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ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)

Channel management and syndicationBasic Level

An ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is the unique 10-character code Amazon assigns to each product in its catalog.

What is ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)?

An ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is a 10-character code of letters and numbers that Amazon assigns to every product in its catalog, for example B08N5WRWNW. For books, the ASIN is the same as the 10-digit ISBN. You do not buy an ASIN. Amazon creates one when a product is added to its catalog for the first time. If you sell a product that already exists on Amazon, you add your offer to the existing ASIN instead of creating a new one. That is why several sellers can share one product page. An ASIN is not the same as a GTIN such as a UPC or EAN. The GTIN comes from GS1 and identifies the product everywhere. Amazon uses the GTIN to find or create the matching ASIN. Your SKU is your own internal code for the same item.

Why ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) matters for e-commerce

The ASIN is how Amazon knows which product your offer belongs to. If you match your offer to the wrong ASIN, customers receive a product that does not match the page, which leads to returns and complaints. Variations use a parent ASIN and child ASINs: the parent groups a T-shirt, and each size and color is a child with its own ASIN. Keeping the ASIN next to your SKU and GTIN in one place makes it easier to reconcile Amazon reports, orders and stock with the rest of your catalog.

Examples of ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)

  • 1A product page URL such as amazon.com/dp/B08N5WRWNW contains the ASIN after /dp/.
  • 2A book listed with ISBN-10 0306406152 uses that ISBN as its ASIN.
  • 3A sneaker sold in five sizes has one parent ASIN and five child ASINs, one per size.

How WISEPIM Helps

  • Keep the ASIN as an attribute next to the SKU, EAN and content of each variant in WISEPIM.
  • Channel Readiness and Quality Guard rules show which products miss a GTIN or other identifier before you list them.

Common mistakes with ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)

  • Creating a new ASIN for a product that already exists on Amazon. Search by GTIN first and add your offer to the existing ASIN.
  • Treating the ASIN as your SKU. The ASIN belongs to Amazon's catalog; keep your own SKU for stock and orders.
  • Matching an offer to an ASIN whose page describes a different variant, size or bundle than the item you ship.

Tips for ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)

  • Find an ASIN in the product page URL after /dp/ or under Product information on the page.
  • Store the ASIN as an attribute next to the SKU and GTIN of each variant, so reports from Amazon can be traced back to your own products.
  • To create a new ASIN you normally need a GTIN (UPC, EAN or ISBN). Without one, Amazon asks for a GTIN exemption for your brand.

Related Terms

Channel AdaptationChannel Content AdaptabilityChannel ManagementChannel-Specific Attribute RequirementsChannel-Specific Content Adaptation

Also Known As

Amazon product IDAmazon item number

Frequently Asked Questions

ASIN stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number. It is the 10-character code Amazon gives each product in its catalog.

In the product page URL, after /dp/, and under Product information on the product page. Sellers also see it in Seller Central next to each listing.

A UPC or EAN is a GTIN issued through GS1 and used by every retailer. An ASIN only exists on Amazon. Amazon uses the GTIN to find or create the ASIN for a product.

The ASIN identifies the product in Amazon's catalog and is shared by every seller of that product. The SKU is your own code for the item in your stock and systems.

No. Amazon assigns an ASIN when a product is added to its catalog. What you may need to buy is a GTIN, such as an EAN or UPC, from GS1.

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