply for a GTIN exemption.
1. Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account. Open the left menu, go to Catalog > Add products, and select Keywords area. Add in here a generic name, -like a category name- for the product you want to request a GTIN exemption. In this example, I added “unisex graphic t-shirt”-.
2. A list of possible listings will show. As you are adding a new product to Amazon, select “Create a new listing”.
3. Amazon will show you a recommended product type within a category. If that category fits your products confirm the product type.
4. In the Brand name field, enter the brand name. For unbranded items and bundles, select the This product does not have a brand name checkbox. In case, you want to add a brand name, this one has to comply with Amazon and all legal policies established for branded products.
Next, select the I don’t have a product ID checkbox and click Next. Now there are three options:
-If an exemption is required, the button Apply to sell will surface. Click Apply to sell and complete the application form. Then click Submit. It will take about 48 hours to get an answer.
-If your product is not eligible for exemption, you will not be able to continue further.
-If an exemption is not required, you will be able to continue to the next tab where you may be informed that you have been exempted to list without a product ID.
If an exemption is not required, you will be able to continue to the next tab and fill up all the info. In this particular case, with the t-shirt category, I was able to fill up all the info. Once this listing was approved, I was able to continue adding products.
5. Fill up all the information required if Amazon allows you. These are Product Identity, Description, Product Details, Offer, Safety & Compliance.
6. After you fill up all the info, click submit.
7. Once this listing is approved, you can start adding more products. If your product is not eligible for exemption, you will not be able to continue further. I did not get any email notifying the finalization of the process, but I was able to add more products. Be sure to follow Amazon’s guidelines and requirements for listing products, including quality standards and proper categorization.
