Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)

Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric code assigned by Amazon to identify and track products listed in its marketplace.

What is the ASIN, Amazon Standard Identification Number?

Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric code that Amazon assigns to every product in its catalog to identify and track items.

• Structure: Always 10 characters (e.g., B07PI60BTW)

• Exception: For books, the ASIN usually matches the 10-digit ISBN

• Assignment: Automatically generated when a new product listing is created

Think of an ASIN as a product’s digital fingerprint on Amazon.

What is ASIN used for?

This identifier acts as the backbone of Amazon’s catalog structure. It serves three primary functions:

1. Search & Indexing: It powers the search algorithm, ensuring customers find the exact product they are looking for.

2. Inventory Management: It helps sellers and Amazon warehouses track stock levels for specific items.

3. Organization: It prevents confusion between similar products by giving every distinct variation (size, color, style) its own unique ID.

How to create an ASIN number?

One cannot manually "create" or "choose" the characters in an ASIN; Amazon’s system generates them. However, the process of getting one assigned depends on your product:

• For New Products: When you create a new product detail page in Seller Central (using a UPC/EAN barcode), Amazon automatically assigns a unique ASIN upon approval.

• For Existing Products: You do not need a new code. You simply find the product already listed on Amazon and associate your inventory with that existing ID.

Is an ASIN required to sell on Amazon?

Yes. You cannot list or sell an item without one.

• If the product already exists in the catalog, you must match your offer to the existing ASIN.

• If the product is brand new to Amazon, a new code will be generated for you during the listing creation process.

Is ASIN only for Amazon?

The code is proprietary to Amazon. However, there is a nuance regarding regions:

Marketplace Specific: An ASIN is often unique to the marketplace (e.g., Amazon.com vs. Amazon.co.uk). While many global products (like electronics) share the same code across borders, distinct local products may have different codes in different countries.

Is ASIN a barcode?

No. While they are both identifiers, they serve different scopes:

• Barcodes (UPC/EAN/GTIN): These are international standards used globally across all retail stores and websites. They are found on the physical packaging.

• ASIN: This is an internal Amazon standard valid only within Amazon’s ecosystem. You generally need a valid barcode (UPC) to generate an ASIN.

How do I find my Amazon ASIN number?

There are three easy ways to locate this code:

1. URL: Look at the browser address bar of a product page. The ASIN is the 10-character string usually following /dp/ (e.g., amazon.com/dp/B07PI60BTW).

2. Product Details: Scroll down to the "Product Information" or "Product Details" section on the listing page.

3. Seller Tools: Third-party inventory tools and Amazon Seller Central reports explicitly list these codes next to your SKU.

Why is an ASIN not searchable?

If an ASIN is suppressed, dormant, blocked by category limits, region-specific, or deleted because of policy concerns, it might not be searchable. Issues with compliance, brand gating, or inventory status may also conceal it.

If an ASIN is blocked due to any concerns, it might not be searchable. Amazon robots can unexpectedly suppress listings or suspend accounts. We at ave7LIFT provide 24/7 monitoring and fix instructions. Contact ave7LIFT for a 30-day free trial to secure your business.