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MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)

Product and catalog managementBasic Level

An MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) is the code a manufacturer gives a product to identify it within its own range.

What is MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)?

An MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) is the code a manufacturer gives a product, such as a model or part number printed on the box or in the spec sheet. Unlike a GTIN, an MPN is not globally unique: two brands can use the same MPN. It is unique only together with the brand. Retailers and marketplaces use the MPN to match products, especially spare parts, electronics and technical goods where buyers search by part number. Your SKU is your own code for the same item, and the GTIN (EAN or UPC) is the barcode from GS1.

Why MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) matters for e-commerce

In Google Merchant Center, the mpn attribute is required only when a product has no GTIN from its manufacturer. In that case, brand plus MPN identifies the product. If a product has neither a GTIN nor an MPN, for example a custom-made item, you set identifier_exists to no. For technical products, the MPN is often what customers type into search. Showing the correct MPN on the product page and in feeds helps the right buyers find the product and avoids mismatches with similar models.

Examples of MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)

  • 1A replacement laptop battery listed with brand and MPN can be matched to the exact part, even when sellers use different titles.
  • 2A printer cartridge sold under the manufacturer's model number, such as 'CF259A', which buyers type into search.
  • 3A custom-made table has no GTIN and no MPN, so its Google feed sets identifier_exists to no.

How WISEPIM Helps

  • Keep the MPN as an attribute next to the brand, GTIN and SKU of each product in WISEPIM.
  • Channel Readiness and Quality Guard rules show which products miss a GTIN or MPN before you send a feed.

Common mistakes with MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)

  • Putting your own SKU in the MPN field. The MPN must come from the manufacturer.
  • Sending an MPN without the brand. On its own an MPN is not unique.
  • Leaving the MPN out of feeds for products that have no GTIN, so Google cannot identify them.

Tips for MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)

  • Copy the MPN exactly as the manufacturer writes it, including dashes and letters.
  • Store brand, MPN, GTIN and SKU as separate fields so each channel can use the identifier it needs.
  • Use the MPN in titles of technical products when buyers search by part number.

Related Terms

Attribute GroupAttributizationCategory ManagementCircular Product IdentityCountry of OriginDigital Catalog

Also Known As

Manufacturer part numberPart numberModel number

Frequently Asked Questions

MPN stands for Manufacturer Part Number: the code a manufacturer gives a product within its own range.

The manufacturer sets the MPN and it stays the same at every retailer. A SKU is the code your own business gives the item, so every retailer has a different SKU for the same product.

A GTIN (EAN or UPC) is unique worldwide and issued through GS1. An MPN is only unique together with the brand, because two manufacturers can use the same number.

Only when the product has no GTIN from its manufacturer. Then you send the brand and the MPN. Products without a GTIN or an MPN, such as custom-made items, use identifier_exists set to no.

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